[jqm]

I freelanced for several years and was in a similar situation. Then, my GF and I bought a house outside town on a couple of acres. I'd see friends once and awhile and of course had the internet, but it became extremely lonely (which is saying a lot as I'm a bit of a loner in the first place). My already suspect social skills were getting even worse. Sometimes I felt like I was going a bit nuts.

I finally got a job. It was great... there were people all around, politics, jokes, boring stories... it was somewhere I really looked forward to going. My GF was much happier as well. I was generally bathed, shaved and a whole lot more social. But I wasn't doing the same level of work, nor was I learning as much, nor was I making the money I could have. So.. I'm getting ready to leave and go back to work solo again. This time I leased an office in a high rise with a bunch of neighboring businesses in the downtown of the small town I live near. We will see what happens this time, but I predict having people around and a schedule will fix the problems that arose last time.

I feel for you. It's great at first not to go to a workplace but there are things one really starts missing and after a long period of time it becomes quite isolating.

[emilburzo]

This comment is so spot on it's scary.

I'm at the second stage right now, back to office work and I'm feeling the same.

I'm really curious how it turns out for you, do you blog or something similar?

[mrfusion]

Can you tell us more about the leasing process? Is this expensive? Where did you find the other businesses to lease with you?

[jqm]

I just leased a small office in an older high rise. Its like twelve stories. Other businesses are already in the building so I have neighbors on each side. I'm sure I'll meet some people coming and going in the elevator and such.

It was not terribly expensive (more than I would prefer to pay of course) It does seem like a waste because I already have an office at home. I'll have to get a second internet connection as well (power is included). But having a place to get up and go to at the same time every day and people around I think will lead to benefits that are worth the cost.