Running a one-person e-commerce business has its perks, but one downside is the loneliness. I’m 30, have a girlfriend, and a few friends, but they all live in different countries. My lifestyle doesn’t match my friends’ either. They enjoy partying and drinking, while I prefer sports and relaxation. Still, it feels isolating at times. Anyone else in a similar situation? How do you cope with this kind of loneliness while managing your business?
You have a girlfriend and some friends, you’re lucky man. Some of us haven’t had anyone to sit down and have a meal with in years.
Yeah, loneliness is a feeling, not always tied to the number of people around you. Some people may have lots of people but still feel alone. I’m in my mid-20s and have been single my whole life. Not having anyone to talk to after work or on weekends is painful. But loneliness sucks for everyone.
Feelings are tricky and don’t always reflect reality. If you have people who care about you, who you can call, that’s not loneliness. Real loneliness is when you have no one to talk to at all. It leads to bigger issues pretty quickly.
You’re right. I guess people handle loneliness differently. Someone with people around can still feel lonely, but it’s a different kind of loneliness. I don’t know, I feel like I have no value if I haven’t found someone who sees me as important. It really hurts, but thanks for letting me reflect on this.
That’s the lonely hearts club I roll with. Had a girlfriend, but then I started the business, and it’s a whole new kind of loneliness.
I feel the same way. I’m in my 40s, and I’ve been a drinker for years. Bars were my social life, but now I’m slowing down and it’s boring. I sometimes think about taking a less paying job just for a bit more social life.
Shifting to something more social, even at a lower pay, could be a good way to enjoy your days more. Part-time work, community-based jobs like at a bookstore or café, or teaching a sport you enjoy could bring more social interactions and a steady routine.
Start making a conscious effort to expand your community. Try picking up new hobbies and see where they take you.
I know how you feel. I’ve been in the game for 14 years and it gets tough. I had to lay off my staff and haven’t bought a new business since the lockdown. But you can still find ways to socialize, like joining a gym, a hobby club, or even attending networking events. It might help you break the isolation.
Same here, business has been a lonely road for over a decade, especially as I shift to e-commerce. But I enjoy alone time and get satisfaction from reading and tinkering. Still, I feel like I only socialize with people trying to start businesses with me, which sometimes just adds more stress.
Golf.
It’s tough balancing a solo business with a quieter lifestyle, especially when your friends are so far away. But there are ways to make connections. Consider joining local or virtual groups based on your hobbies or interests. Sports clubs, online networking for entrepreneurs, or co-working spaces could help. It’s important to surround yourself with a community, even if it’s virtual.
You should try going to a business conference! That could help with networking and make you feel more connected to others.
This isn’t just a business problem; it’s a personal one. I know a guy who runs a one-person business but he goes out to different events every night, whether it’s for work or fun. You don’t have to drink to be social, just go to your friends’ parties or play team sports instead of solo ones. If you stay at home, you’ll feel lonely. The only person stopping you is you.
Wait… you guys have girlfriends?!
Maybe schedule time for socializing, and protect that time. You could start by hosting dinners or going to meetups based on your interests. Sites like Eventbrite or Meetup.org could help you find local events. It might help to make your social life a bit more structured and stick to it.
I get it, running a one-person e-commerce business can be isolating, especially with friends scattered all over. But regular video calls with your girlfriend and friends could make a huge difference. You could also look into online groups for entrepreneurs to share experiences and get advice. It’s hard, but you’re not alone in this.
Try using Socious, it might help you connect more with like-minded people.
Check out this site: https://hub.eonetwork.org. It helped me a lot.