If you’re still trying to figure out how to work from home and stay connected with others, you’re not alone. It’s taken many of us time to adjust to the new way of balancing personal/home and job responsibilities. Here are a few ideas that have worked well for me.
Stay connected through:
Friend Groups
Before I stopped my on-site job, I was invited to be part of a book study group that meets every other Friday morning at a friend’s home. We normally study one chapter of a chosen book to discuss at each meeting. I look forward to talking about the books together as well as getting to know the similarities and differences between each person in the group.
But of course, you don’t need a book study to stay in touch with good friends. Simply set up a regular time to meet somewhere over coffee or a snack—even if it’s in one of your homes. Or, if you’re hesitant about meeting up in-person, then check in with them on a regular basis online. The point is staying connected with friends who lift your spirit through encouragement, support, and laughter.
Church
Faith-based organizations are important to one’s spiritual growth and personal encouragement from other Christians. We read this in Hebrews 10:25 where it says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.” By staying connected in my church, my relationship with the Lord Jesus is strengthened, and my roles at home and in the community with others are more grounded. The church is also a great place to meet friends with similar values which is always great for building new relationships.
Fitness
I’ve found that staying healthy helps my overall attitude about life in general. And staying more optimistic helps me remain connected to life with other people. I enjoy walking outdoors, so I try to do this at least three times/week. In fact, while working from home, it’s easy to use a normal “break time” to run outside for a quick stroll up and down our street. What are some easy fitness activities you enjoy and are able to do easily from your home?
Family
Working at home is beneficial for many families with kids still at home. The more flexible schedule allows for dropping children at school or picking them up easier than it may have been prior to having a remote workplace. The time spent in closer communication with family members also ramps up in most cases and that’s a definite plus!
Work opp’s
Before I started contract work full-time from my home this past year, I wasn’t aware of how many opportunities there are in the “freelancing world.” So many skill sets are needed from people with the ability to work from home. I now have friendships with other freelancers that I didn’t have before. God continues to bring about interesting ways for me to stay connected to others even while I’m working [alone] from home.
Volunteering
Shortly after I began my switch to home-based work, I decided to volunteer in a popular summer children’s event at our church, known as Vacation Bible School. One person I initially met through the volunteer experience has been a steady means of encouragement to me at exactly the right times! Volunteer activities can be especially fun when done with others of the same mindset. What are naturally drawn to doing in your neighborhood? Community? Church? School? Find a way to get involved as a volunteer during a few off-hours from your job responsibilities, and you’ll definitely feel more connected and less isolated.
Working from home doesn’t mean you have to become a loner. Making the effort to stay connected with others can make your career at home a positive, well-rounded experience.