How meaningful is people’s connections in our life? Recently I changed my mind from not very to very-very. See how it happened.
The paradox of overpopulation is that more and more people feel alone. You especially feel it in a big city but might dodge in the countryside. Preposterous observation, yeah? Let’s move on to what happens to a person isolated in a dense society. It’s simple: being along for a long time makes a person depressed because we are social creatures (even ardent introverts).
Given that, do working at home brings more benefits or stress?
I think for extraverts that’s not even an option. What about introverts? Being an introvert, I like to spend time alone, that’s how I recharge. However, making myself socially inactive translates into inviting depression into my life.
What to do if you decide to work from home? A possible solution is to find a group of other freelancers who need a friend to socialise during the day.
Coworking. Sounds also like a solution, but will you talk to strangers, even if they are a metre from you? Sounds more like an illusion to me, as you see a lot of people around you, but no connection is there.
Time after work and weekends. That is the time for socialising. However, introverts like meaningful conversations and relationships, so clubs and newly acquainted people don’t solve the problem. We need old friends and history together. It’s good if you have the circle of people who you see at the end of the day or on weekends. Or you are a family person, and you spend time with your spouse and children. Then you have a bit of socialising at home and adding a hobby club will add some fresh air.
That’s not the whole story. I am still travelling on this. But now I have a question. Will I (you) try to socialise more this week?