Lots of independent contractors find it hard to cope with the loneliness, the quiet and the solitude of working at home. For those who are feeling so lonely that it’s starting to affect the amount of work being done, it might be time to consider taking on a partner.
Is feeling lonely a good enough reason to take a big step, like adding another person to an enterprise of one? Sometimes, good collaboration can create something great- and it sure goes a long way toward lessening the strain of working alone and being a freelance professional.
Lonely, and Working at Home
Working alone as an independent contractor is very, very common. Many freelance professionals make crafts, make a living online or otherwise make their money through individual efforts. In these cases, the sheer loneliness of being a free agent can be extremely tough emotionally. Being lonely and being an independent contractor go hand-in-hand, sometimes.
Coping with Loneliness
The good news is, there are a lot of different ways to deal with the loneliness that comes with work at home. Taking breaks from the work, maintaining an active social life outside working hours and joining support groups, forums and chat rooms are all great ways to alleviate those feelings of isolation. When even these and other methods don’t seem to be working, it might be time to consider getting a partner. Having someone to share the work load is always helpful; having someone to work with can be invaluable.
A Partner… for an Independent Contractor?
Doesn’t the phrase “independent contractor” seem to contradict the whole concept of taking on a partner? Don’t forget that for entrepreneurs, anything is possible. A good partnership or a pairing on a project, in fact, can really give professionals a boost. One partner already has established clients and gigs, the other partner will have their own existing roster of employers. Taking on a partner can actually lead to more work and new opportunities for both parties.
Finding a Freelance Partner
Thinking about finding a partner? Professionals seeking freelance partners should take out ads on the same sites where they, themselves, look for work. Read resumes, peruse cover letters and hire someone- but remember to hire someone who is a near equal in accomplishment, skill and experience.
It's not uncommon to reach out to other freelance professionals or to share the work load with another, but this does not ensure that everyone else is seeking partnership, too. It may take a while, and it may take several attempts, before a good partnership is established. If nothing else, the search itself can make it easier to forget about being lonely while working at home.
KC Morgan - KC Morgan has been the featured writer in Self-Employment since 2006, using personal experience to create guides to being self-employed.
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