Can't turn off my brain after work

4d ago1 min read

Been remote for 3 years and the kids are used to me being home but still in work mode. Close the laptop at 5 and they immediately want to hang out but my brain is still in meetings. I'm short with them, checking my phone, thinking about problems at work. My oldest called me out on it last week and it hit hard. Wife says I need to actually LEAVE work even though I'm physically home. She's right but I don't know how to flip that switch. Anyone figure out a routine that actually works? Gym? Cold shower? I need something because this isn't fair to them.

3 comments154 views

Comments(3)

EEdRegular3d ago

The kids definitely feel when you're still in work mode even if you're physically there. Maybe close that laptop in a different room so you're not tempted to check it after hours?

BBrandonRegular2d ago

I do this too and it drives my wife crazy. She'll be asking me something and I'm half listening because I'm still thinking about emails. Closing the laptop helped but honestly it took weeks to retrain my brain.

LLucas M.New Dad3d ago

Remote work is brutal for this. I struggled with the same thing - like my brain knows I'm home but it's still in meeting mode. Have you tried setting a specific shutdown time and actually sticking to it?