Introverts have been getting a ton of attention on the Internet lately (is that irony or…?).

It seems like every time I log onto Facebook, I see another article that lists out the traits of Innies and why we need to respect their needs for dark rooms and silence.  While I know many people identify as Introverts, I also think many people jump on the bandwagon because, let’s be real, people can just be extra annoying and grate our nerves. You fantasize over the solace of a Walden-esque style life, and before you know it, want nothing more than to be a hermit behind your computer. Insert: quit job and become a solopreneur.

That happened to me. After working “normal” jobs for 5 years, I found myself so worn down from interacting with the spectrum of irritating co-workers that I just knew I’d be so much happier working from home, in silence, with my coffee and computer. Until I wasn’t. I learned a lot about myself in the first few months of solopreneuring, but one of the most surprising self-discoveries was that I actually missed people. Not their loud chewing or random question asking, but just the general buzz and energy felt from other people being productive(ish) around me. I felt lonely and craved actual interaction instead of social media pleasantries, and I seriously doubted my ability to sustain my solopreneurship when I wanted to be around living, breathing people again. You probably feel this way if you identify as an extrovert, too.  Here’s what fixed this problem and created balance for being alone and being social to once again make me a happy solopreneur:

1.   I enlisted an accountability partner.
Every Monday, I interact with my accountability partner. We have a running list of our goals and to-do’s, and updating our progress on a weekly basis has 1. saved me from the black hole of not getting work done and 2. reminded me I’m not alone. It feels awesome to know someone else is hustling like you but also invested in your success. And while we e-mail each other our updates, we also talk on the phone. This adds in scheduled socializing that is equal parts productive and warm + fuzzy. Winning!

2.   I started working in alternate locations.
I realized that it made me more productive to take one or two days out of my workweek and work at a different “office.” You know where has free Wifi? Pretty much everywhere. They want you to buy their coffee and scones, solopreneurs. Take advantage of the Internet hookup and give yourself a break from your couch in a coffee shop, café, library, or other spot where you can both plug in to your work and plug in to the good vibes around you (loud chewers excluded). I’ve also been known to drive somewhere an hour away in order to change up my scenery and the monotony of a routine. A little day trippin’ never hurt someone who needs fresh inspo!

3.   I embraced video conferencing.
This could be a “just me” thing, but video conferencing was never my favorite. I didn’t even like to Skype with my family while I was overseas. But, it is a great way to combat loneliness when you primarily do your job alone. It puts you in touch with a person without the need to leave your space, and it might even get you out of your pajamas. Seriously though, scheduling a video conference on a periodic basis will give you that burst of interaction you need to not feel so isolated behind your screen. Give it a try!