I’ve been split from my husband for about 6 months, I work from home and I’m only 30. I want to start life over but I’m now realising that it’s fricking hard to meet people when I work from home. Does anyone else have this same problem? It feels as though everyone else has a family now and they’ve built a great network from the people they work with. It’s lonely sometimes to the point I’ve considered going back to my profession just to have that social aspect.
Questions
How do you meet people when working from home?
13 answers from the community
A· Dec 10, 2014
Is there traffic jams in your town ?
A· Dec 10, 2014
Join meetup.com and find talks or activities that interest you or spend a couple of days a week at a local co-working space. Failing that, there's always online dating.
A· Dec 10, 2014
I will second Meetup.com.
A· Dec 11, 2014
+1 Meetup. If you live in a metropolitan area, there is probably no better way to connect with people based on interests. Don't go to one expecting to network professionally, though, because you may be disappointed.
A· Dec 12, 2014
The other forum I asked on said the same thing. I looked at the local meet up events and they have stuff I'm interested in but I just completely froze up at the thought of going to one of those things alone. I know it's the whole point of the thing is that everyone is in the same boat but isn't it awkward? I wish I had the confidence of 20 yr old me!!! I guess I just need to get over it and show up. Any pointers for a first timer would be so appreciated! :)
A· Dec 12, 2014
How do you get through life without meeting new people? Social anxiety is just something you learn to control if you want to succeed, especially in business.
Go sign up for an event next week and commit yourself to going. Consider in advance the reasons why you wouldn't want to go and make sure you have a counter argument ready for why you should. Then, when the time comes , trigger your counter argument and you'll go and do it!
A· Dec 27, 2014
Just show up. thats the biggest hurdle. Smile at someone, say hello. I'm xxxxx. nice to meet you. It's my first time here are you a regular.
Thats it. I did this 5 yrs ago and well. What a bloody awesome group of people I met when i decided to take a chance. Oh you will meet some not so nice ones too, but thats life.
Good luck dear. we've all been through break up and starting over.
A· Dec 11, 2014
I'm 37, been divorced for 4 years now, startup owner full-time that whole time too. Extremely lonely. I've joined the new rock climbing gym (that has wifi and couches) so I can be around people and try to socialize more. I also take bike rides and enjoy that most when others join me on them. Focusing on leaving the house and interacting with real humans is a priority when the work day is spent solo.
A· Dec 12, 2014
Thanks for sharing this. It really helps seeing that someone is in the same position. A lot of ppl say - go on a dating site - but as I'm sure you can relate that's the last thing I want right now! :)
A· Dec 17, 2014
After looking at a computer screen all day, the last thing I want to do is date online too. Sometimes it has to be done though. But the bike rides and climbing (with yoga) are helping now. Trying not to close interactions is real humans is what I find best and sometimes hardest too.
But get that divorce final before you start dating. It is just cleaner all around that way. :)
A· Dec 12, 2014
Renting a desk at Incubator or Accelerator ....plenty of people in a same boat to meet there.
Join prof organizations too and attend their gatherings.
OR just go to the local pub on Fridays, have a drink and mingle.
A· Dec 12, 2014
I so wish we had incubators where I live. Ive heard such great things about them. I have seen a couple of entrepreneur/business owner/start-up networking events though so I might try attending those
A· Dec 12, 2014
how about opening one?