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My elder daughter said to me last night, she doesn't know how I can bear to work from home. And I have friends who are really battling to separate home and work, so in case those Forbes articles about getting up and getting dressed aren't helping, here's some advice.
Because I've been doing this for 20+ years, through kids and all kinds of upheaval, so I'm here to tell you that it's possible. But it's only possible if you have boundaries. Boundaries are everything.
First, physical boundaries. If you have the space, put your home office in its own room. You need to be able to 'go to work' and 'come home'. And you only go in there when it's office hours. The rest of the time, close the door.
If you don't have the space for a separate room, and you're working on the dining room or kitchen table, or similar, get a large blanket. At the end of the day, throw it over that workspace. And then the blanket only comes off when it's office hours the next day.
Second, mental/emotional boundaries. Do not answer emails after hours. Do not answer texts or instant messages after emails. Put your phone away, or turn off the notifications. Have some self-discipline - you are teaching other people how to treat you.
Unless you are an emergency physician or some other medical specialist, it is probably not a matter of life and death, and can be taken care of in the morning. You are entitled to have some time off, and to relax and connect with your family, your hamster, or whatever.
If things are sent at five to closing time, with the subtext that you are required to work overnight, respond with an acknowledgement of receipt and the promise that you will prioritise it when you're back at work the next morning, or on Monday morning.
If you get spluttering emails, simply respond to them the next morning, during office hours. "I'm so sorry - I don't check my emails after hours. I will prioritise this today." Do it often enough, and you will start getting emails, as I do, from clients that say ...
"I know you don't work after hours or on weekends, so could you please have a look at this when you're in the office."
I cannot stress this enough: YOU TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO TREAT YOU.
I cannot stress this enough: YOU TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO TREAT YOU.
If you keep answering after hours and leaping into action when it's not your boss or client's time, they will learn that it's okay to abuse them. You have no one to blame but yourself.
It requires a little discipline, and a kind but firm tone, but it's doable.
It requires a little discipline, and a kind but firm tone, but it's doable.
And the, when it's working hours, step away from social media, and do your damn work.
Shut off all the distractions (I know kids are at home and you can't always) but as far as possible, work in blocks, and apply bum glue so you can get things done.
Shut off all the distractions (I know kids are at home and you can't always) but as far as possible, work in blocks, and apply bum glue so you can get things done.
Clients and bosses are not the people who control your "off switch" - you are. Turn the damn thing off. Exercise some self-discipline.
Because the upside is that when you give yourself time and space to rest and recharge, YOU WORK BETTER AND FASTER AND CAN BE MORE CREATIVE.
Because the upside is that when you give yourself time and space to rest and recharge, YOU WORK BETTER AND FASTER AND CAN BE MORE CREATIVE.
Taking time off, setting boundaries with yourself and others, and working when it's work time, will actually make you better at what you do and help you to get more things done.
I know because I've tried it both way, and had the burnout to prove it.
Here endeth the #WFH thread.
I know because I've tried it both way, and had the burnout to prove it.
Here endeth the #WFH thread.
