Any sole traders- feeling it a lonely thing?

[speakout]

Just that. My OH works for a company - enjoys what he does but I am aware that he has a lot of communication with workmates . As an employee he also doesn't have to make decisions which will impact his job.
I work alone. Online, no colleagues. I make a good amount of money and I realise that in many respects I am in a good situation. But it is a little scary. Not one person to bounce ideas. Just me. Anyone else like this?

Yep! I bounce my ideas off dp and closest friends, one of which works in a similar field and also self employed. I joined a choir to make sure I was getting out. Unfortunately we haven't been allowed to rehearse since pre-pandemic so I'm really feeling the loneliness. I've been trying to make sure I meet up with people regularly.

Well yes...potentially. Still in the process of setting something up on-line. I'm looking into co-working spaces (I can do a large part of my work on a laptop) so I'm seriously considering this. I have found both a free co-working space (for small business start-ups) and a paid one (which seems reasonable and may use once a month or so).

I haven't got anyone to bounce anything off either - I don't know anyone in a similar situation and hoping I might somehow meet someone through the co-working space. Is it bouncing ideas that is the issue speakout?...You say your business is a success...or is it the isolation/lack of interaction aspect? I know these are strange times but pre-covid do you belong to any social groups? I don't and I realise that I must try and join a few things to bring me into contact with others but I must admit this all seems a lot harder than just rocking up to an office with instant company (good and bad) on tap.

Not a sole trader, I'm a company director with my DH. I do think running your own business is a lonely affair, there are certain things that only 'we' get and understand. Anyone who hasn't gone it alone for a significant period just wouldn't get it.
I'm hopefully going back to employment after 11.5 yrs of going it alone and I can't wait. I'll be the best employee ever, never again will I play the us and them game with the workers/bosses, complain about procedure/red tape. I will look forward to having the support of peers, someone senior to pass back to, statutory everything. I think you get my drift!

It absolutely can be OP but I've done tons of networking and met some friends for life that way who totally get it Could you try this? Lots of networks are national and I do some women's networking too.