4 Ways to Make Being Your Own Boss Feel Less Lonely
While I firmly believe becoming your own boss can be one of the most empowering milestones of your life, nobody talks about how lonely it can be. (And I know I’m not the only person who has picked up on this.) Whether you feel isolated on a day-to-day basis or the wrath of 2020 has made you hyper-sensitive to your solitude, there’s a good chance you’re in the same boat.
When I started this newsletter, I wanted to shed some light on the crazy, complicated world of self-starters. I wanted to get vulnerable and talk about struggles that we all push under the proverbial rug. Let’s be honest: Most of us are quick to post our accomplishments on social media, but do we ever get candid about feeling lonely? We’re in this together, so let’s pull back the curtain. To help, I’m sharing some of my tips for battling loneliness when you’re your own boss.
Fill Your Schedule
Pre-pandemic, the running joke between me and my friends was that I’d be booked for weeks. “Send me your dates,” my friend Alexa would text me. Hannah and I would plan dinner and cocktail outings weeks (or months!) in advance. The motive behind my jam-packed scheduled was two-fold. First of all, I love to be busy. (I’d rather have an endless to-do list than sit somewhere, twiddling my thumbs.) Plus, having a busy calendar ensures that I’m taking some time to socialize. Of course, socializing during a global pandemic looks very different. But instead of meeting at my favorite workout class or bar, I’m organizing virtual happy hours with my closest friends. Treat your social life like you would a meeting: Put it in your calendar and think of it as a mandatory part of your day.
Get Social on Social Media
No, social media isn’t all cowardly trolls. As my own boss, I find social media a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Whenever I take a break from work and swipe through Instagram (we all do it), I feel empowered to comment on my connections’ stories. Whether I send a few heart emojis or leave some words of encouragement, I think of social media as a friendly, proactive way to break out of my business bubble. (Plus, it’s fun to create friendships with like-minded hustlers you’ve never met IRL.)
The next time you’re feeling a little lonely, slide into someone you admire’s DMs. (But, you know, not in a creepy way.) It just might be the pick-me-up you need to get through the day.
Foster Your Network
Just because you don’t have a formal team doesn’t mean you should keep your network at an arm’s distance. As a journalist, I spend a lot of my time e-mailing publicists and editors. Since this is how I spend the bulk of my days, why not make these interactions as friendly as possible? Ever since I was an assistant at the Wall Street Journal, I made it a point to grab drinks and coffee with my connections, follow them on social media, and stay updated on big life milestones. (I’ve even swapped restaurant recs and Bachelor theories with a few!) Not only can it result in productive brainstorming sessions and new opportunities, but it also makes doing my job even more fun.
Escape the Business Bubble
I love what I do so much that I’d happily work all day, every day. However, it’s so important to break out of the business bubble and get your mind off of work. I feel so fortunate to have family members, friends, and a boyfriend who remind me to occasionally close my laptop. Being your own boss can feel lonely when you spend all your waking hours behind a computer. But, when you take a pause and appreciate life? You’ll realize it’s not so isolating.
Hustler of the Week: Raymond Schneider
What inspired you to launch your own PR firm?
I always knew that I needed to be my own boss. Still, I also understood the value of working for other people — especially in my early career as an interior designer. Many people don’t spend enough time learning from others, which is more invaluable than anything you’ll ever learn in school. With 23 years of experience — across showroom sales, interior design, product design, and communications — I have a combination of skills that allows me more flexibility to adapt. I hit the ground running and named my business after myself, so I could have the flexibility to adjust my services as the market and economy change. This last year and a half have been transformative on many levels. I am so grateful to the universe for kicking me in the butt and pushing me every day.
I love how you take stock in your professional relationships and genuinely care about your network. Can you tell me more about that?
I come from a very social family. We hosted hundreds of dinner parties throughout my childhood in Montauk, so breaking bread with one another is crucial. I always got in trouble for talking too much as a kid (still do), but it is a gift to be genuinely interested in people, who they are, where they come from, and their lives. I feel that the best relationships are those that come from genuine connections. I deeply value our relationship, and to me, it was a no-brainer to invite you to breakfast when I was in San Francisco. Everything is interconnected, and we can all help one another. The adage that we are stronger together could not be more accurate!
What’s your favorite part about being your own boss? Least favorite part?
Hands down, my independence of thought and executing my client’s programs without being micromanaged or policed. The ability to trust yourself as well as your experience and knowledge is invaluable! Most of us don’t get the opportunity to explore the entrepreneurial part of ourselves. But, owning and running a business is not for the faint of heart. It is painstakingly hard work, dedication, and passion.
My least favorite? Great question. There isn’t a set schedule, so you do what you need to do to get the job done. At times, I neglect myself or my family with endless hours in my office. You have to create balance, and that can be difficult — especially now with the pandemic and the fact that we really cannot travel anywhere.
Give Raymond some love by following him on Instagram and checking out his amazing clients here.
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