How to Work at Home Without Being Lonely

You say you'd love to work at home? No commute. No boss. And you don't even have to get out of your pajamas.

But what about loneliness? Have you thought about what it would be like to not meet a coworker at the water cooler? Yep, if you opt to work at home, they'll be no water cooler, no meetings, and no coffee breaks with other people. But it doesn't have to be that way. Keep reading to see how.

True, working at home is probably more for introverts, more like me. But even as an introvert I have to come up for air, occasionally and socialize. I do I live with my retired husband so it's not like I'm all by myself here when I'm writing. But even if you have a spouse around, you can still get lonely. So I try to reach out, and fill that void for people in several ways.

The good news is, you can work at home and still be connected to other people. But you have to make an effort. It takes a little rearranging of your schedule, but if interacting with other people helps you thrive, happier, and more productive, then it's worth it. Here are a few tips on how to not be lonely working at home.

*Get up earlier than usual to start your work day. The days I volunteer at the thrift shop I get up some time after 6 AM. My goal that day is to write at least an article before I leave at 9:45 AM to volunteer. Here at the thrift shop I not only give two hours of my time helping a needy cause (Proceeds benefit a local crisis pregnancy center), but interact with customers and the store manager. Not only is the store manager my boss, but she's also becoming a good friend, as we share similar interests and are about the same age. When the store isn't that busy we share craft ideas and jokes. Is there an organization that could use a couple of hours a week of your time? Not only will they benefit, but you will be blessed as well. I also plan to get up earlier when our fall ladies' bible study starts up again soon. If I'm a little tired later on, I can also catch a cat nap on my couch. That's part of the beauty of working at home.