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Combating Your Home-Based Loneliness

Don't Let Seclusion Lead to Being Unsuccessful

Some people thrive on spending quality time alone; others will go to extremes to ensure that they're never by themselves for too long. Somewhere in between is where most people find their comfort zone…they're comfortable in their own skin, but need contact with other individuals on a regular basis to recharge themselves, as well as to feel connected to the rest of the world.

Being a self-employed entrepreneur creates a unique situation, with home-based business owners perhaps being the most isolated. No longer required to commute to work and having no need to head out of the office during a scheduled lunch break to grab a bite to eat, a home office can eventually start to feel like an isolation torture chamber.

To combat the potential loneliness that a home-based business can create, have an interactive game plan in place prior to your grand opening. Instead of being tempted to watch "a little" television or to "kill a few minutes" by hanging out with your family and friends on a moments notice, try to schedule "reprieves" from the office in advance. Whether it's getting into the habit of treating yourself to a cup of coffee everyday at the local diner to catch up on community events or it's taking the dog for a daily walk, give yourself a break and spend some time out of the office.

To ensure that you're not spending excessive amounts of time locked away alone in your office, designate specific operational hours for your business and don't deviate from them. Just because you live under the same roof as your office, it doesn't mean that you're obligated to work at all hours. A combination case of business burnout and isolation angst can quickly cause a company to require resuscitation to prevent an "out-of-business" experience.

After hours (or perhaps scheduled within your business day), allow yourself to pursue a hobby, exercise at the gym, and/or volunteer your services to the community in some manner that puts you in contact with other people. If you partook in such activities prior to starting your own business, allow yourself to keep such a routine if it's at all possible. If you simply can't justify being kind to yourself, schedule outings that will have you mingling with like-minded business individuals, such as a local business group's regularly scheduled meetings and/or having lunch with a client.

Just because your business no longer requires you to be in contact with people as much as any previous jobs might have, it doesn't mean that you need to be isolated in your office to prove your dedication to your new endeavor. Stretch your legs as well as your business wings by venturing out into society on a regular basis. Let your family, friends, neighbors, and business colleagues know that you're not only alive, but doing well.

Good luck finding the perfect home business opportunity!

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