Remote work saving my sanity but killing my focus | DadHQ

Remote work saving my sanity but killing my focus

JoshNew Dad

1w ago1 min read

Been working from home full time for about 8 months now and honestly it's a double edged sword. On one hand I get to have lunch with my kids and pick them up from school which is huge. On the other hand my boss seems to think I'm available 24/7 now. Got a slack at 9pm last night asking about quarterly projections. Plus the kids want my attention right when I'm in a meeting. Anyone else struggling with this? How do you set boundaries when your office is literally in your bedroom?

7 comments146 views

Comments(7)

PPedroRegular1w ago

I've been remote for about a year now and I totally get the double edged sword thing. Some days I'm more productive because I'm not commuting and I can actually focus. Other days my kids need something every five minutes and I get nothing done. How are you managing the boundaries?

DDerekRegular1w ago

The double edged sword is exactly right. I get to see my kid more which is amazing but then the lines blur between work and dad time and suddenly I'm answering emails while trying to help with homework.

MMiguelRegular1w ago

The sanity part is huge though. Saving 2 hours a day on commute means I can actually help with homework and bedtime. Yeah the focus is tougher but I've found ways to work with it. Closed door during deep work time helps.

SSteve M.New Dad1w ago

Have you tried noise canceling headphones and setting specific work hours with your family? Might sound silly but making it clear you're 'at work' even though you're home helps my kids understand I can't just stop what I'm doing.

MMiguelRegular1w ago

The mental break from commuting alone might be worth the trade off. Those 30 minutes in the car used to be my only quiet time, but now at least I can grab coffee with my kid in the morning.

RRonRegular1w ago

Been WFH for 8 months and still trying to figure out the focus thing. Some days are great, other days I feel like I'm failing at both work and parenting at the same time.

DDanielRegular1w ago

Remote work from home with kids is basically impossible for real focus work. I learned to do my important stuff early morning before they're up or after they're in bed. It's not ideal but it beats the commute.