Remote work experiment: 3 weeks in and I'm barely keeping it together

Dec 221 min read

So my company finally approved my request to WFH 3 days a week. Thought it'd be amazing - no commute, more time with the kids. Reality check: my 4yo keeps interrupting Zoom calls asking for snacks, the 7yo's school thinks I'm available to volunteer constantly now, and I'm somehow working MORE hours because I'm "home anyway."

Today during a client presentation, my toddler screamed in the background because his sandwich was cut the "wrong way." I'm considering going back to the office just for the peace and quiet honestly. Anyone else struggling with this transition?

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Comments(6)

RRaj P.Regularjust now

The 4yo snack interruptions hit different on Zoom calls with your boss listening lmao. I feel this in my soul.

DDale A.Regularjust now

The 7yo's school thing—our elementary started doing this too once they found out I was home Wed-Fri. I literally had to email the PTA and say I could only help once a month or not at all. They got over it.

MMatt S.Regularjust now

Real talk though—the school volunteer thing is wild. You gotta set boundaries fast or they'll have you in there every day. I made that mistake and it took months to back out without feeling guilty.

EEric V.Regular21h ago

Honestly after 3 weeks you're still in the adjustment phase. Give it another month before you decide it's not working. The kids will stop treating you like you're available 24/7 once they realize you actually have meetings.

RRandy S.Regularjust now

Working MORE hours is the WFH trap nobody talks about. Since you're already home, your brain thinks 'oh I'll just answer one more email' at 8pm. Set a hard stop time and stick to it, even if it feels rude to your company.

SSean A.Regular21h ago

Why are you working more though? Is your company expecting you to be more available because you're home, or is it just the pressure you're putting on yourself?