Search
Close this search box.
Blog » Business Tips » How Extroverts Can Freelance From Home Without Getting Stir Crazy

How Extroverts Can Freelance From Home Without Getting Stir Crazy

running against time

Before freelancing, I made a huge miscalculation about my personality type.

I’ve always labeled myself as an introvert, so I was jumping for joy when I started working from home.

But to my surprise, I discovered that being alone is far more draining to me than being around people.

I dug a little further into the personality types and had the revelation that I’m either a very awkward and shy extrovert (yes, shyness and introversion are different) or an ambivert (someone who’s balanced between extroversion and introversion).

The accuracy of personality tests and theory is something you may or may not believe in. And some even suggest we should quit with the whole introvert or extrovert conversation entirely because it’s a non-binary issue. 

Regardless, if you’re more energized by being with people than being alone, here’s how to work from home without wanting to pull your hair out.

 

Add Socializing to Your Business Budget

Money may be tight, but you should set aside cash for socializing or co-working.

Seriously, it’s non-negotiable.

As an extrovert, not being around people can cripple your creativity and can lead to depression.

It’s difficult to market yourself, be productive, grow your business, and do your best work when you’re feeling low.

Just sitting at a coffee shop can feel more inspiring than working alone in your office.

If you can’t afford a co-working space or other social events right now, set up a Skype meeting with “coworkers” or business buddies a few days a week.

Do what you can to interact with people frequently.

 

Don’t Forget About Your Other Hobbies

A business can consume a lot of your time and thoughts. Don’t become so overly consumed that you neglect other things and people.

Someone who works 40 hours a week at a traditional job spends 200+ hours per week around people including random interactions like eating lunch with coworkers or commuting on public transportation.

A freelancer can spend all of this time in one place with no person to person contact. This lifestyle can become pretty isolating.

Keep exercising, playing sports, sewing, bowling, or whatever it is that you enjoy. You’re also in a unique position to travel if all you need for work is your laptop.

Visit family and friends for a while to recharge your social batteries.

 

Venture Out and Meet Your Clients

If you live near your clients, head out to see them in person.

You may even be able to work from their office or with them at a coffee shop for a few days per week.

The great thing about this is, spending money on lunch or coffee with clients is something you may be able to write off on your taxes. It’s a win, win.

 

Take Full Days Off

Lastly, give yourself beaks where you do absolutely no work.

Yes, this is possible even when you work from home.

On these days, put some clothes on, get out of the house, and be around people even if it’s by yourself. Here’s a list of 47 affordable things that you can do during the weekend when you have no other ideas.

This has been very important for my lifestyle as a freelancer.

On days off, I leave the house. No excuses.

About Due’s Editorial Process

We uphold a strict editorial policy that focuses on factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. Our content, created by leading finance and industry experts, is reviewed by a team of seasoned editors to ensure compliance with the highest standards in reporting and publishing.

TAGS
Personal Finance Writer
Taylor K. Gordon is a personal finance writer and founder of Tay Talks Money, a personal finance and productivity blog on hacking your way to a happier savings account. Taylor has contributed to MagnifyMoney, The Huffington Post, GoGirl Finance, Madame Noire, and The Write Life.

About Due

Due makes it easier to retire on your terms. We give you a realistic view on exactly where you’re at financially so when you retire you know how much money you’ll get each month. Get started today.

Categories

Top Trending Posts

Due Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

To ensure we’re putting out the highest content standards, we sought out the help of certified financial experts and accredited individuals to verify our advice. We also rely on them for the most up to date information and data to make sure our in-depth research has the facts right, for today… Not yesterday. Our financial expert review board allows our readers to not only trust the information they are reading but to act on it as well. Most of our authors are CFP (Certified Financial Planners) or CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) certified and all have college degrees. Learn more about annuities, retirement advice and take the correct steps towards financial freedom and knowing exactly where you stand today. Learn everything about our top-notch financial expert reviews below… Learn More