As a large part of the global workforce migrated from offices to temporary home workspaces in recent years, isolation is taking its toll. Entrepreneurs, however, are deeply rooted in this reality. In the early days of starting a company, founders may find themselves wearing many hats, lacking the camaraderie and feedback that is common in other workplaces.
The drive to be your own boss means that many entrepreneurs thrive as sole employees in their own companies. Being alone and lonely, however, are two very different things. The latter has been linked to an increased risk of a number of physical and mental health problems.
And, loneliness increases. By 2021, 61% of young adults reported high levels of feelings of loneliness.
On the bright side, the pandemic has made isolation a shared experience across all types of work, highlighting the need for better ways to connect remotely, new tools to facilitate it, and more open discussions about mental health.
10 ways to overcome loneliness as an entrepreneur
With young people at higher risk, the next group of entrepreneurs may be hardest hit by loneliness. If you are an entrepreneur—or aspire to be an entrepreneur—be proactive in your outreach efforts. Here’s how to deal with loneliness as a small business owner, with advice from founders who’ve been there.
1. Look for a change of scenery
Often just being in the presence of other people can spark creativity. Look for alternatives to a small workspace wedged in the corner of your kitchen: answer emails from a cafe, get a membership in a co-working space, or consider joining other entrepreneurs to share a studio.
Sophia Pierro, owner of Present Day, started her business in her basement. Moving to a shared studio space has helped her curb loneliness and find motivation to keep more “normal” hours and create space between life and work. “My cat helps with isolation but is also very annoying,” she said. “I now have a studio partner, who is much better.”
2. Find your community
Where did you meet your friends as adults? It’s a big, lonely world out there. There are many apps that follow the slide-to-right dating model, but are designed for platonic or business connections. If that’s not your thing, existing niche communities on social media and platforms like Discord or Reddit might be a great place to start.
“Online small business groups are great for after-hours help and feedback with an impartial view,” says Melanie Hercus, founder of Local Pantry Co. Can’t find a matching group? Build your own!
Network groups and face-to-face meetings are also gold mines for sowing friendships. “I joined several local networking groups of people my age, which was very beneficial for my business,” says Sophia. “It’s impossible to run a business entirely on your own, so taking the time to meet other people in your community will, without a doubt, help you in the long run.”
Feelings of loneliness can occur due to the absence of social networks. However, they can also affect people with toxic or low-quality friendship networks. Surround yourself with people who support your business and lifestyle.
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3. Eat well, together
When multitasking, it’s common to replace meals with a spoonful of peanut butter or a handful of chips. Eating badly is not cause lonely, but you can use mealtimes as an excuse to cut off work and interact with people if you’re already feeling lonely.
Use nutrition apps that help track your eating habits and connect you to the community to share recipes and tips. Or start a lunch club with friends, rotating around the responsibility of preparing healthy meals. Self-care means pampering yourself once in a while too.
4. Crowdsource your fitness plan
The benefits of working from home mean that your commute is nothing more than a stroll from your bedroom to your home office. Good luck logging 10,000 steps.
The onset of the pandemic and the resulting changes to the way we work has impacted fitness levels. And as a busy entrepreneur, you may find that fitness is often a top priority when you’re prioritizing packing orders or answering customer service emails.
Several studies have linked fitness to increased concentration levels and a reduced risk of mental illness. A regular fitness commitment will not only improve your overall well-being, but it’s also a great way to combat isolation. Join a running club, hit the gym, or sign up for a group fitness class—anything that involves other people.
5. Reach out proactively
Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. As a small business owner, you may not have regular face-to-face interactions with your stakeholders or customers. If human contact is absent, be proactive about making regular contact, even if virtually.
“I quickly assumed that other people were very busy, and I didn’t want to bother them with a chat on Slack—but that’s what keeps me connected,” says Stephanie Shanks, Senior Lead Remote at Shopify.
A more formal approach might work for you too: schedule time into your calendar to make contact—it’s one of those things that might be put off forever. “I set time every day to take a break from everything and connect,” says freelance content designer Josie Elfassy. “Otherwise I can’t focus, because I browse social media all day, looking to fill that space.”
And don’t forget about those important personal relationships. Reach out to loved ones often, be it family members or friends.
6. Make time for face-to-face
Technology makes it easy to do business without ever leaving your couch. Meeting IRL may not be possible if most of your interactions are remote. But you can keep your social skills sharp by holding meetings with your camera, or booking time to get to know people in your industry through Zoom’s happy hour.
If face-to-face meetings are possible for you, do so. There’s no need to be lonely when you can incorporate social interaction into your day-to-day business tasks: visit your suppliers in person, ship local orders by hand, and meet your designer over coffee.
Online business owners can combat social disconnection from their customers by dabbling in temporary retail. Schedule a pop-up shop or rent a booth at a local market—this is a great way to also build a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.
7. Get out
We’ve already told you that spending time in the fresh air is great for productivity and strategic thinking, but a good dose of green can also ease symptoms of depression, loneliness, and anxiety.
“If there is no innate reason to move during your day,” wrote Jason Fried and David Heineneier Hansson in Isolated“Find an excuse to move—for example, instead of having lunch at your desk, walk to a cafe or sandwich shop.”
Even better? Take time off from your desk to take a walk outdoors with friends or fellow entrepreneurs. They may also feel lonely.
8. Take—and teach—classes
Fight loneliness, connect with other entrepreneurs, and hone your skills by taking workshops and courses. For the more experienced business owner, pay for the knowledge up front by signing up to teach.
“Now that we’re sharing the space, we’re implementing a new plan,” Sophia said. “We started community workshops, classes and programs that further connected us to our community.”
9. Attend live or online events
Whether you’re treating yourself to a trip to a small business conference overseas, or attending a local gathering, events are great not only for learning new tricks of the trade—they’re also full of other cabin fever entrepreneurs looking to Connect.
“When I want to meet people who are also into fashion or online retail, there are lots of fashion startup roundtables in Portland, so I try to go to as many as possible,” says entrepreneur and clothing line founder Sarah Donofrio.
Networking events also offer opportunities to grow your network, train your promotions, find investors, and come up with new ideas from experienced entrepreneurs.
10. Aim for a sustainable work-life balance
It’s easy, from home, to obscure personal time with dedicated work hours, and you may find yourself spending girls’ night dealing with invoices. Setting work hours, setting deadlines, or scheduling tasks on your Google calendar can help with work-life balance.
Dog walks or other daily events can also act as a work day marker. Founders Corbé Kaitlin and Ryan Lawless tried to save a business conversation after their first coffee. They take a break from their work life by focusing on their relationship during their daily morning ritual.
Allow yourself to step away from business to focus on hobbies and friends outside your industry. The effect can actually be good for your business. Studies show that some hobbies can improve communication skills and work ethic, as well as help you deal with work-related stress.
“Besides running a fashion business, I also DJ for local indie radio shows. There’s no shortage of character there,” Sarah said.
You’re not alone
Solo work has its advantages. Without the hassle of booths and punch cards, you’re free to set your own hours or take your business with you as you check places off your travel list. Time alone can be very valuable, but if loneliness does arise, don’t ignore it. The effects can have serious implications for your health—and your business.
Face loneliness before it strikes. Building a strong network in the early stages of your business means that the only cure for loneliness is the Slack message. Look after yourself. Your business will thank you.
Note: The tips in this story are not meant to replace professional advice or address serious mental health issues. Please talk to your healthcare provider or seek out mental health resources in your area.