When you work from home, particularly in a micro-business, it’s easy to feel isolated. If you live with others, at least you have conversation (hopefully!) for some part of the day. But often we become so engrossed in our work, perhaps not even taking regular breaks, that it’s easy to have little contact with others all day.

Some people simply can’t cope with this and will lose precious work hours chatting with friends as often as possible while others become somewhat reclusive, or at least feel that way. So it’s important to make sure you plan regular interaction with others throughout your working day.

Some tips I suggest are:

• Make sure you get out of the house at least once each day, even if it’s just to check the PO Box or do the banking.
• Join some local business and/or networking groups and make sure you attend AT LEAST one event each week.
• Arrange to meet up for a drink or lunch with one (or several) business associates on a weekly basis.
• If getting out to networking events is difficult for you or you live in a remote area, there are many great online networking groups, business groups and forums. For Australian businesses, The Business Mums Network is a fantastic group that I fully recommend. And despite the name, anyone in business is welcome to join.
• If you want to find some online forums that might be suitable for you, just do a ‘google’ search for [your area of interest or industry or specialist] + forum.

Most importantly, don’t forget to take time out and socialise with friends now and then too.

Beating isolation when working from home is a post from: Donna-Marie Coggins