When working from home first became the norm for so many of us, it felt like the ultimate luxury. The explosion of solopreneurs and small businesses has seen a significant rise in the number of people ditching the office in favour of the dining table. But after a few years of remote work, cracks in the shiny WFH bubble might be starting to show. For lots of us, what once felt like freedom has turned into isolation, burnout, and dwindling productivity.
Why the WFH Bubble May Be Bursting
The initial thrill of working from home has worn off for many, thanks to a mix of factors. Cost of living pressures are making it harder to justify distractions that cost many solopreneurs or digital nomads time and money. Small business owners who once thought remote or out of office work would free them are finding that working from a makeshift home office comes with its own challenges.
On top of that, the post-COVID world has shifted how we think about work. People are craving connection, routine, and environments that inspire focus - things that can be hard to find when your office doubles as your kitchen bench/dining room/couch.
If you’re nodding along, it might be time to reconsider whether working from home is really working for you.
The Hidden Downsides of Working From Home
Here are some of the less-talked-about side effects of remote work and why they might be impacting you more than you think:
1. Isolation Can Sneak Up on You
Sure, Zoom calls exist, but they don’t replace real human interaction. Over time, working from home can make you feel disconnected—not just from colleagues but from the world around you. That isolation can sap your energy, motivation, and even your confidence.
2. Blurred Boundaries Between Work and Life
When your office is your home, it’s harder to truly ever log off. Work can easily bleed into evenings and weekends, and the lack of enforced boundaries can leave you feeling like you’re always “on.” This lack of separation can lead to burnout faster than you’d expect.
3. Productivity Takes a Hit
It’s easy to get distracted at home - laundry, the fridge, kids, Netflix. And even if you’re working, the lack of a structured, focused environment can make it harder to get into the zone and stay there. Over time, this can erode both your productivity and your sense of feeling ‘done’.
4. Mental Health Can Suffer
Without regular interaction, routine, or a change of scenery, your mental health can take a hit. Feelings of loneliness, stress, or even mild depression are common side effects of long-term remote work - whether or not you realise it’s happening.
5. The Creativity Drain
Being in the same environment every day can stifle creativity. Without new surroundings, fresh ideas, and spontaneous conversations, it’s harder to get creative and think outside the box.
How to Break Up with the WFH Cycle
If you’re starting to feel the weight of working from home, there are ways to break free of the monotony without sacrificing all the flexibility that comes with it.
Here’s how you can mix up your week with a coworking space like The Foundry Cowork in Erina or Gosford:
Book a hotdesk with us one day a week: A small change in environment, even just once a week or a few times a month, can really help reset your focus and productivity.
Become a member: Plans start from just $49/week + GST and include access to a supportive community and professional amenities.
And if your business has grown and you need more space?
Suite 101B: Available NOW for a team of up to 8 people.
Suite 101H: Available February for teams of up to 4 people.
Our private office suites are plug-and-play ready, fully furnished, and include everything from high-speed internet to snacks, printing, and concierge services. With flexible terms starting at just six months, your team can enjoy all the perks of a professional office without the stress of a traditional lease.
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