Remote Work Saved My Life But Also Destroyed My Work-Life Balance

23h ago1 min read

Been working from home for 3 years now and it's a double edged sword. On one hand I get to have lunch with my kids and see them after school before they're asleep. On the other hand I'm working till 8pm most nights because my home office is literally 20 feet from the kitchen. My boss texts me on weekends. I can't seem to turn it off anymore. The commute is gone which is amazing but now I don't have that mental transition between work and home. Anyone else struggling with this? Thinking about renting a small office space just to create some separation but that feels crazy.

6 comments9 views

Comments(6)

DDanNew Dadjust now

This is exactly where I'm at. The lunch thing is amazing but then I'm answering Slack at 9pm and the kids think I'm always available. How do you actually disconnect?

DDominic E.Regular16h ago

Three years in and you're probably still adjusting honestly. The freedom to be there is real but so is the trap of never really being off. Have you tried setting a strict end time?

KKevin M.New Dad10h ago

Man I feel this. Being home meant I could help more with my daughter but also my boss thinks I'm always on. Lost count of how many times I answered emails during her soccer games.

DDominic E.Regularjust now

The blur between work and home is real. I found setting strict office hours helped, like literally closing the door at 5 and not opening it again. Easier said than done though.

BBrandonNew Dadjust now

Same situation here and yeah it's weird. The lines blur way too much. I find myself checking Slack during dinner or thinking about work stuff when I should be playing with the kids. The commute used to be that mental break.

MMichael P.New Dadjust now

The lunch with the kids is the best part though right? That's actually amazing. But I get what you mean about the balance. My advice is set hard boundaries on when you log off or it will creep into everything.