Freelance life can be hella lonely. 

😳  You’re not the only one feeling isolated. 

😳  Missing the buzz and banter of working in an office. 

😳  Wishing you someone understood the pressure you’re under (no, the dog doesn’t count). 

😳  Wondering what the heck you should charge for that new project that’s outside your comfort zone.  

As I say in Survival Skills for Freelancers, going solo doesn’t mean going it alone – and finding a community of like-minded individuals to work, collaborate and share with is a real gamechanger.  

When I started my freelance journey back in 1999, there was no freelance community because there was no social media. And there was no social media because there was barely any internet!

Today, you’re spoilt for choice. So where do you start?

Here are my top tips to help you find your freelance community and create a happier, more fulfilled working life.

1. Consider coworking

If staring at the same four walls each day gives you Groundhog Day vibes, consider renting a coworking space two or three times a week.

While you don’t need to be a freelancer to use a coworking space – shared work zones attract flexible workers of all kinds – many freelancers find shared working gives them the lifeline they need to overcome the isolation that can come with the job title.

Some coworking spaces operate on a pay-as-you-go basis where you can drop in and use the facilities when you need to. Others charge a fixed weekly or monthly fee. Shop around to see what’s best for you.

2. Get social online

Social media offers countless networks of enthusiastic, inspiring creatives just like you – and you don’t even need to move from your desk to join them!

Freelance communities on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Slack and Discord are packed with information, advice, support, opportunities for collaboration… and likeminded people.

Start with thriving Facebook groups such as Freelance Heroes or Being Freelance, or look out for industry-specific communities such as Logo Geek (for graphic designers) or Freelance PRs.

3. Give more than you take

As with most things in life, you get out of online freelance communities what you put in – so dig in, introduce yourself, browse members’ posts and engage with discussions.

Resist the temptation to self-promote. Instead, engage with others, be encouraging, helpful and informed, and give more than you take.

Once you’ve established yourself as an active member and become known as friendly, reliable and someone who knows their stuff, you’re more likely to attract likeminded people, which may even pay off in referrals and business.

4. Do your research

Want to expand your network or social circle but don’t know where to start?

Following hashtags on Twitter and Instagram can help you spot people with similar interests and goals. Give them a follow and reach out with a comment or DM.

Many real-life friendships develop from online connections. (This happens over time, not overnight, so be prepared to invest time and effort.)

5. Go local

Joining a local business network is a great way to meet likeminded individuals and has the added benefit of encouraging you to leave your desk occasionally!

In person networking doesn’t need to be intimidating – remember, everyone was new once. Be yourself, show a genuine interest in others, and focus on making new connections rather than sales.

It might take a while to find a group that feels like home, so be prepared to try a range of networking groups – from formal breakfast gatherings to casual chats over coffee – until you find the right freelance community.

6. Build your support network

Making money isn’t everything. Sure, we all need to pay the bills, but you deserve some me-time, too!

Keeping work and home life separate is super important when you’re freelance. Set firm boundaries – especially around your working hours – and refuse to let your home life come second.

A good support network of non-business friends is essential to your mental wellbeing, so never feel guilty about switching off the laptop, joining a yoga class, or meeting a friend for coffee. Switching off doesn’t just help you to recharge – it boosts focus, creativity and productivity.

Your brain will thank you for it, and so will your bank balance.

Twitter chats are a free and effective way to grow your business network by connecting with others in your field of expertise or your geographical area. I recommend them in Survival Skills for Freelancers as a great way to connect with fellow business owners and freelancers – and because I couldn’t find a central list to refer people to, I decided to create my own.

The list below is a work in progress. If you know of, take part in – or even host – a Twitter chat, and you’d like me to add it to the list, drop me a DM. Equally, if you spot any mistakes, please let me know!

First, a quick overview:

What are Twitter chats?

Twitter chats are organised online conversations that take place at the same time and on the same day each week.

How do Twitter chats work?

Participants – often freelancers and small business owners – use a designated hashtag (such as #FreelanceChat or #ContentClubUK) to introduce themselves, find new people to connect with, and often answer questions posed by the host.

Twitter chats most commonly last for an hour – sometimes less. Most Twitter chats are hosted by the organiser, though some regularly invite guest hosts to pose the questions and guide the discussion.

What is the benefit of Twitter chats?

Freelance life can be isolating. When you’re working from home day in, day out, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re the only person who understands the things you’re going through.

In reality, there are hundreds of thousands of people who are in the same boat, and who struggle with the same issues.

Twitter chats present an opportunity to build your network by connecting with other people who get it. They’re a great way to find new likeminded, inspiring people to follow, to share advice and resources, and to get answers to your burning questions.

How do I find Twitter chats to take part in?

Start with the list below. Find a couple of chats that fit your niche – whether that’s your area of expertise or your geographical location – and take part in a couple. You’ll quickly find the groups that are friendly and welcoming. Set a weekly reminder to take part, and get involved!

Pro tip: approach Twitter chats with a generous mindset. Think about giving and sharing advice and expertise, rather than focusing on what you can get from it. Interact with other people’s posts, retweet, like and comment before expecting others to do the same.

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An important disclaimer: Twitter chats take place around the world. I’ve been caught out many times by time differences, and so the published times in this list are all based on UK time – whether the chat originates outside the UK or not. It’s not ideal, but neither is trying to work out time differences when you’re very much not someone who’s good with figures!

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Niche Twitter hours	Day	Time	Hosted by
#AgencyChat	Thursday	7pm to 8pm	@agorapulse
#allinbizhr	Monday	12pm to 1pm	@ALLinBIZnet
#allinbizhr	Friday	12pm to 1pm	@ALLinBIZnet
#ContentClubUK	Tuesday	11pm to 11.30	@Fi_digitaldrum
#creativebizhour	Monday	7.30 to 9pm	@lizzie_chantree
#ecomchat	Monday	1pm to 2pm	@danbarker @JamesGurd
#EmailHour	Thursday	8pm to 9pm	@robandkennedy
#EthicalHour	Monday	8pm to 9pm	@EthicalHour
#eventprofs	Monday	8pm to 9pm	@themiceblogHQ
#eventprofs	Friday	8pm to 9pm	@themiceblogHQ
#eventprofstalk	Monday	9pm to 10pm
#FreelanceChat	Thursday	5pm to 6pm	@PRisUs
#FreelanceHeroes	Wednesday	8pm to 9pm	@FHChat
#handmadehour	Wednesday	7.30 to 9pm	@handmadehour
#handmadehour	Sunday	8pm to 9pm	@handmadehour
#IndieHour	Tuesday	8pm to 9pm	@retailmentoring
#ManUKHour	Tuesday	8pm to 9pm	@ManUKHour
#PetworkingHour	Tuesday	6pm to 7pm	@petworkinghour
#remotechat	Wednesday	6pm to 7pm	@workingrem
#SmartNetworking	Monday	7pm to 8pm	@smart_bn
#SEMrushchat	Wednesday	4pm to 5pm	@semrush
#SMESupportHour	Wednesday	8pm to 9pm	@mbsmih
#TwitterSmarter	Thursday	6pm to 7pm	@MadalynSklar
Geographical Twitter hours	Day	Time	Hosted by
#BrightonHour	Monday	8.30pm to 9.30pm
#BrumHour	Sunday	8pm to 9pm	@BrumHour @DavidWMassey
#CotswoldHour	Thursday	9pm to 10pm	@ShireMarketing
#MalvernHillsHour	Wednesday	8pm to 9pm
#EveshamHour	Thursday	8pm to 9pm
#HampshireHour	Tuesday	8pm to 9pm	@HampshireHour
#HerefordHour	Monday	1pm to 2pm
#Midlandshour	Wednesday	8pm to 9pm
#NetworkNorthEast	Tuesday	2pm to 3pm	@Durham_Business @easymarketingne @CannyInsights
#Oxbusinesshour	Wednesday	1pm to 2pm	@CypherHQ
#SurreyHour	Tuesday	7.30 to 8.30pm	@surreyhour
#uptonhour	Tuesday	8pm to 9pm	@uptonhour
#WiltshireHour	Monday	8pm to 9pm	@WiltsHour
#WorcestershireHour	Wednesday	12 to 1pm	@WorcsHour @StuartAllenFCMI
#WorcestershireHour	Monday	8pm to 9pm	@WorcsHour @StuartAllenFCMI