Do You Get Lonely Working From Home?

One of the questions I’ve been asked most since becoming a virtual assistant is:

“Don’t you get lonely working from home?”

It’s often followed by questions about whether it affects my mental health or whether I found it difficult to adjust when I first started my business.

And my honest answer is:

No, not really.

Why Working From Home Works for Me

I’ve always been someone who is quite comfortable spending time on my own.

On top of that, I still live with my family, so there’s usually someone around anyway. My mum might be home, my girlfriend might be around and there are always the dogs.

To be fair, my experience of working in an office was quite short, around six months before Covid, because of that, I don’t think I’ve ever really felt the absence of an office environment. If anything, working from home feels like a much better fit for me.

The Link Between Working From Home and Anxiety

As someone who has anxiety, working from home has actually been a really positive thing.

Being in a comfortable, familiar environment allows me to focus on my work without the background stress that can sometimes come with being in an office. There’s less pressure, fewer distractions and more control over my surroundings.

For me, that makes a big difference in how I work day-to-day.

But It’s Not the Same for Everyone - so what can you do?

Of course, not everyone feels the same way. I know that for some people, working from home can feel isolating, especially if you live alone or don’t have much day-to-day interaction with others.

If that’s the case, there are ways to make it feel less lonely.

One option I often recommend is using a coworking space.

Some of my self-employed clients use coworking spaces regularly and have found them really helpful. Not only do they provide a change of environment, but they also give you the opportunity to meet new people and build connections.

It can be a great balance between having independence and still feeling part of a community.

The other option I can highly recommend is getting a dog! They really do brighten up every single day.

Final Thoughts

Working from home isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience.

For some people, it can feel isolating. For others, like me, it can actually improve focus, wellbeing and overall job satisfaction.

If you’re someone who enjoys your own space and works well independently, it can be a really positive way to work and if you do find it lonely from time to time, there are always ways to adapt your routine and environment to make it work better for you.