Conquering Loneliness: Building Community as a Remote Worker

Loneliness shouldn’t be the price you pay for remote work freedom.

The digital nomad lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding, and its benefits are unmatched; from freedom and flexibility to the relief from daily commuting and other frustrations that come with a traditional desk job.

But for all its perks, constantly changing time zones and being away from loved ones for long periods can take a toll on emotional well-being.

A surprising number of remote workers experience loneliness, and a 2023 study found that 39% of women and 53% of men feel lonely as a remote worker.

A recent study by The BMJ linked social isolation and loneliness to a whole host of health problems, including sleep issues, low self-esteem, and even depression.

Although loneliness may seem like a daunting aspect of remote work, it shouldn't be a reason to oppose it. You have the power to control your experiences and emotions - loneliness does not have to be the price you pay for remote work freedom.

Identify Your Needs:

If you’ve transitioned to remote work and feel isolated, it's important to take a moment to understand your own loneliness.

What kind of connection are you craving? Do you miss deep conversations or casual chit-chat? Are you looking for a work buddy or group interaction? Identifying your needs is crucial because everyone experiences loneliness differently.

Find Your Community:

Now that you have identified your needs, it is time to take action and make adjustments. Community isn't just a place – it's about building relationships that meet your needs.

The Stanford Social Innovation Review defines community as:

“Community is not a place, a building, or an organization; nor is it an exchange of information over the internet. Community is both a feeling and a set of relationships among people. People form and maintain communities to meet common needs.”

• Arrange a virtual coffee date with a work buddy or find a co-working space where you can interact with other remote workers.
• Find local sports groups, activities or classes in your local area or virtual communities you can tap into.
• Schedule regular catch-up calls with loved ones to stay connected.
• Learn a few key phrases in the local language. It'll open doors to deeper connections and make your experience richer.
• Set clear boundaries for work hours to create space for social connection and self-care.
• Get offline! Scrolling on social media can create a false sense of community and can make us feel more lonely.
• Embrace the flexibility of being a digital nomad but establish a regular workout or social activity for grounding.

Find Community With Noma Collective:

At Noma Collective, community is at the center of everything we do.

Above all else, we recognize that it’s the people who make the experience. Each Edition brings together a unique and diverse community united through values of openness, compassion and collaboration.

You'll connect with a network of like-minded individuals, forging lifelong friendships and unlocking a world of personal and professional growth. From family dinners to co-working spaces to weekend group excursions, Noma Collective not only brings you the world, but a real community to see it with.