Been working from home for 2 years now and it's great for flexibility but my family doesn't understand that I'm actually working. Wife keeps asking me to pick up stuff during the day, kids constantly interrupt me for snacks and help with homework. I love being home but how do you guys set boundaries without seeming like a jerk? I feel like I'm not doing either job well right now.
I feel this. Working from home made me think I could do both but that's not fair to anyone. Having a closed door policy during work hours changed everything.
This is the hardest part of WFH honestly. I've had to literally close my door and tell my kids I'm at work even though I'm 20 feet away. Took a while but now they get it. Might help to have a physical boundary or set specific times you can interrupt.
Yeah the guilt is real when you're physically there but can't help. But honestly your kids will understand when they're older that you were working. Just make sure the off hours are truly theirs.
This is the remote work trap right here. Set boundaries hard. My family took months to understand that my office door being closed means I'm actually working, not just sitting in there available to them.
The expectation thing is real. They see you there and think you have unlimited access. Might be worth sitting down with your family and setting clear working hours so everyone's on the same page.
Split custody has taught me that boundaries are everything. You need to be clear about when you're available and when you're not. No one's a mind reader.
I struggled with this too. The thing that finally worked was treating work hours the same as if I was in an office - same start time, same break schedule, everything. Made it real for them instead of this weird thing where dad is home but not really available.
This is the hardest part of remote work honestly. I had to basically set office hours and tell my wife I'm not available during them. Took some time for everyone to adjust but it's better now.
The blur between work and home is real. You might need to physically separate your space more or have a clear schedule you share with them.
Sign in to join the conversation.
You gotta train them. When you're working you're working. I had to literally tell my kids multiple times that just because I'm home doesn't mean I'm on their schedule. It sucks but the message eventually sticks.