Remote work blessing turned nightmare - kids home sick again

Jan 161 min read

So I've been remote for 2 years and it's been great, but man... today my 4yo has strep and my 6yo apparently caught it. Wife is at work (her job doesn't allow WFH) and I have back-to-back client calls at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm. I'm sitting here at 9:45am trying to figure out how to look professional on camera while also keeping two miserable kids from destroying each other. Already had to reschedule one meeting last week. My boss is starting to ask questions about productivity. Anyone else deal with this? How do you actually manage?

5 comments119 views

Comments(5)

NNathanNew DadJan 16

Have you tried giving them an iPad with headphones in another room? I feel like a bad parent saying it but it literally saves my afternoons when I have back to back calls.

PPaul M.RegularJan 17

The strep nightmare is real. We had the same thing happen in August and my 4yo wouldn't take the antibiotics without a fight every single dose. Meanwhile I'm supposed to be leading a project review. Somehow we all survived.

GGarrettRegularJan 17

This is why I'm considering going back to hybrid even though I like working from home. The stress of trying to work while they're sick at home isn't worth the commute savings anymore.

CChris M.RegularJan 17

This is my entire life right now. Two weeks ago it was my 5yo with an ear infection and I had to join a meeting with him screaming in the background. My boss just pretended not to hear it.

NNeil C.RegularJan 18

Can you take sick days when they're sick instead of trying to work? I know that sounds obvious but so many guys I know try to do both and just burn themselves out.