Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: Keeping sane while working remotely

news.ycombinator.com

21–24 of 24 posts

Re: Ask HN: Keeping sane while working remotely

#21
Ignore co-worker spaces. If you feel lonely, go work from a public library or a coffee-shop. It's free (minus the coffee), and you can pick most convenient one.

Get a room-mate. Sharing an apartment with other people will give you at least a bare minimum of socializing and something to exchange a quick chat once or twice a day. Plus it saves money.

Keep social routine - meet with other people for diner, sports, chat, movie. Keep track when was the last time you meet with other people. Keep in mind the people enjoy being asked-out. Be casual, don't be pushy and let them decline without guilt, and they will be happy that there is someone that shows interest in hanging out with them, even if they are declining most of the time. Most people gets lonely, yet lacks courage and motivation to actively seek companionship. Going for a short walk or doing groceries together can be nice too. And you can be open about the fact that you're seeking companionship more activey, as you're working remotely.

Socialize on other events: conferences, user groups, etc. This is also professionally important. If you work in the office, you will get to know people that might like you and get you a job in the future. If you're working remotely you're risking being left out.

Radio in the background with some interesting talks can feel like hanging around people.

Gym is always good. Especially if you're working remotely. It gives you some schedule, motivation and happy feeling.

Re: Ask HN: Keeping sane while working remotely

#22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sounds like you want your cake and to eat it too.

Why? I went from having very limited free time due to having a commute to having at least 3 - 5 hours every day after work. Even more if I woke up earlier. I'm interested in learning how to use those hours that I never had before because I have been marathoning Netflix series and I'm not so sure that's good for me in the long run.

Because you want the social aspects of office work, while not having to leave your home.

Re: Ask HN: Keeping sane while working remotely

#24
The way my company is run, we got quite a few people working from home or actually from wherever they like to be. I do miss being in an office sometimes, but the productivity increase from working from home is huge. Also it allows us to find and retain the best talent, wherever they are. We use Slack to communicate with each other and also have scheduled Google Hangout Video calls every day with a few team members. Doing Hangouts and also running some non work related / banter channels on Slack makes up for a lot of missed watercooler conversation in the office. The video calls also force you to dress nicely, shave and get yourself into work mode every day :).
Post reply on HN