I have been freelance for 8 months now, and love it, the freedom is great, working on stuff I love, all is good and I really wouldn't want to go back to the old 9-5.

 

However... the one thing that I am struggling with and miss is the social interaction, be it bouncing off ideas, or even just chatting and having a laugh with co workers.

 

I'm sure I am not the only one that feels this and wondered what others do to combat this?

 

Thanks Mike

This is why I couldn't freelance, I think working with other developers also helps make me a better developer. I'm willing to sacrifice the freedom for those reasons. Also it's sometimes preferable to be in the office than to deal with the distractions you get at home.

 

Sorry this doesn't answer you question, in response to that I could advise you go to developer meetups, conferences. Maybe even freelance in a shared office rather than at home?

I've been freelance since 2001 ish, I fully understand the lack of interaction. How I combat this is by making sure I get out as much as possible to meet up with humans. I've friends who work shift patterns so I get out at least a few times a week in a morning for coffee, lunch breaks etc. Secondly this forum for fellow developers and designers, they're all here for your grumbles and successes, that's what makes WDF like my virtual colleagues.

 

For me though when I'm working I like to be alone and just 'get things done'. Shared office environments can be fun, but they can also be a nightmare as you have to put up with whoever they group you with and the distractions that can come with them.

I've been freelancing for a couple of years and now I work from home, but the struggle stays the same. Isolation and loneliness are not really good for productivity so I tend to go out in the evening, take a walk and meet with friends to make it up.

I too have this issue.

 

I was dabbling with the thought of going back into permanent work. But after my previous experience of working for someone Im a little sketchy about it.

 

Other than meeting up with friends I find Im not leaving the house. I actually spent a whole 3 weeks not leaving the house the other month other than the school run. Even my shopping is done online.

 

I dont think there is any permanent solution, unless you can find a team of other office based self employed people and all rent an office together. My cousin is an accountant living down south and she shares an office with 4 other people who all work in different sectors. She found an advert for someone seeking others who are self employed to come share a rented office with. I have had no luck with this where I live.

For me freelance is better, because i can't work when someone look at my computer and see how i am thinking and how i am working.)) I start be tired when i sitting whole 8 hours in one place. I need to change my activity ( when i deal with my flowers, washing dishes, listening music i thinking about layout and have creativity. When i sit at office i less productive. The only thing i struggle with is to search for clients.

For me freelance is better, because i can't work when someone look at my computer and see how i am thinking and how i am working.)) I start be tired when i sitting whole 8 hours in one place. I need to change my activity ( when i deal with my flowers, washing dishes, listening music i thinking about layout and have creativity. When i sit at office i less productive. The only thing i struggle with is to search for clients.

 

What about those companies who find you clients? I cant remember what their called but the old agency I worked at used one. They would send an email each week of potential clients who were interested in hiring us to do their website. Works similar to an recruitment agency..

 

I think to work at home you need to be self disciplined and motivated. Fortunately for me I was raised in the forces so self discipline is very natural for me compared to other freelancers I know. My biggest struggle is to stop working. In the evenings when im sat watching the Tv or trying to read a book I always feel like "I should go back upstairs and finish that bit" This soon turns into 16 hour days.

 

Does anyone else have the switch off issue?

Sounds like some of you have had pretty horrible experiences of employment. I guess I am lucky, but so long as projects get done on time, the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed, if the boss walks past and I am on here or happen to be on Facebook then nothing bad happens. it's good to take short breaks once in a while when doing something complex. They also understand that mistakes are a part of the process especially when trying something new, and that if we are not continually trying new things, then the company will get left behind. There are many other companies who have this kind of environment, so don't be put off by previous bad experiences.

 

The advantage that Freelancing has is the be your own boss, and working from home (Although I can work remotely if I choose). Pay, and feeling under pressure etc is down to the circumstances, both can be really good or really bad, I don't think freelancing generally has better pay, it just depends on what you are doing exactly, how much time you have to dedicate to no-paid tasks. I think the bottom line is choose the one you enjoy the most.

Edited April 19, 201511 yr by rbrtsmith

I like the idea of company who will find clients for me. I found one in my country but the condition was not very nice. When company find clients for me and send me email i should pay tax for this company and only after that i will receive the contact of my clients. But what if clients will not hire me? i will pay for nothing. Maybe i should search again and find the better condition.

 

I don't think that freelancing generally has better pay too. Agree with that. That's why i worked for company before. Yes, i had not good condition in my previous company that's why now i am freelancing and relaxing)) But searching clients its pretty annoying. And i don't think that i will be freelancer for a long time.

 

When i making my psd or writing code it's like very interesting adventure. Of cause i prefer working non-stop while i will solve all my task. But sometimes i need a little "push", i feel that i can't catch the right idea. At this moment i go to the zoo shop for half an hour and always after that i can solve most of my problem. Its like "happy place")))

Edited April 19, 201511 yr by fleur

I am looking into shared desk space, may give it a go for a couple days of the week, depends on most really.

 

I do go to the gym in the afternoon to break it up a bit, which does help.