Ask HN: One Person Company – Missing the social part

[M1rco]

I decided to leave my boring 9-5 job and concentrate on a side project. Based on profits it was and is a no brainer, simply the right thing to do.

Now after about nearly 8 months, I really struggle. On the social part:

- kind of miss the boring big meetings - miss talk and argue with colleagues. Even with the annoying one. - The small battles were kind of fun, in retrospective.

and so on. Of course the obvious solution would be to get some employees. BUT I don't want to hire, only because I need a bit social interaction.

Anyone in a similar situation? Maybe I miss some obvious solutions. Would love to hear from you guys!

[benzesandbetter]

[1] Considering hiring an engineer or two that you respect, starting with small tightly-scoped projects. I did this when I was solo consulting. It helped me learn new things and identify better approaches. It was enjoyable overall. My projects were better off as a result.

I had a couple of duds in the process, and starting with small, compact projects allowed me to cut those losses early.

[2] Another approach is to find someone in a similar situation to talk shop on a regular basis. Meet for coffee or online for an hour once a week, or however the timing works out. Talk about what you're both working on. Walk through some code, and do code reviews for each other.

[3] User groups and meetups can also you find these sorts of conversations.

Personally, I think it's best to have these engagements centered around your own project/product rather than just being technology-adjacent. Even better when you're putting your own money/product on the line. it gives you a gut-check on how valuable these these conversations are, which are worthwhile, and which areas have the most potential.

The people you meet in the second and third approaches can help identify who to work with in the first.

[delgaudm]

Personally, I do not miss the interactions with my colleagues from before I pursued my side hustle full time. But I can relate to the need for interaction and camaraderie. This can be compounded if you don't have a robust social life outside of work (no judgements), or your social circle hasn't even the vaguest understanding of what you do and just glaze over when you try and talk about it.

Perhaps you could turn to your customers for similar interactions. Developing a personal/collegial relationship with your best customers could potentially scratch the itch for similar interaction, while actually getting good feedback about your company.

[M1rco]

Yes exactly, I don't have a large social circle. And don't have any 'real' costumers. So basically it is just 95% coding. Not sure if a larger social circle could fix it, at the cooperation, each day had a lot of social interactions. Maybe meeting some friends every day would do the trick, but far away from it. Right now I just try to travel as much as possible. That helps a bit.

[pedalpete]

How close are you to your customers? Is your business something where your customers would let you get really close and dig in and understand their needs deeper? Would this sort of contact help you feel more sociable?

The benefit would be that you'd hopefully be learning more about your space, building a great community with your users, and solving your social problem all in one go.

[M1rco]

Kind of no real customers. The job is really 95% just coding, it is very technical. Guess that would be a great idea if I had any customers!

[ja27]

I've usually volunteered somewhere or another most of my life: university clubs, Red Cross, ham radio club, makerspace, etc. Right now serving on the board of a makerspace I founded and that can fill any desire I have for meetings and battles. Also means I have a place I can go cowork.

[M1rco]

Thanks I think this is a great advice. Will take a look, especially like the idea of makerspace!

[codeptualize]

Have you considered working in a coworking space?

If you find a nice place, rent a desk or a flex workspace, you can have the office social interactions while maintaining your freedom.

Maybe not meetings and arguing, but you can certainly have conversations. Likely you will also find people in similar situations as you are in.

[M1rco]

Thanks that might be a good idea. I kind of tried, but maybe should try again. My impression was, it is kind of like studying in a library. You go there, do your stuff, but not really there to interact with random people.

[codeptualize]

Ah yeah, it can be like that. You kinda need to find the right place and get a bit lucky with the people. It can also just take some time.

Good luck, I hope you can find a form that works for you. And congrats on the business, sounds like you are doing well!

[BadCookie]

Flow Club comes to mind, but I haven’t tried it. I’ve just seen it discussed on HN.

[M1rco]

Thanks very interesting. I'm on waiting list right now there. Seems they are more focused on work.

Actually I was thinking a lot how to 'solve' this problem on a technical basis. Like an app where people just can socialize and find virtual camaraderie. So if someone have ideas for a solution. Please let me know!