I felt the same way, until I found a friend who has been doing the same, so we vent to each other almost daily.
I'm still solo, but he built a team (and got to YC while I got rejected) so there is a lot to go at :)
Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
11–20 of 28 posts
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#12Earlier quoted context omitted.
That's terrible advice.
Actually if you think about it, it may not be. He will need to take it for a walk and you never know. He may run into someone else walking their dog. Now they have a common activity. Actually it's a great idea. Take the dog out to different neighborhoods to walk it. It seems you simply need something in common to start a conversation. You never know where that might lead to. The funny part is, while his dog is sniffi…
There are simpler ways to have something to talk about... Join a climbing gym, start skateboarding or take up any other sport or hobby!
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#13HN and Indie Hackers are good communities for this, just reach out and I am sure there will be people who'd like to chat. Feel free to reach out to me too if you wish, I run a startup as well (not solo).
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#14Earlier quoted context omitted.
Actually if you think about it, it may not be. He will need to take it for a walk and you never know. He may run into someone else walking their dog. Now they have a common activity. Actually it's a great idea. Take the dog out to different neighborhoods to walk it. It seems you simply need something in common to start a conversation. You never know where that might lead to. The funny part is, while his dog is sniffi…
There are simpler ways to have something to talk about... Join a climbing gym, start skateboarding or take up any other sport or hobby!
in the middle of a pandemic? Not a likely scenario you can do today. Maybe in a year? However, one must walk their dogs and it's outside. Safest way to converse with someone currently. But even the activities you've mentioned, still hard to approach/interrupt a stranger who's working out or in general busy for a conversation with a complete stranger. In most case, when that happens, they're trying to sell you something or invite you into a cult.
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#15Hey, I've been a solo-founder for the past decade and happy to chat anytime. Twitter/email in bio.
You may like https://startupschool.org, as they have weekly group sessions where you can talk about your struggles. I took part for two batches and met some other solo-founders that I've stayed in touch with.
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#16Earlier quoted context omitted.
There are simpler ways to have something to talk about... Join a climbing gym, start skateboarding or take up any other sport or hobby!
in the middle of a pandemic? Not a likely scenario you can do today. Maybe in a year? However, one must walk their dogs and it's outside. Safest way to converse with someone currently. But even the activities you've mentioned, still hard to approach/interrupt a stranger who's working out or in general busy for a conversation with a complete stranger. In most case, when that happens, they're trying to sell you somethi…
Maybe sports are different where you are. I’ve never been approached by cult members, either at the skatepark or the climbing gym...
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#17Earlier quoted context omitted.
There are simpler ways to have something to talk about... Join a climbing gym, start skateboarding or take up any other sport or hobby!
in the middle of a pandemic? Not a likely scenario you can do today. Maybe in a year? However, one must walk their dogs and it's outside. Safest way to converse with someone currently. But even the activities you've mentioned, still hard to approach/interrupt a stranger who's working out or in general busy for a conversation with a complete stranger. In most case, when that happens, they're trying to sell you somethi…
True. All these things are going to be difficult right now - if one is trying to be cautious about the pandemic.
I'm doing skateboarding only because it's a big outdoor space and the risks are very low. Most of the other skateboarders are either kids or adults very focused on their practice - as am I.
I'm wondering if anyone knows any existing communities or groups of solo founders that are looking to build a friends support network.
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#18Hey, I've been a solo-founder for the past decade and happy to chat anytime. Twitter/email in bio. You may like https://startupschool.org , as they have weekly group sessions where you can talk about your struggles. I took part for two batches and met some other solo-founders that I've stayed in touch with.
So nice of you to comment.
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll try to join startupschool.org. Connecting with you on twitter now :)
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#19Just ask if someone with similar interest wants to buddy up and chat from time to time. Feel free to ping me, I up for occasional chat once or twice a week about running your own tech biz. You can also checkout indiehackers.com, you might find more solo tech entrepreneurs on there.
Hey segmondy, thanks for your comment and for sharing your ideas! I'll ping you up so we can connect.
Re: Ask HN: Solo founders, how do you overcome isolation?
#20HN and Indie Hackers are good communities for this, just reach out and I am sure there will be people who'd like to chat. Feel free to reach out to me too if you wish, I run a startup as well (not solo).
Hey leandot, thanks a bunch for the suggestion!
And thanks for your availability, I'll reach out to you now ;)