Solitude, serenity, calm. Three of the more euphemistic ways to describe being alone. Too much time alone though can often be anything but a positive experience. Humans are naturally hospitable and will actively seek the companionship of other like-minded individuals. Indeed, you only have to look at the recent success of networking sites like Facebook to see that the human psyche is partly driven by the need for interaction. With this in mind it’s easy to see why we as a species don’t deal with extended periods of isolation particularly well; great news for us freelancers then, not.

.

Every freelancer will have their own reasons for deciding to work for themselves; personally, I was at a crossroads in my life after graduating and either rightly or wrongly I decided that becoming another cog in a corporate machine wasn’t for me. I also don’t mind my own company or at least I thought I didn’t. Working for myself has meant that throughout most of the day I’m sat on my own without a soul to talk to OK, so maybe that sounds more depressing than it actually is but the isolation of working from home is something that I wasn’t as prepared for as I thought I would be. Engaging in essentially meaningless conversation or phatic communication is actually something we need throughout the day. It’s a way of giving our minds a break, not letting our brains overheat from too much concentration and basically it’s an excuse for some human interaction. As I’ve discovered, the lack of interaction can be damaging for not only your motivation but your productivity and confidence. It is tough enough trying to make it on your own (as I’m still finding out) and not being able to take a break and chew the proverbial fat with someone throughout the day can make things a lot harder.

.

Obviously, there’s always text messaging, instant messaging or just popping to the local shop but apart from that it there aren’t many ways to stave off the loneliness. I’m sure that a lot of freelancers don’t mind the insular nature of their careers but personally it is something I’m having to adjust to. Certainly, if anyone has any tips or ideas on how to inject some interaction into the day then please leave me a comment.

.

I’m sure I’m not the only person in the world to experience these thoughts which is why I think some kind of freelancers water cooler website would be a good idea. The idea would be to create some kind of online portal where freelancers could log-in and chat to each other about work, leisure or anything they want. It would also be a great way to network with others, get tips and generally pass the time with like-minded people. There could even by scheduled events at specific times each day where people can discuss things as a group or maybe even play an interactive online game. My ideas are a little sketchy but (unless there is somewhere already in operation) I think that if there was a place where freelancers could go and interact by talking, playing games etc it would be a good thing.

.

I’m sure I’ve waffled on for way too long and I’m almost certain I’ve painted a rather bleak picture of my experience as a freelancer. That definitely wasn’t my intention, what I really wanted to try and explain it that while silence can be golden too much of it isn’t necessarily a positive nor productive thing. Basically, in a nutshell, I just get a bit lonely .

.

Anyways, here’s a little song to lighten the mood:

Happy Talk – Captain Sensible

.

Until next time, ciao.

.

-Daniel Smyth