Think about this work situation: The commute is a mere thirty feet to your destination. You have your own private garage to park in. The dress code is of your choosing—yoga pants, t-shirts, or even a robe and house slippers! Also, you can take lunch breaks anytime, anywhere, and for any length of your choosing. Sound like a dream?
Working remotely from home definitely has its benefits! I just listed a few of them above. However, it can become quite lonely if you’re not accustomed to that routine, or do you do not have any other social outlets. I’ve had the great balance of doing contract/freelance jobs from home a few days as well as going into an office setting at my part-time job for a few days each week.
If you’re aspiring to go this remote route with your work, I encourage you to make the most of it—as I have—by staying connected with others. How is that possible?
Stay connected with others through simple methods:
Friendships
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. The point is staying connected with friends who lift your spirit through encouragement, support, and laughter.
Church
Involvement in a local church has been part of my upbringing since I was a baby and continues to be now that I have my own family. 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 community with others are more grounded.
Fitness
I listed this category because I’ve found that staying healthy and fit helps my overall attitude about life in general. And staying more optimistic helps me remain connected to life with other people. Otherwise, it’s easy to hide in a shell away from those who can actually bring me so much joy!
Family
Working at home has been beneficial for my family during this particular season when our son is not yet driving. My flexible schedule allows me to either drop off or pick him up from school on days when the weather doesn’t allow for him to walk. Working remotely has given me more availability in getting my family members here and there whereas before we often ran into scheduling issues.
Work opportunities
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 VBS. Although brand new to this particular church, friendships formed that have continued a year later. And over these twelve months, one person I initially met has been a continual means of encouragement to me at exactly the right times! Volunteer activities can be especially fun when done with others of the same mindset.
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.