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Remote work saving my sanity but my wife thinks I'm always available

JoeRegular

Jun 10·1 min read

Been working from home for 18 months now and honestly it's been great for being present with the kids. I can eat lunch with them, help with homework when stuff gets crazy. But my wife seems to think that because I'm home I should be able to help with everything during the day. Like she'll ask me to do laundry or pick up the house while I'm literally in meetings. I've tried explaining that I'm still working but it's not sinking in. Anyone else dealing with this?

3 comments127 views

Comments(3)

MMarkRegularJun 12

I had this exact problem. What saved me was literally closing a door - having a dedicated workspace separate from family space. And being really explicit with my wife about when I'm actually available vs when I'm heads-down. The guilt of 'I'm home so I should help' took real work to get past.

BBrandonRegularJun 12

The 'always available' perception is rough. Your wife might not fully get that you're still working just because you're physically there. Maybe it helps to explain that you have actual deadlines and meetings even if you're not in an office. Setting boundaries helps both of you.

MMarco R.RegularJun 12

This is such a real tension. Being home is great for being present but it erases the boundary between work and family for a lot of people and for our partners. Have you tried setting specific office hours with your wife - like no work after 5 or whatever works for you? Even just telling her 'I'm in work mode now' and 'I'm done at this time' makes a huge difference.