Working from home is a dream for most people. They picture time away from annoying coworkers, meetings by phone, and typing while still in your pajamas. But there can also be a major downfall to telecommuting that most people don’t think about: loneliness. In fact, unless you have an already established inner circle when you start a remote position, you may find it difficult to make new friends.

Take Advantage of Social Media

Sites like Facebook and Twitter tend to add some negatives to friendship, but for telecommuters they are a lifesaver. Logging on to a social networking site can help you feel a part of the world and not alone. In many ways, social media becomes the water cooler for telecommuters. You’re able to make small talk, find out how everyone’s weekend was, and then get back to work when you feel like it.

Logging on can help you feel like you’re still connected strongly to the outside world and not sitting in a room by yourself all day.

Linked In Groups

Many Linked In business groups meet during the day, which gives you the perfect opportunity to get out and meet people. What’s more, you may find a group that actually helps your business grow, since getting new clients is a must for freelancers who work from home.

To successfully meet people through the site, pay attention to each individual group’s rules. Every group has their own idea about membership fees, attendance, and even sometimes, dress code.

Read through their description and see which groups might be right for you.

Expand Your Interests

When you work at home, it’s even more important to get outside as often as you can. This means expanding your horizons and doing some new activities. Take a class, attend a lecture, or join an historical group. Do something that challenges and excites you so you’ll be in the mood to share your new passion with others.

Another tactic is to take those great hobbies you already have and move them to where other folks are. If you’re a knitting, join a stitch and stash (stitch and bitch) group. If you like putting together model trains, find a group that meets regularly to talk about their passion. Things like book and church groups can also be a good way to connect with others.

Fitness Is Even More Important When You Telecommute

When your daily commute is a walk down the hall and you sit near the refrigerator at home, you’re setting yourself up to gain some weight. Many telecommuters who used to walk down the hall to meet with a coworker or walk several blocks after parking their car notice their daily activity level is reduced by working at home. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Use your goal of staying fit to help you make friends. Join a gym or find a workout buddy just to go on neighborhood walks with. This will keep you out and making new friends and also do your body good.

Find a Friend Online

Since you’re working at home, going online to meet new friends will be easier than when you worked in an office. Some workplaces block the use of the Internet or restrict certain sites to log on to. At home, you can log on to one of these ten sites that will connect you with new friends without hassle from anyone.

Meeting a friend online is a good option for telecommuters. After a few emails back and forth, ask your friend to meet you at a centrally located coffee shop and start a conversation. You’ll soon see if you’re meant to be friends in real life.

Have Lunch Dates With Friends But Guard Your Time

As you make friends, you’ll want to meet for lunch or coffee to break up your day, but be cautious about people who disrespect your schedule. If you do meet someone out, stress that you have set work hours and while your schedule is flexible, you still need to work. This will help prevent people from popping by when they’re bored and interrupting your work.