Working from home sounds like a dream, and in many ways, it is. No commute. Flexible hours. Pajamas are your business casual. And for us voiceover artists, a cozy sound-treated booth where we bring scripts to life without ever brushing our hair. Bliss, right?
Well… mostly.
There’s a quieter side (literally) to this lifestyle that doesn’t get talked about much. And that’s loneliness.
The Sound of Silence
For people in voiceover, sound is our job. But ironically, our days are often filled with silence, except for the occasional dramatic sigh when a lawnmower starts up right as we hit record (right now, for me, it’s the build site next door).
There are no coworkers popping by to chat. No buzz of a shared office space. No water cooler moments, unless you count mumbling to your dog or cat whilst waiting for the kettle to boil.
And while we talk for a living, we’re usually talking to a script. Alone. Into a mic. In a tiny padded box. It’s not exactly the recipe for social connection.
It’s Not Just Voiceover
This isn’t unique to voice actors. Writers, designers, editors, freelancers of all kinds…we’re all out here, staring at screens in isolation. Social media can help… until it doesn’t. A few likes on a post don’t quite replace laughter or a “how was your weekend?” from someone sitting across from you.
The Mental Health Bit
Loneliness isn’t just an awkward side effect; it can really wear on your mental health. When you spend too much time in your own head (or booth), small problems can start to feel bigger. That imposter syndrome? It echoes a little louder when there’s no one nearby to balance it with some perspective.
So, What Can You Do?
Here’s what helps me, and maybe it’ll help you too:
- Coworking Calls: Try virtual coworking. Video on, mics off, just vibing together. It’s surprisingly comforting. I have to admit, the first time I tried this I felt distracted, like I should be entertaining the person I was on the call with (often my daughter), but I got over it, and then it just became nice.
- Routine Outings: Get out of the house regularly. Coffee shop. Walk. Grocery store. Even awkward small talk with a cashier counts as human contact.
- Online Communities: Join VO (or freelance) groups. Not just for networking; for venting, joking, and remembering you’re not alone in this gig.
- Talk to Yourself… Nicely: I mean, you’re probably already doing this while rehearsing scripts. Might as well add some encouraging affirmations in there.
- Collaborate: Team up with someone. Create a podcast. Co-host a livestream. Find ways to make work feel a little less solo. You can create content that promotes your VO business, all while getting some quality bonding time in.
- Meditation?: This is more a question than a suggestion. I haven’t tried it, but I think it might help. I’ve been hearing so much about how so many entertainers swear by transcendental meditation. I bought a book but haven’t read it yet. If you know anything about it, I’d love to hear your take.
Deep Thoughts to End On
Working from home is a gift, but like most gifts, it comes with a few strings attached. If you’ve been feeling isolated, you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not the only one.
So whether you’re in voiceover, coding, coaching, or crafting from a kitchen table, remember: it’s okay to crave connection. Say it with me now — even introverts need people sometimes.
And if you ever need someone to listen (literally or figuratively), my DMs — and my booth — are always open.
