Hi Fairies,

20 Comments

1. Jody BMarch 17,2025 at 4:44PM UTC

   This may seem old-school, but sites like MeetUp can offer options for meeting people with similar interests and expanding your social circle.

2. Heidi CsencsitsMarch 17,2025 at 5:50PM UTC

   I understand completely - no job, my husband and I have no other friends, live in the boondocks, cannot find a remote job.

   After a few months of stress, crying, worry, and talking with a therapist, I did the following;

   • We lost my mom a few months before I was laid off, and I've spent a lot of time with my dad (late 80's). I've been cooking meals that my mom would have made, sit and watched Jeopardy with him, and spent a lot of time learning about his family's history.
   • Planted the vegetable garden of my dreams. I always wanted to have one, but I traveled a LOT for work, and the plants would die off since the were not getting watered. Last summer, I had more cucumbers that I knew what to do with, and loved every minute of it.
   • Started doing practical crafts that can actually be useful - for me it's latch hook rugs because our floors are soooo cold in the winter.

   These may not work for your situation, the important thing is doing something. Check out your local library - mine has different theme nights and classes. Read truly local newspapers to check out the goings on around your area (we look for church bazaars, food festivals, and auctions). Or take a class at a community college (or on-line) to beef up your skills.

   You may also want to check out Groupon (if they are still around) to find activities in your area.

   My suggestion here is to stay active, and you also might make some friends along the way.

   My other advice is - do not fall for one of those scams on LI that offer you a class that will "guarantee you find a job in 90 days." They may look reputable, and have an amazing sales pitch, but I'll still be paying for mine for the next 4 years and got nothing for it.

   Anyway, best of luck to you.

3. AnonymousMarch 17,2025 at 7:53PM UTC

   Absolutely helpful and insightful with all you have mentioned. Thank you so much

4. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 12:49PM UTC

   Depending on the type of work you do, have you considered contract? Also, check out the website Flexjobs.com

5. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdMarch 18,2025 at 1:01PM UTC

   Hello!

   While I enjoy the occasional WFH, overall I dislike it. I like by myself and have no immediate family left living. And my closest friends don't live nearby. I have two cats and I love them with all my heart. But they are LOUSY conversationalists. ?

   I am immensely grateful to have a job to go to. Not that a lot of people always talk to me here... but at least I'm around people.

   Remote and hybrid jobs are becoming difficult to find for sure. The Covid pandemic made people realize that WFH is a viable option. It also made people realize that there IS a need for people to be in the office.

   As far as things to do... Do you enjoy gaming? There are fun platforms such as Steam or Discord where you can play a myriad of games and meet with people.

   Heidi offered some great suggestions such as a Community College or even a Community Center. Is there a local food bank you could volunteer at?

   If you have a particular skill, you could also consider being an online tutor. I hold a bachelors and a masters in education, and since 2013 I've been an Independent Tutor with WyzAnt. I teach English as a Second Language (primarily to college freshmen and sophomores) both online and in person,

   All the best!

6. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 1:01PM UTC

   I also recently left a 5-day in office job that was taking a toll on me. A week later I accepted a fully remote job with the same job title but better pay! I wouldn’t say remote work is dead, you just have to work a little harder to find something. I’m also an introvert, but I thought I’d make at least a few friends after being in my previous onsite role for almost 4 years. But I just didn’t click with any of my coworkers. I’d suggest Bumble BFF - I’ve found some good friends on there. Good luck!

7. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

   Before you insist on a job without human-to-human interaction, does being alone 24/7 make you happy or less anxious? Are there any other activities you have that allow you to socialize? Humans are social animals, so living in isolation is seldom good for mental health. I know that things since COVID kept people from in-person interactions, but that should not be the norm. If precautions are necessary, wearing masks is no longer considered weird, and the world is returning to a place where socialization is the norm. My suggestion is that absent other social interactions, you consider in-person or hybrid over entirely remote. Perhaps you could find something close enough to where you live that the commute isn't all that draining. If interacting with people stresses you out to the point you cannot function, you should seek help from a therapist because that is not normal. Side note: I'm not saying that you should make friends at work, as that isn't always a good idea and can lead to difficulties, but at least have friendly interactions with them. Perhaps that can lead you to look outside work for other ways to connect to people who can become friends.

8. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 5:13PM UTC

   The job market has been challenging for many, and it's understandable to feel frustrated when seeking meaningful remote employment. To enhance my qualifications, I am pursuing an additional degree and taking courses in AI and IT, hoping to open up more opportunities. If you're focused on securing a remote position, consider exploring fields with high demand for remote roles, such as IT. Alternatively, stepping into a position with a lower title or pay could provide a pathway to growth in remote roles over time. Companies like Amazon offer entry-level remote positions that can evolve into more advanced opportunities. Additionally, platforms like Upwork provide various freelance gigs, which have been a valuable avenue for many, including myself.

9. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 7:59PM UTC

   Thanks for your insight and encouragement. The last time I did full 5 days in the office, I was so exhausted, totally tired. I return home and I was feeling it in my body. Also, I’m the kind of person that likes to get up and just walk around as sitting for 40 hours on a desk could be challenging. I had a job where I was going to the office and getting up to walk at intervals. I had completed all assignment I was assigned. Guess what? I was fired for leaving my seat.

   With these experiences, I came to the conclusion that Hybrid or Remote roles would be best for me.

10. Wendy GlavinMarch 19,2025 at 1:21PM UTC

    Hi,

    I'm sorry you're having a tough time finding a remote or hybrid role and I'd love to help.

    As a 25+ year marketing strategist, an agency owner, a career coach, a business consultant, a writer and a speaker, there hidden opportunities.

    The problem many people have is not knowing the changes in hiring and what employers need. From AI to five generations in the workforce, recruiters are also having trouble finding people with the "right" skills to evolve to adapt.

    Please feel free to contact me via email or LinkedIn.

    All the best,

    Wendy

11. Tina MorenoMarch 19,2025 at 1:48PM UTC

    It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated during a long job search, especially when you have a strong preference for remote or hybrid roles. While these positions may be more competitive right now, they do exist, and the right one is out there for you. Keep refining your applications, networking, and exploring niche job boards that cater specifically to remote work.

    In the meantime, this period of transition can also be an opportunity to explore new experiences that add both personal fulfillment and professional value. If you’re feeling isolated, consider checking out low-cost or free events in your city—community meetups, networking groups, or even local coworking spaces where remote professionals gather. Sometimes, even just working on a laptop in a library or café can create a sense of connection.

    If you have hobbies you enjoy (or want to try), look for spaces where you can do them alongside others. For example, if you like crafting, writing, or gaming, see if there are community groups where people gather to work on projects together. Volunteering is also an amazing way to meet people, stay engaged, and even fill that tricky resume gap. Many organizations welcome professional skills-based volunteers, and it’s a great way to gain new experience while giving back.

    It’s okay if this phase feels uncertain—it won’t last forever. But finding small ways to stay engaged, meet new people, and keep your skills sharp will help you feel more confident and make you an even stronger candidate when the right job comes along. You’ve got this!

12. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachMarch 19,2025 at 3:04PM UTC

    On the plus side, when you work in an office you are more likely to make friends than when you are holed up in your home 24/7.

    Outside work, find clubs, groups, or gyms to join (attend regular classes to connect). Volunteer one day a week for a cause you believe in (food packing for example). Do something consistently so you meet and get to know the same people. Meetup.org may have activities you can join (hiking, walking, playing a certain sport, for example).

    There are clubs like Rotary and Lions, women's organizations like PEO (Philanthropic Women's Organization-- they support women's education) and more that you can research in your area. See which have missions that resonate for you.

    Good luck- to make friends, you need to get out, one way or another. And connecting with others may help with the anxiety.

    FWIW, there was a day not that long ago, when pretty much everybody had to go the office, every day. And yes, it stressed a lot of people out but if you wanted a job, you did it. COVID ramped up our use of existing technology and normalized working from home. It seems we're now shifting back to an in-office norm.

    If it stresses you out so badly it limits your ability to work, then speak to a therapist/your doctor about ways to manage that anxiety.

    Good luck! I hope you make some valuable connections soon (friends also help in finding jobs).

13. AnonymousMarch 19,2025 at 5:35PM UTC

    Sorry the job search is taking so long! Are you in a field that's very specialized? If you have no friends, I would say try going for more of the hybrid working model than full remote. At least you'll have some human interaction and people to talk to. You can't go every day all day without talking to anyone, that's very lonely.

    And we used to all have to go in all the time into the office. Did you do that prior to COVID? If yes, how did you handle it then?

14. AnonymousMarch 19,2025 at 8:25PM UTC

    Thank you for your insight and ideas. Pre Covid, it was a struggle. I went to the office for 5 days straight and I return home really tired. There was a particular assignment which required onsite role for 5 days. I would complete all designated tasks and I would love to stand up and walk because sitting for 40 hours is not healthy and efficient. Guess what? I was fired for leaving my seat.

    This is why I know for certain that either hybrid or remote roles are perfect for me.

15. Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.March 19,2025 at 8:19PM UTC

    When I felt this way I found group activities through meetup.com in my local area, and it was a game changer! I also found some volunteer activities on Catchafire.com and VolunteerMatch.com. Being isolated while also trying to network to find a new job does make it stressful, but these small things helped me, and hope you can find something that will work for you!

16. AnonymousMarch 21,2025 at 1:03AM UTC

    I was laid off a year ago from a high paying job, and unable to look for work until January of this year due to a chronic complex illness that left me bedridden for 10 months. Anyway I don't think I can do office full time and I'm not actually disabled enough for disability. But I need a hybrid, remote or flexible job. Anyway I'm starting my own business because of this and to heck with corporate America. Laid off twice in 6 years due to cost cutting in a mass layoff. I totally get it, 5 days a week in the office is totally miserable for me. I cannot stand the politics of it all and the backstabbing. Mostly met nice people though who were no where to be found during my illness. Office friends and thats it. They aren't real friends. They are just friends while I worked at a certain company and they are gone the minute or a few months after I leave.

17. AnonymousMarch 25,2025 at 6:31PM UTC

    Sorry to hear you felt unsupported when you were at your sickest....I know from personal experience that that is an extremely difficult position to find yourself in. The realization that your coworkers are just "office friends" and not **real friends** is very upsetting. Nonetheless, coworkers are exactly what your coworkers are office friends and that's exactly what they should be. When we put expectations onto coworkers that shouldn't be placed on them, we further blur the line between life and work, and that is a line that needn't be blurred any more.

    Office friends are great! They get us through our workday, share in our experience with both our employer and our field, and give us something to look forward to while we perform our jobs. They are a distraction from the negatives of our workplace. They get glimpses of our lives, and us, of theirs, but it needn't go beyond that.

18. Dalia LourençoMarch 21,2025 at 10:21AM UTC

    Hey love, sending you a big virtual hug. ?

    First, I want you to know you are not alone — so many people are feeling this shift with remote and hybrid roles becoming harder to find. But you’ve already done something powerful by recognizing what you want and setting boundaries around what works for you. That’s HUGE. ?

    Here’s how I’d approach this, as someone who is working remotely (I do career coaching as well as freelance communications for international organizations)

    1. Tweak your search strategy:

    • You're already doing applications, and they don't seem to be giving you the results you're looking for, so I won't go too much into this. But you may want to focus on platforms that specialize in remote and hybrid roles — sites like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and FlexJobs.

    • On LinkedIn, search for “remote” and “hybrid” specifically in the job title and use the filters to narrow down.

    • Also, reach out directly to recruiters and hiring managers, even if there's no specific job opening — this is so important! Sending applications into the void isn't a search strategy, you need to be connecting with people in positions to hire or refer you.

    • Finally, stay open to freelance opportunities. They're more likely to be remote and you can set your own schedule. And there are ways to actually earn more than a 9-5 if you play your cards right.

    2. Leverage your network (even if it feels small):

    • I know it’s tough when you feel isolated, but now’s the time to reconnect with old colleagues or acquaintances.

    • A simple “Hey, what are you up to these days?" Listen and catch up and when there's the right moment ask "I’m exploring new opportunities — what remote or hybrid roles have you heard of opening up?” can spark leads you wouldn’t expect.

    • If you’re part of any online communities (like this one!), don’t be shy about asking for referrals or advice.

    3. Expand your social circle (without pressure):

    • Joining online communities based on your interests (like hobby groups or professional groups) can help you meet people naturally.

    • Apps like Meetup and Bumble BFF can connect you with others looking for friends — and the best part is, many of them are also navigating life changes.

    • Try attending virtual events or even coworking spaces to meet like-minded people.

    4. Create joy now — don’t wait for the perfect job:

    • While you’re figuring things out, carve out small moments of joy.

    • A coffee at your favorite spot, a solo walk, or even exploring a new hobby — little things that make life feel full, even while the bigger pieces are falling into place.

    You’ve got this — and you’re already on the right path by knowing what you don’t want. Trust that the right opportunity and connections are coming your way. ?✨

    If you need more support or just someone to chat with, I’m here! ❤️

19. AnonymousMarch 21,2025 at 4:13PM UTC

    *Hugs* and love to you.

    I just sent you a note.

    Thank you for the amazing advice. Feeling blessed to know that people like you are on this platform.

    I am amazed by the comments I received. Such a wonderful group of women here. I am so grateful.

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