Just about everyone you meet is someone you may be able to either do business with or refer to someone else. This network of business associates helps fill the space that coworkers used to occupy.
One of the biggest adjustments people face when working from home is the loss of a built-in social network. It’s natural to develop deep personal connections with people you spend time with every day—sometimes for years. You collaborate, you share experiences, you hear about and perhaps meet and get to know each other’s families. You look forward to sharing ideas, victories, and frustrations. You become part of each other’s lives. When you work in a traditional office setting, you take this camaraderie for granted, and for many people it’s one of the things they come to enjoy most about their job.
When you’re accustomed to being with others all day working alone can be lonely. You’re on your own when it comes to thinking, planning, and brainstorming. There’s no one to share ideas with, consult, or ask for advice. No one to recognize and compliment you on a job well done. No one to lift your spirits when you’re feeling low. Many people realize the social component of business is one of the things that helped them stay motivated and enthusiastic about their work.
It’s true that most people who work from home don’t feel isolated once their business is up and running. Eventually their days fill with clients, suppliers, and business associates. Still, it’s easy to lose touch with the latest developments in your field and to miss office camaraderie and long-term, collaborative social relationships. Some people just work better when they have others around to keep them motivated and moving forward.
If you’d like more tips on Working from Home, sign up for our newsletter and get a free report.
