| Author |
Message |
WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 227
|
# Posted: 7 Feb 2006 21:21
Reply Quote
I have found, now that I'm working strictly at home, that I get very comfortable in 'my little space' and don't go out as often as I used to. Do any of you find that you socialize less while working from your homes?
Since most of my customers contact me online, I don't actually meet many of them. So, what do you do to fill the gap?
|
Vishal P. Rao
Administrator
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 764
|
# Posted: 8 Feb 2006 01:11
Reply Quote
that I get very comfortable in 'my little space'
Wow! This is exactly how I would describe my situation. Although I had written an article on this, I must admit I have failed miserably in this aspect.
I must caution that this is a very serious aspect and should be dealt with immediately before it becomes chronic. Once you start feeling comfortable in your little space, it can get very very difficult to get yourself out and making new friends. It then becomes an addiction.
Internet is great but it too has limitations. Making friends online is ok but they are definitely not an alternative to real world get togethers. Human beings need to socialize regularly to refresh their mind and spirits.
__________________
|
WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 227
|
# Posted: 8 Feb 2006 23:07
Reply Quote
Hey Vishal,
I read the article you spoke about. Very true and your suggestions are good ones. I go to the gym (to counter-act the hours sitting in front of my computer) but I tend not to talk to people there.
I have found that since I quit my 'regular' job, I was rather enjoying the solitude and the peace and quiet. But I do understand the dangers of remaining in an isolated state for too long.
I too, felt that the people I 'met' while online were filling the void, but you're right; they don't really count as 'socialization'.
|
eclair
Member
Joined: 7 Dec 2005
Posts: 28
|
# Posted: 28 Feb 2006 23:33
Reply Quote
A hobby - and make sure that you have the chance to meet the hobbyists  For example, the local Linux Users' Groups here in the Philippines have meetings and we have actually forged friendships online and offline.
I hope you find a group you feel comfortable in
|
A8ch
Preferred Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 218
|
# Posted: 1 Mar 2006 09:57
Reply Quote
It's very easy to get so deeply involved with your online pursuits that you place secondary importance on socializing in the flesh. Vishal points out that could become an addiction, and we all know that addictions are never healthy.
While the virtual world certainly has its lure, the need to be in tactile contact with people in the real world is peculiar to humans. It helps us to maintain balance, perspective and sensitivity.
If I find myself getting bogged down online, I'll jump on my bike and go for a long ride, or go sit in a bookstore and read. And ever so often I'll purposely stay away from the computer for days at a time. It helps to remind me that there's more to life than running an online business.
Hermas
__________________
|
WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 227
|
# Posted: 1 Mar 2006 23:04
Reply Quote
Stay away from your computer for days at at time!? The thought sends shudders through me, for some reason. I don't think there's been a day in years that I haven't clicked on at least once - unless my computer was broken, in which case I would have been having fits!
I take my laptop with me when I'm on the road, and to be honest, one of the selling points of which hotel I decide to stay in is whether or not they have high-speed internet access... 
Hmmm... perhaps I ought to step away.....
|
Vishal P. Rao
Administrator
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 764
|
# Posted: 2 Mar 2006 05:33 � Edited by: Vishal P. Rao
Reply Quote
Quoting: A8ch And ever so often I'll purposely stay away from the computer for days at a time. It helps to remind me that there's more to life than running an online business.
Kudos! This is one of the best things you can do to prevent from driving yourself insane. At present, Internet has nearly become our second world and it takes real guts to stay without logging on even for a single day.
Now that I got myself a laptop, things have really become worse. I think for all the technological advances we make, we are indeed paying a hefty price 
__________________
|
WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 227
|
# Posted: 2 Mar 2006 11:02
Reply Quote
Yes, I agree. It's the same thing with cell phones. When they first came out, I vowed never to have one. I didn't want to feel as if I was on a leash - after all, if I was out of the house, I was out of the house -
Now, I have not one, but two cell phones - sheesh!
But the instant access via cellphones and the lure of access to the world is exciting and wonderful. But like Vishal said, perhaps at a hefty price. Have we created monsters? I see little elementary kids now with cellphones. Good idea for Mom's to keep track of their little ones, but ...
As it is, an entire generation can hardly write letters by hand any more, (and adults) - I plead guilty - if I have to choose between writing out a letter and sending an email, I'll pick email any day. And IM...
|
eclair
Member
Joined: 7 Dec 2005
Posts: 28
|
# Posted: 2 Mar 2006 22:56
Reply Quote
I know a friend who told me that I ought to take a break. That I should 'disconnect' from the online reality I move in. I think that he's right that individuals need to rest from work in every possible way sometimes.
People need to party too 
As for cellphones - sometimes it's such a hassle to have one because everyone knows where you are or at least they could reach you through it. Turning it off sometimes is a good idea Good old socialization through personal visits, even if they are quick is still something very good.
Clair
|
WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 227
|
# Posted: 3 Mar 2006 09:36
Reply Quote
well, at least I can say that I don't have a webcam... So it could be worse.
This conversation has made me realize how very much I rely on my computer for everything - which is not such a good thing - still, it's the way I'm trying to make my livelihood now, so I need it.
Balance is what I shall try to find - somehow. Trial and error I suppose.
|
eclair
Member
Joined: 7 Dec 2005
Posts: 28
|
# Posted: 10 Mar 2006 02:05
Reply Quote
Denise:
You're not the only one  I am practically tied to my mobile... But I am glad I accidentally left it at home one time. At least that made me value making appointments with people all the more. (You would be more definite about what time you'd meet and so on.)
Clair
|
Vishal P. Rao
Administrator
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 764
|
# Posted: 3 Apr 2006 02:44
Reply Quote
I just subscribed to Internet services on my mobile. Now I'll be able to connect to the Net from any place where my mobile works with my Laptop. Practically that means everywhere.
Now does that put me in an advantageous position or disadvantageous one?
Going through the above posts, I think that makes me more vulnerable and tied down. But I have learnt through experience that it's all depends on how you handle things. If you can master the art of shutting down mentally whenever you want, technology can be a great friend.
For example, if I'm out on a vacation with my Laptop, and if I continue to work the same way as I do in my home, I'm ruining my vacation. On the contrary, if I could switch my mind instantly from work mode to leisure mode, the moment I have switched off my Laptop, I'm making the most of my vacation.
__________________
|
WhitePhoenix
Member
Joined: 3 Jan 2006
Posts: 227
|
# Posted: 4 Apr 2006 23:30
Reply Quote
Yes, I also take my laptop with me when I travel, and try not to 'work' for more than an hour per day. Sometimes I succeed, other times, if I have lots of work to do, I don't.
But it's this technology that keeps many of us employed these days, so what's a person to do? Let your business 'go down' for two or three weeks while you take that much needed vacation? The risk of losing present and potential clients is as great as the time we spend tied to our machines. Either way, I wonder who wins in the end?
|
sunny
Member
Joined: 6 Jul 2006
Posts: 4
|
# Posted: 6 Jul 2006 16:37
Reply Quote
The first year was hard on both of us. Our old friends had shift work and couldn't see us as much anymore. We found a social club and have made a lot of friends with this, so we're very happy. If you work from home and are finding it difficult without friends, I recommend joining a hobby group or social group in your city.
We also take our laptop with us when we're on vacation. We have only had to work for two hours in a two week vacation last year. If you enjoy what you do (we do) then it makes things easier. You'll want to have that laptop/ cell phone with you. I think that there comes a time when you do have to be good and turn them both off! Everything in moderation, right?!!
|
homeofficewiz
Member
Joined: 16 Mar 2007
Posts: 27
|
# Posted: 20 Mar 2007 17:04
Reply Quote
Hi WhitePhoenix!!!!
I agree with you also because I also started my online business and I don't socialize alot any and You will always find me at home working in my "SPACE". Joining this forum is my social life I enjoy reading the memebers advice and I try out most of their methods.
good luck to you all
|
Jaide
Member
Joined: 6 Apr 2007
Posts: 15
|
# Posted: 23 Apr 2007 12:49
Reply Quote
I like my little place online. It is the one place where I am me and not "their mom" or "his wife". Not that I do not love my life and family it is just nice to be known as me sometimes.
Having a family rely on me is what keeps me from becoming a complete loner. The kids like to play with other children and my husband likes to visit friends. So they disconnect me when it is needed.
Candy
|
(?)
