5 Brilliant Ways to Stay Social If You Work From Home Full Time

If you work from home full time, you may be craving social situations on a daily basis. Here are some neat ways to stay social while working.

Recent reports show that about 70% of Americans work from home at least once per week.

Between an increase in part-time remote work and a burgeoning online freelance market, home is the new office.

Though working from home is pretty great, it can also be lonely sometimes. So what should you do when the freelance blues hit?

Here are five suggestions to keep you social even if you work from home full time.

1. Hit up Your Favorite Cafe or Restaurant

It might seem stereotypical to bring your laptop into your favorite local java joint, but coffee shops can be a great place to work (and fuel up on caffeine).

Because let’s face it, you can only stare at your home office’s walls for so long before going stir crazy.

Aside from delicious coffee and snacks, working from your favorite cafe or restaurant provides a nice change of scenery. Plus, you can count the cash you spend on a mug of joe or lunch as a business expense.

2. Talk with Other Remote Workers Online

While this solution doesn’t provide face-to-face communication, it does allow you to meet new people who understand your unique situation.

Chances are, you’re one of the billion or so people with a Facebook account.

What you might not know, however, is that Facebook is good for a lot more than snooping and dog memes.

Facebook Groups allows you to find like-minded people who share your interests. Next time you check your feed, search for groups centered around working from home.

There are plenty of remote workers like yourself craving the same interaction.

3. Attend Networking Events

This isn’t only a great way to protect yourself from isolation — it’s a great business tip, too.

No matter what industry you’re in, it’s always good to network.

Networking allows you to meet the who’s who of your market and form career-changing connections with other workers.

4. Consider Co-Working Part Time

With the gig economy in full swing, you might be surprised to learn that one of the hottest trends in remote working has to do with office spaces.

Companies like The Hoxton Mix offer remote workers the chance to rent a physical business address, offices, and full-blown office suites.

Co-working gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll still drop in from time to time to conduct a meeting or get a change of scenery, but you don’t have to feel stuck to your desk from 9 to 5.

5. Create a Daily Routine

Working from home can be a dream. What’s better than working in your PJs or from the comfort of your own bed?

That comfort, as nice as it is, can also be a distraction that kills your productivity.

That’s why creating a daily routine is so helpful. It gives you the structure and order of a “normal” job while still allowing you to enjoy the creature comforts of home.

Treat your work as an office gig. Start and stop work at the same time, take regular breaks, and eliminate distractions.

It might seem strict, but a regimented day can make you more social. You’ll end up fielding more calls, responding to more emails, and taking more meetings.

How to Be a Social Butterfly… Even If You Work at Home Full Time

Getting to work from home full time can be great. Of course, it can also be a struggle.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself mentally. Even the biggest of hermits need a little socialization every now and then.

Be sure to check back in with our blog for great career advice to keep you happy and productive.