Dealing with Loneliness as a Freelancer

When I first started freelancing, I was excited by the freedom: no traffic, no office politics, and the joy of working from anywhere. But I didn’t expect the silence.

No casual chats. No background office buzz. Just me, my screen, and my thoughts.

Loneliness hit me harder than I imagined.

The Quiet Side of Freelancing

Freelancers and remote workers often celebrate independence—but behind the scenes, many of us are navigating a different kind of challenge: isolation.

You finish a big project, but there’s no one to high-five.

You make a mistake, and there’s no teammate to laugh it off with.

Even hearing your own voice less can make you feel... disconnected from yourself.

As a virtual assistant, my day is packed with messages, emails, and deadlines. But digital interaction isn’t the same as real connection and without intentional effort, days can pass without a meaningful conversation.

So I started paying attention to not just what I was doing, but how I was feeling.

How I Stay Connected With Others and Myself

Here are the simple but powerful ways I stay grounded and connected, even in the quietest weeks:

1. Use Your Voice Literally

After noticing how long I could go without speaking out loud, I started making it a point to use my voice daily. Whether it's reading my to-do list out loud, sending a voice note instead of a text, or practicing short vocal warm-ups in the morning it reconnects me to myself.

Your voice is part of your presence. Use it even if no one’s around.

2. Virtual Coworking Works Wonders

Joining coworking Zoom calls changed everything. Even if no one speaks, just being in the presence of others working helps you feel part of something bigger.

There are free global coworking communities, and ALX’s virtual rooms are a great start if you're part of that tribe.

3. Create “Social Bookends” to Your Day

Schedule a 10-minute call with a friend before starting work, or plan an evening chat with another freelancer. These small touchpoints give your day structure and emotional variety.

Even one “real voice” a day can lift your energy and remind you you’re not alone.

4. Be a Voice in the Community

Don’t just scroll speak up. Comment, post, share a quick insight from your day. I’ve made genuine friendships on LinkedIn, in the ALX community, and even on Upwork forums just by showing up.

The more you give your voice space, the more connected you feel.

5. Talk to Yourself Kindly

This may sound strange, but self-talk is a powerful connector. When no one’s around to encourage you, be that voice. “You’ve got this.” “That was a great email.” “Let’s take a break.”

Support starts with how we speak to ourselves out loud.

A Lonely Journey Doesn’t Have to Be Alone

Working remotely doesn’t mean you’re cut off from the world. But staying connected truly connected takes intention. It’s easy to let days blur together in silence, especially when most of our communication is typed, edited, and filtered. That’s why it’s important to create moments that feel real, present, and human.

Find ways to speak out loud, to check in with others, and most importantly, to check in with yourself. Whether it’s joining a virtual coworking space, sending a voice note instead of a message, or simply saying your goals out loud in the morning those small acts keep you grounded. They remind you that your voice has power, and that you're not just a task-doer behind a screen, but a whole person with ideas, feelings, and energy worth sharing

Loneliness may visit but it doesn’t have to move in.

You can build community, even from your kitchen table. You can find connection, even in the quiet.

And most of all, you can find your voice and let it be heard.

Let's Connect

• Do you ever feel lonely as a freelancer? What helps you reconnect?
• Drop a comment below or send me a voice note let’s not just read, but talk.
• Because even behind the screen, your voice matters.