When you work remotely, finding a community is not just a smart move, it’s essential. If you’re feeling isolated, it doesn’t mean you have to give up remote work. It simply means you haven’t found your community yet. An online community can provide the social connection and sense of belonging that we all crave. It can also offer support, learning opportunities, and personal and professional growth.
A community is a gathering of like-minded individuals with similar goals. It can revolve around hobbies, career skills, activities, religion, and more. A good community unites people around a common goal, accepts members without judgment, encourages respectful discussions, listens to diverse perspectives, inspires and motivates, and allows members to share their experiences to help others in similar situations.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging to have in-person meetups and socialize outside of work for remote employees, especially those who live alone or are in quarantine. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in struggling to make friends as an adult, and the pandemic and remote work have made it even more difficult. Here are some tips to help you find your community, socialize, and have your voice heard online:
1. Check Out Your Remote Company’s Online Community
Many remote companies have created online communities for their virtual teams. These communities can improve remote collaboration and communication among coworkers. Start by exploring the community created by your company and connect with your colleagues. You already share a bond of working for the same company, which can be a great starting point for building friendships.
2. Don’t Limit Yourself to Just One Community
You are a multidimensional person with various interests, hobbies, and goals. Your communities should reflect that. Take some time to identify your passions and interests. Consider joining communities that align with different areas of your life, such as intellectual pursuits, emotional support groups, physical activities, creative endeavors, volunteering, and personal and professional development. Engaging with diverse communities will provide you with a well-rounded group of people to connect with.
3. Find Your Community Online Where You’re Most Active
Look for communities on platforms where you already spend time and feel comfortable interacting. If you prefer Twitter, search for hashtags and keywords related to your interests. Facebook and LinkedIn have dedicated Groups pages where you can find communities for almost anything. Reddit has subreddits for various topics, and Slack offers channels for specific communities. Explore these platforms and find the ones that suit your preferences.
4. Observe Before Joining
Before joining a community, spend some time observing it. Pay attention to the community’s goals, tone, how members interact with each other, and how moderators handle conflicts. Make sure the community aligns with your values and interests. If it doesn’t feel right, keep searching until you find a community where you feel comfortable and excited to participate.
5. Engage and Contribute
Once you’ve found your communities, make an effort to participate and engage regularly. Have meaningful interactions with other members, comment on posts, respond to comments, share valuable content, and celebrate milestones. Building relationships takes time and effort, even in the virtual world. By actively participating, you’ll strengthen your connections and banish feelings of isolation.
Remember, finding a community online is not just about socializing, but also about personal growth and finding support. Your peers can inspire and encourage you, and you can do the same for them. So don’t hesitate to explore different communities and find your tribe. We can’t wait to meet you!
