The problem with home alone
Q. I have been very successful at my freelance writing career. I've made a comfortable living doing a variety of interesting projects. But it's starting to get to me, because I'm feeling more and more isolated. My friends don't call to go out anymore. I never speak to anyone during the day, unless it's to do an interview with a total stranger. The highlight of my day is when the mail arrives and I can leaf through the various bills and pizza flyers. I used to like the fact that I didn't have to commute, but now it seems I never get out of the apartment. I don't want to get a day job, but I need some help in figuring out how to combat this creeping isolation.
A. Anyone who spends any amount of time hunched over a notebook or computer knows that you need to get out of your own head at least once in a while. Everyone needs other people, and the telephone and e-mail just don't cut it. You need to take opportunities to get together with people. There are the usual bits of advice that you'll get about meeting new people - take a course, or join a gym. But you need to nurture your friendships as well. When you're working at home, it's very easy to let your workday begin late and end well into the evening. You need to treat it like your workplace during working hours. That means setting the same schedule every day, meeting friends for lunch, and knowing when it's time to quit, so that you can have room for friends and family. Never forget that the reason you're writing for a living is so that you can afford to have a life. Otherwise, what's the point?
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