Working solo has its perks. You’re your own boss, you control your schedule, and you don’t have to deal with office drama.
But for many tradies and small business owners, working alone can come with one big downside: isolation. Whether you’re running a one-person operation or working with just a couple of people, it’s easy to feel cut off from the rest of the world when you’re focused on the job day in and day out.
The good news is, even if you’re alone, you don’t have to actually be alone. Staying connected to fellow tradies, your community, and those who can help you grow—both personally and professionally—doesn’t have to be complicated. There are plenty of straightforward ways to keep the loneliness of solo work at bay. Here are a few practical tips to help fight the isolation that can creep in when you’re working on your own.
1. Join Online Communities
Nowadays, you don’t have to meet face-to-face to stay connected. There are loads of online communities where tradies share advice, swap stories, and lend support. Whether it’s Facebook groups or trade-specific forums, you’ll always find people who get what you’re going through.
And if you can’t find a group that feels right for you, why not start your own? You might be surprised by how many others are also looking for a spot to share tips, discuss tools, or just have a good chat.
To be completely fair, tapping back and forth at your phone can’t replace chatting over a pint with someone who knows exactly what you’re going through. But it can give you the feeling that you’re not alone in your isolation. And it can inspire you to seek live encounters!
2. Stay in Touch with Fellow Tradies
Even if you’re running a small business, it’s important to stay in touch with other tradies in your area or field. Networking might sound like something only suited for corporate types, but it’s just as valuable for tradies.
For Adelaide power washing experts Caleb and Sally Propsting, this has been a key part of fighting the isolation that comes with running a small business. “It’s just me, Sally, and one other person on a busy week, so we’re not exactly rubbing shoulders with other tradies every day. There are times when you can feel a bit cut off. We make a point to reach out—whether it’s dropping a line to other businesses in the area or catching up with other tradies online. It helps to share the ups and downs, so you don’t feel like you’re in it all alone,” Caleb tells us over email.
Like he says, keeping those professional relationships alive—whether online or in person—can go a long way toward making you feel more connected.
3. Attend Trade Shows and Events
This one could be the easiest to attain as you’ll get palpable benefits for your business! For many tradespeople, this is exactly the kind of justification they might need so they don’t feel like they’re wasting their time.
And self-care feeling like waste of time is one of the most common issues across many industries.
Let’s be honest: nothing beats face-to-face interaction, and not just with customers and clients. Trade shows, workshops, and local industry events offer a solid chance to connect with others in your line of work, learn a few new tricks, and stay in the loop on the latest trends. Even if you’re more of a lone wolf, going to these events can make you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
And let’s face it, there’s nothing like meeting fellow tradies face-to-face to build relationships that really stick. You never know when a connection made at an event might lead to a new partnership or an opportunity to collaborate on a project.
The only downside of this tip is, not all trades will organise trade shows. Or there will be very few, or they’ll be too far away from you to be viable. But you can always take things on a different level by attending general small business expos where you can learn about management. Or sustainability conferences, where you can learn, for example, where to get grants to greenify your business!
4. Schedule Regular Check-Ins with Other Tradies
Working alone doesn’t mean you can’t have a support network. Seek out other tradies in the same boat and set up regular catch-ups—whether it’s grabbing a coffee or just having a quick yarn over the phone. A simple chat about your recent jobs, challenges, or wins can make a big difference in staying connected and reminding yourself you’re not flying solo in the daily grind.
It’s also great for keeping you accountable. Having someone to bounce ideas off or check in with keeps you motivated and focused, even when things get a bit rough.
5. Collaborate on Projects
Solo doesn’t have to mean isolated. Whenever possible, look for opportunities to collaborate with other tradies or businesses. Even if you’re working solo most of the time, you can team up on bigger jobs, split the workload, and have someone to share the experience with.
This can also lead to referrals. If you’re in regular touch with other tradies, they’re more likely to pass along jobs that are better suited for your expertise, and vice versa.
It also means one thing that sounds a bit unlikely: collaborations with your competitors of equal size. For projects where both you and a competitor are too small to do on your own, joining forces could mean you don’t have to say no after all!
6. Balance Work and Social Life
When your job is demanding, it’s easy to let your social life take a back seat. But don’t forget, making time for family and mates is just as crucial as hitting your work deadlines. Catching up with the people who matter most is one of the best ways to shake off that sense of isolation and deal with the stress that comes from working solo all day.
And keep in mind, staying connected doesn’t have to revolve around work. Spend time with the folks who lift your spirits, whether it’s over a pint at the pub, cheering on your team at the footy, or kicking back at a weekend barbie.
