Remote work offers freedom, but isolation lurks around every corner. Sound familiar?

This month, we're diving deep into the hidden challenge of working remotely: connection. Beyond Wi-Fi and laptops, true thriving happens when we intentionally build community.

We'll show you how meaningful interactions can transform your remote work experience—turning solitude into opportunity, one connection at a time.

— Ric, Shellie, Eric & Travis

COMMUNITY

Intentionally resisting isolation

For us permanently remote, it can sometimes feel like we never quite escaped the grasp of covid lockdowns. Sadly, it’s still not uncommon that I go 3-5 days at a time without stepping outside the house…and often triple that without substantive human interaction.

This is an easy trap to fall into. As I’ve taken on an influx of work recently, I’ve found myself frequently thinking, “I could go out, but I’m spent. Netflix is much more enticing right now.”

Regular chillax days are part of a healthy mental diet, but they can become a vicious cycle if unchecked: Staying in too much robs me of chances to get motivated, reenergized and enlightened by others, which can beget more stress and burnout, making it even less likely I’ll make the effort to meet people.

So, I’ve begun making it a top priority to routinely socialize, even when I feel burnt out—not just in my Thrive Remotely chapter, but through other professional and recreational Meetups around town. And when I’m on the road, I try to make liberal use of Eventbrite, Meetup and Couchsurfing Hangouts to make connections.

When I was in Mexico City recently, I met up with some remote workers via Meetup. I learned about their lifestyle in the city and some nuggets from their respective professions, like some recent advances in AI that I realized I can apply to my work.

It was a breath of fresh air, and a reminder that intangible interactions do yield tangible benefits.

I’ll probably never see those people again, but that’s not the point. Particularly when I come across others in similar work arrangements, it’s reinvigorating AND educational. It makes me better at work and at life.

QUICK TAKES

We’re Better Together

✅ Making Connections in a New Community as a Remote Worker

✅ How to Network in the Age of Remote Work

✅ Networking From Home: 11 Ways You Can Build Your Network Remotely

✅ How to Find Local Networking Opportunities as a Remote Worker

✅ The Secret Sauce of Remote Work Success? It's Not Your Wi-Fi Speed

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LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

When it comes to building community as a remote worker, which of these hits closest to home for you?

POLL – NEXT WEEKS TOPIC

Our next issue will talk about motivation and inspiration. We'll explore practical strategies for stoking your creative fire and maintaining momentum when you're charting your course solo.

THRIVING TRIBE CHRONICLES

Social Connection - A Requirement For Remote Working

“Wow you have a remote job, that must be so awesome! No commute, working from anywhere, relaxing in your own space, sounds like a cush gig!”

This is what I often hear when someone learns that I work remotely. My typical response:

“There are definitely benefits, but there are big challenges too”. 

I’m usually met with a puzzled look.

Finding Social Connection Is Essential for Remote Workers

It’s easy to understand the benefits of remote work but the challenges are often harder to see and understand. One of the biggest; quality social time and human connection. 

Think about a traditional office for a moment. 

You grab coffee with colleagues, take spontaneous walks during breaks, and share casual banter in the lunch room. 

All these social moments happen naturally just by being in the same space together.

Connecting With Your Own Tribe Makes a World of Difference

Fortunately, remote working social groups like AVL Digital Nomads make getting quality social time easy and fun. Better yet, it’s time spent with other remote workers that totally understand the nature of remote work and a remote workspace. 

I quickly found connection and joy while spending time with other remote workers. Social connections tend to grow exponentially on their own. This exponential growth means a little intention and effort to get out and socialize can quickly lead to big professional opportunities and lifelong friendships.

It might take more deliberate action and intention but connecting with other remote workers is essential to keeping remote work a positive experience.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Connection Opportunities

Coworking at Blue Mind | Fri Feb 07th 9:00am | Wilmington, NC

Friday Social - Voices of Impact, Pre-Event Warm-Up | Fri Feb 07th 4:30 | Asheville, NC

Monday Trivia | Mon Feb 10th 7:00 | Cedar Park, TX

WatchStack :: ⚗️ [Stout Week Edition] How Craft Beer is Disrupting Traditions | Tue Feb 11th 5:00 | Asheville, NC

February Social at Hoppin! | Tue Feb 11th 6:00 | Greenville, SC

ILM Digital Nomads Supports Drink for a Cause| Tue Feb 12th 4:00 | Wilmington, NC

AI Hacks and Hops: Innovating Business with Artificial Intelligence | Wed Feb 12th 5:30 | Asheville , NC

February Happy Hour at Lost Worlds Brewing Charlotte | Wed Feb 12th 6:00 | Charlotte , NC

Co-working + Free Booze at Frontier RTP | Thu Feb 13th 2:00 | Research Triangle Park, NC

Marketing Minds | Thu Feb 13th 5:30 | Asheville, NC

West Asheville Lunch at Haywood Common | Fri Feb 14th 12:00 | Asheville , NC

🗓️ Add Your Event to the Community Calendar

It all happens in Thrive Local Communities – Learn more 

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Until next Thursday! 🕺