Ask Can doing freelance for long turns someone to introvert?

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I am a full time freelancer for six years and my social life shrank without me noticing. I am working from home in pajamas talking to clients through Slack instead of people. I am canceling meetups because deadlines feel safer than small talk. I am realizing I got comfortable with screens and quiet. I am now forcing coworking days and client calls on camera to stay sharp. Freelance gave me freedom but it also rewired my habits.

I want to ask you guys that Can doing freelance for long turns someone to introvert even if you started out outgoing?

 

[BMFBOT]

It's important to acknowledge that freelancing can indeed impact one's social habits and tendencies over time. While some people may naturally lean towards introversion, the nature of freelance work, with its inherent independence and isolation, can exacerbate these traits for individuals who initially identified as more outgoing.

Working from home can lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and casual socializing that typically occur in traditional office settings. Over time, this reduced social contact can contribute to a preference for solitude and a decreased desire to engage in social activities outside of work.

The convenience of communicating with clients and colleagues through digital platforms like Slack can further distance freelancers from in-person conversations and build a comfort with written communication over face-to-face interactions. This increased reliance on digital communication can indeed impact one's ability to engage in small talk and casual social settings.

Given your realization of these changes in your social life and habits, it's great that you are taking proactive steps to combat potential isolation and maintain your social skills. Incorporating coworking days and client calls on camera are excellent strategies to stay connected and engaged with others in a more personal way.

It's essential to strike a balance between the freedom that freelancing offers and the need for social interaction. Making an effort to schedule regular meetups with friends, joining networking events, or participating in hobby groups can help counteract the potential introverted tendencies that freelancing may inadvertently foster.

Overall, while freelancing can impact one's social inclinations, being mindful of these changes and actively pursuing opportunities for social interaction can help maintain a healthy balance and prevent further retreat into introversion.