Self-employment offers incredible freedom, but also unexpected isolation.
When I left my corporate job, I didn’t miss the meetings, the micromanagement, or the rigid hours.
What I did miss? The casual conversations, morning coffee chats, and the ease of human connection that came with being part of a team.
Working for yourself can feel lonely, especially when your office is your living room. But that doesn’t mean you have to work in a bubble.
Here are 10 practical, real-world ways to stay connected, social, and supported while working for yourself without sacrificing your independence.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.
Working Alone? Here’s 10 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Find Connection
1. Join Local or Interest-Based Meetup Groups
Meetup.com is a great place to find live, in-person gatherings centered on shared interests, such as entrepreneurship, creativity, technology, or wellness.
Some are casual coffee meetups. Others are full-on workshops or mastermind groups.
I’ve built friendships and business connections from both. It’s low pressure and often free or very affordable.
2. Tap Into Global Communities Like Internations
If you’re a digital nomad or expat, Internations.org is a worldwide platform that helps professionals connect in new cities.
Each location has official events and smaller member-organized meetups. It’s beneficial if you’re in a new place and want to establish a social network quickly.
3. Use LinkedIn to Bridge Work and Connection
LinkedIn isn’t just for resumes and recruiters anymore.
Industry-specific groups, local business circles, and digital creators use it to connect, share knowledge, and even meet offline.
Search for groups in your niche or city and look for casual networking events, writing groups, or collaborative co-working chats.
4. Join Facebook Groups With In-Person Energy
Facebook can be a distraction, but also a goldmine for local connections. Search for:-
- Freelance or business groups in your city.
- Special interest communities that meet offline.
- Industry-specific groups with regular Zoom calls or pop-up meetups.
Just be sure to manage your notifications so it doesn’t hijack your day.
5. Work from Coffee Shops Sometimes
Sometimes, all you need is to be around people. A few times a week, I bring my laptop to a local coffee shop.
I use headphones to stay focused, but I always leave feeling more grounded. Occasionally, I’ve met fellow freelancers who do the same.
It’s low-commitment, budget-friendly, and gives you a subtle sense of belonging.
6. Join or Start a Virtual Co-Working Session
If you like the idea of working “alongside” others but don’t want to leave the house, virtual co-working is a great middle ground. Try:-
- Focusmate (one-on-one accountability sessions).
- Caveday or Flown (facilitated group sessions).
- A DIY weekly Zoom session with online friends or colleagues.
Even silent co-working helps you feel less alone and more accountable.
7. Schedule Weekly Connection Time
Just as with client calls and deadlines, schedule time to connect with actual people. This could be:-
- A weekly check-in call with a business friend.
- A walk-and-talk catch-up with someone outside your industry.
- A simple voice note exchange or coffee chat.
Intentional contact keeps you emotionally nourished and helps prevent isolation from creeping in unnoticed.
8. Attend One Live Event Per Quarter
Virtual or in-person, a live event helps break routine and expand your network. Options:-
- Workshops.
- Conferences.
- Professional panels.
- Local entrepreneurial events.
Go in with a simple goal: meet one interesting person. That’s enough.
9. Volunteer or Mentor in Your Industry
Helping others is one of the fastest ways to feel connected and purposeful. Offer to:-
- Mentor a junior freelancer.
- Speak at a local college, library, or community centre.
- Volunteer your skill set for a cause you care about.
It shifts your energy, expands your network, and reminds you that your work matters.
10. Get Involved with Your Local Business Network
Your local chamber of commerce or small business bureau often hosts events that help you connect with others in your area.
Events like a breakfast mixer or an evening roundtable are full of people facing the same challenges you are and looking to connect.
Most charge a small annual fee, but the relationships can be invaluable.
Remember Not to Hibernate
You can’t stay inside forever. Working alone from home has its advantages, but humans are inherently social and wired for connection.
And connection doesn’t have to be constant; it just has to be intentional.
My rule? Don’t isolate for more than a few weeks at a time. Go out. Get into a conversation. Listen to someone else’s story. It will shift everything.
And if socializing feels awkward or overwhelming? Read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It’s timeless and genuinely helpful.
Anna is a solopreneur, writer, and creative entrepreneur who left her 9–5 after paying off over $40,000 in debt to pursue a more intentional life. She founded The Writer Entrepreneur to empower others to build debt-free, freedom-driven lives through smart planning, goal-setting, and online income streams. She has been featured on HuffPost, YouQueen & Fitnancials among others. Learn more about Anna HERE.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.