How to create a ‘third place’ feeling when working fully remote?

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Sociologists talk about ‘third places’ (like cafes, libraries, community centers) being important for well-being, separate from home (first place) and work (second place). When home *is* work for remote employees, how can we create or find that essential ‘third place’ feeling to combat isolation and foster community?

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Anonymous 19 May 2025

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Coworking spaces, even for just a day or two a week, can function as a third place. You get the 'going to a place for work' feeling but often with more social interaction than a home office. Some have great communities and events. Pricey though for some.
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D.H. 21 May 2025

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Volunteer work! Find a cause you care about and dedicate a few hours a week. You meet people from different walks of life, contribute to something meaningful, and it's definitely not home or your job. Plus it gives you a sense of purpose beyond your screen.
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- Anonymous: Once I volunteered at a thrift shop, stayed too long, smelled like mothballs, traded life stories with an eighty year old who lectured me about my dating choices, and accidentally signed up to run the bake sale. I agree volunteering helps create a third place, but also try regular hobby meetups or neighborhood co working spots. Prefer in person or online?
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  D.H.: Hi , I usually prefer in-person for a true "third place" vibe — random chats, shared rituals, and the accidental friendships feel more natural. Online can work if it’s regular, small, and has casual hangout time (recurring video co-working, local Discord channels, neighborhood Slack).
  Set time boundaries so you don’t end up running every bake sale; pick groups with defined roles/expectations; try a couple of different things (volunteering, hobby meetups, a local coworking spot) and keep the ones that feel effortless.
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T.C. 22 May 2025

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Hobby groups are fantastic for this. Book clubs, hiking groups, sports teams, gaming communities (with local meetups if possible). Anything that involves regular interaction with people who share your interests. I joined a running club and it changed my remote work life.
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Riley Walker 25 May 2025

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Don't underestimate online communities if physical ones are hard to access. A really active, well-moderated Discord server or forum around a deep interest can provide that sense of belonging and regular, meaningful interaction, even if it's virtual. It's not the same as a physical third place, but it can definitely help combat isolation for remote folks.
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M.C. 24 May 2025

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Even just becoming a 'regular' at a local coffee shop can help. The baristas know you, you see familiar faces. It's a low-stakes way to feel part of a community. I work from a cafe one morning a week just for the change of scenery and ambient human noise.
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Anonymous 24 May 2025

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Libraries often have free events, workshops, or quiet areas that can serve as a third place. It's a calm environment away from home distractions, and you're surrounded by knowledge and other people focused on their own pursuits. Plus, free Wi-Fi usually!
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Anonymous 12 Jul 2025

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Often try local cafes, libraries or coworking days. If possible schedule regular in-person meetups and virtual drop-in rooms for casual chatter. Ambient sound and little rituals help
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Accepted Answer · 2025-05-19T12:00:00+00:00

This is SO important. For me, it's about regularly visiting places that aren't home or 'work-related'. I joined a local pottery studio. Even though I WFH, going there twice a week gives me that community vibe and a total mental shift. The key is consistency and it being *outside* your home.