How to find your people when you work for yourself

Working for yourself can be the ultimate freedom. You set your own schedule, choose your projects, and (sometimes) work in your pyjamas. But ask any seasoned freelancer or solo founder what they miss most about traditional work and the answer usually comes down to one thing: people.

The freedom of self-employment often comes at the cost of connection. No team lunches. No spontaneous brainstorms. No after-work drinks. And while you might not miss the office politics or bad coffee, that sense of belonging – being around people who just get it – is harder to come by when you’re going it alone.

But here’s the good news: it’s possible to work for yourself without working by yourself. Finding your people doesn’t happen by accident – but it’s easier than you think when you know where (and how) to look.

1. Choose the right space

Let’s be honest – your local cafe probably isn’t going to cut it. You might get the odd friendly smile or “Are you done with that plug socket?” but real connection needs more than background chatter and flat whites.

The most powerful way to meet like-minded freelancers is in intentional spaces. Coworking spaces like Projects are designed not just for getting work done, but for sparking conversation, collaboration and community. When your desk neighbour is a designer, the person in the lounge is a podcast producer and there are multiple fitness classes taking place downstairs each week, inspiration (and opportunity) tends to follow.

2. Turn up – and stay open

Joining a community is step one. But what really matters is how you show up.

Say hello. Ask someone what they’re working on. Make time for the weekly breakfasts, stay for the member drinks and the lunch & learns. The most valuable connections often come from the smallest moments – a shared laugh about something random or a compliment for a very cute pup.

People often think you need to be the loudest in the room to make friends but that isn’t the case at all – just stay curious and be open.

3. Share what you know – and what you need

Freelancing can sometimes feel like a solo sport but it’s actually a team game. Most people in a coworking community want to help each other – they just need a way in.

Need a second opinion on your pitch deck? Say so. Know the best free tax tools for the self-employed? Share it. When you lead with generosity and honesty, the right people tend to find you – and often stick around.

4. Find your rhythm, not just your routine

Traditional offices come with built-in rhythms: Monday meetings, Friday finish-ups, midweek catchups. Freelancers? Not so much.

Part of building connection is creating your own rhythm – whether that’s working from the same space every Tuesday, joining a run club or co-working with a friend once a week.

At Projects, we’ve seen this play out beautifully: from member-led skill swaps to lunch clubs, these rituals turn strangers into collaborators, then collaborators into friends.

5. Remember: just a few good ones makes the world of difference

You’re not looking for a hundred new contacts, that would be completely overwhelming. You’re looking for a handful of humans who understand what it means to do what you do, who you can learn from, laugh with and lean on when needed.

Freelancing isn’t just about freedom – it’s about designing a life that works for you. And the right people make all the difference. You can read all about the importance of friendship here.

Looking for your people?

We built Projects with freelancers in mind – ambitious, creative, independent – but not isolated. Pop in for a tour, try a day pass or two or come along to one of our events. You never know who you’ll meet.