10 Ways to Combat Solopreneurial Loneliness and Harness the Power of Connection

Being a nomadic solopreneur can get lonely.

The initial rush of working from anywhere in our PJ’s can quickly get old as we realise we’ve got no-one to chat about last night’s Apprentice results, or what’s happening with Janice from accounts tragic love sagas.

(It’s also a blessing right?!)

And while we may start out more productive with less interruptions or people just stopping by the office to say Hi, the discipline required to work on your own for hours at a time is an acquired skill.

Hence, the washing up suddenly looks more appealing, or that annoying weed in the garden that you can see out of the corner of your eye from your home office becomes a priority, or if you’re travelling, the beach looks a much better option than sitting in front of your laptop!

(Although you can do both – literally what I’m doing right now!)

sitting and laptop on my lap in front of the beach

But sometimes even a productive day in the garden or a sunny day with your toes in the sand can’t shake off that persistent feeling of loneliness.

Loneliness vs Solitude

First, I think it’s important to distinguish between loneliness and solitude.

Loneliness is a state of mind that leaves us feeling empty and craving connection, while solitude is a choice to be alone, embracing the opportunity for introspection and growth.

One drains the soul, while the other nourishes it.

Loneliness is feeling disconnected despite the bustling city around you, or sitting at a table surrounded by laughter and chatter, yet feeling an aching void inside. It’s when you long for meaningful interaction but find only echoes of your own thoughts. Loneliness is not just being physically alone; it’s about feeling isolated and unattached in the presence or absence of others.

Solitude is that moment you reach the top of the mountain after a hard day’s hike and breathe deeply sucking in nature and the abundance of surrounding beauty. Or reading your favourite book on the beach, supping a coconut and immersing yourself in the encompassing serenity. Or even sitting quietly in the morning with a cuppa enjoying the peace and your own thoughts.

image with quotes about being alone but not lonely

Tips for Combating Loneliness

While solitude can be a powerful tool for personal growth, it’s important to acknowledge that feelings of loneliness can still arise, even for those of us who enjoy our own company.

And if you’re a born extrovert, (aka moi) then finding ways to connect with others to share ideas and experiences is even more vital.

In today’s technologically connected world, and with its ever-increasing global populace, there’s no reason to feel lonely (even though it is becoming more of a global epidemic).

Here are my recommended tips for combating loneliness and creating connections. I’m not sure if No 10 comes across as sad or savvy, but for me it was an action taking route to make friends and meet more people, and it worked!

1. Join online communities and forums specifically designed for nomads and solopreneurs, such as Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or Slack channels, to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges

2. Attend local meetups, workshops, or networking events related to your interests or industry, which can be found through platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, Couchsurfing or Facebook Events

3. Seek out volunteer opportunities in your local community or through virtual platforms, such as VolunteerMatch or Idealist, as a way to give back and form meaningful connections. When travelling use sites such as wwoof.com and workaway.info to find volunteering opportunities across the globe.

4. Find an accountability partner or join a mastermind group to regularly check in with, share goals, and provide mutual support and encouragement.

5. Join a tour group or organised adventure tailored to your interests, such as a foodie tour, photography workshop, or outdoor excursion, to meet like-minded individuals, share experiences and develop friendships

6. Seek out nomad communities and co-living spaces in your destination cities, such as outsite.co, or coliving.com, which provide opportunities for social interaction and collaboration.

7. Utilise co-working spaces, such as WeWork or SpacesWorks, to work alongside other professionals and participate in community events and networking opportunities.

8. Schedule regular virtual happy hours, game nights, or coffee chats with friends, family, or fellow nomads using platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet.

9. Attend digital nomad conferences or retreats, such as the nomadcruise.com or various retreats/conferences around the world to learn from and connect with others who are passionate about location-independent living and working.

10. Put an ad out! When I was in Cairns, Australia a few years back I was finding it extremely hard to make friends. The Mum’s at my daughters’ school were a bit ‘clicky’ and despite me inviting them to BBQ’s or lunches, I wasn’t having much luck. So I put an ad in the local CraigsList equivalent Gumtree, promoting a coffee meetup at a local haunt for women of the same age looking for friends to go out for lunches, nights out, etc. Two women turned up, we became great mates and I had a fabulous six months! When we return to Cairns next year I’ll definitely be catching up with them.

It’s Not Always Easy, But It’s Worth The Effort

I get that it’s hard to put yourself out there, especially if you’re an introvert. Plus, over time we can become so comfy in our own company that the idea of chatting to someone else can sometimes feel like too much effort.

But talking to like-minded people and making connections really does wonders for our mental health.

It boosts our energy, kicks up our dopamine levels, and makes us feel good overall. Having a natter or sharing a laugh with someone can really lift your spirits and shake up your day in the best way.

So, even if it feels a bit scary at first, the payoff of reaching out is huge.

Remember, every close friend was once a stranger, so why not start a conversation? It could lead to something brilliant.

Get started today in my free 50+ Nomad group! Come and chat with a bunch of very lovely and very welcoming like-minded people, and share tips and strategies for boosting your income on the go, exploring new destinations, chasing dreams, and living your best life!


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