How to Beat the Loneliness of Telecommuting

You've fought for six months to finally be granted the right to telecommute for your job. Then the call comes down from the boss and you finally get to pack up the contents of your desk and head home - permanently. This means spending more time with your children, enjoying the peace and quiet of your home office and avoiding the chatty employee in the office next door.

Once you get settled however, you sit down to work and realize that you kind of miss that annoying employee. At least he gave you a chance to connect with another human being for a few minutes. Now it's just you alone with your computer and filing cabinet and leather desk chair - loneliness sets in.

Beating the loneliness of telecommuting can be difficult because few people expect it. They're so focused on the beauty of working from home that they never stop to consider the pitfalls. This doesn't necessarily mean that you'd rather be back at the office every day, but it does mean that you need to come up with ways to beat the loneliness.

Play the Radio. Silence is supposed to be compelling, but not for eight or ten hours each day. To beat the loneliness of telecommuting, try playing the radio while you work. If music is too distracting, put it on a radio show at low volume. It'll simulate the dull roar of chatter at the office.

Go for a Walk. Sometimes you just need a break from the monotony of four walls to feel like you're connected to life outside the home. You can beat the loneliness of telecommuting by taking a walk around your neighborhood once or twice a day. If walking doesn't suit you, try taking a brief drive just to clear your head.

Pick Up the Phone. Just because you no longer work side-by-side with your colleagues doesn't mean you've dropped off the face of the earth. Beat the loneliness of telecommuting by picking up the phone and calling your coworkers. You'll probably have a reason to call the office at least once a day, so use that time to catch up.