Working from Home

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Permalink Reply by Angela on December 2, 2008 at 3:46pm

I work from our home studio for my line of women's and children's clothing. At times, it can be isolating, but my job also requires me to go out and visit retailers and wholesalers. They won't come to me! When I'm working at home, the computer is obviously on. It's a necessity for sending/receiving business related e-mails.

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Permalink Reply by Jen Odear on December 3, 2008 at 2:54pm

Hi Robin,

I work from home as writer too! I lean towards being an introvert so it works for me most of the time...

You should check out the community Kim DeYoung has at www.metromom.com/metromom. She has regular interactive online meetings for entrepreneur moms. It's a great way to interact with other business moms from the comfort of home.

Jen Odear
www.internetwritingpro.com

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Permalink Reply by Kim DeYoung on December 5, 2008 at 9:38am

Hi Robin,
I think the isolation we feel as women is one of the biggest challenges of having a home-based business. As much as I love the work I do on my computer, I really need to re-energize myself and get out of the house, whether it's taking a yoga class, or going to Starbucks to do some writing or connecting with a friend for a coffee date. Before I leave, I often think I can't do out, I've got so much to do, but EVERY time I return I'm so glad for the renewed energy. Now, more than ever we need that human connection. We rely on cell phones, computers and social networks to stay in touch but we need human interaction to reduce our feeling of isolation and overwhelm. We also really need to create relationships to be success professionally.
You're definitely not alone.
Take care,
Kim

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Schulson on December 8, 2008 at 10:26pm

Another great discussion. We spend so much time with our computers but what I've found is that I've developed some real relationships with people I've met online. Usually, if I've connected with someone via email/postings for a while and we seem to have things in common, then I'll end up talking with them on the phone. While it's not face to face, I still find hearing someone's voice vs. just reading their words, makes the relationship more tangible. And I agree with Kim that it's important to get out of the house and interact with people face to face as well.
Wishing you well and feel free to give me a call anytime :) (619 318 8688)
Cindy

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Permalink Reply by Malika Duke on December 23, 2008 at 11:33am

Hello ladies,

Robin I don't feel Isolated at all because I have my family around for all but a few hours during the day. I actually relish being able to concentrate on projects for extended periods of time which doesn't happen often.

Like Cindy, I too connect with people on the phone, I always encourage my clients and even potential clients to call me. And since my BFF's live out of town, I settle for the phone and now video to stay connected and interact.

I don't feel like I miss a thing... What I do miss, at times, is gazing into my husbands eyes over wine and not having megatron and batman in between! lololol

Malika

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Permalink Reply by Nina on January 27, 2009 at 1:29pm

Hi Robin. I know how you feel. When I was working from home 5-6 days a week I felt very lonely and disconnected despite the heavy traffic on my phone and emails. What I did was set a date with my girl friends whether a lunch or dinner at home or going out to the mall at least once every 2 weeks; or if they themselves are caught up at work, we try to meet at least once a month to just hang-out. After each meeting we feel renewed from our long conversations. I think that`s what most women need to get their wits and spirits back - talk, talk and more talk, and a little bit of good food. :D

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Permalink Reply by ECHOage on January 27, 2009 at 5:52pm

Hi Robin,
Just looked at your blog. Had my first at 30 so don't think I qualify, but now that I'm 40 - I find your site interesting to read people's stories/experiences.
I too work from home but am not struggling with it at all. My job is part time so I have time to fit other interests in and these seem to satisfy my social,adult conversation needs.
Here are three things I do to outside of work:
I jog with other women
I have a dog whom I take for walks and then chat w/ people at the park
I volunteer once a week at a soup kitchen lunch program - working in the kitchen preparing the food.
Cheers,
Roz
ECHOage Ambassador
www.echoage.com

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Permalink Reply by Dhana Cohen on February 5, 2009 at 5:51am

I agree Robin, I too work from home, starting a website- its me and myself. I think the key is to get to the gym, go have coffee or out to lunch with a friend, then the day goes by without being completely alone.

You can always call me!

Dhana Cohen
founder
www.thenextbigzing.com

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Permalink Reply by Lorna Darden on March 20, 2009 at 8:20am

Hi, I love working from home. I make sure I get out and socialize or my sisters come over to hang out. I love being home with my babies, no one takes care of my children like I do.

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Permalink Reply by Robyn Diamond on March 30, 2009 at 7:00pm

Oh, I know exactly what you mean. I do it all at home too. Designing, production, sales, cleaning the house in between. It's hard to work in a bubble. I find that I talk too much about work with others because I have no one to talk to all day. I really make a effort to go to networking events just to see other faces and get a fresh outlook.

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