Remote work with 4yo constantly interrupting - how do you actually get stuff done? | DadHQ

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Remote work with 4yo constantly interrupting - how do you actually get stuff done?

1w ago·1 min read

Been working from home for 8 months now and I feel like I'm failing at both. My son is 4 and my wife works nights as a nurse, so I'm supposed to be "watching" him while also on Zoom calls with my team. Yesterday I literally had to mute myself mid-presentation because he decided to scream about his dinosaur action figure. My manager hasn't said anything but I know he noticed. Anyone figured out a system that actually works? Daycare isn't really an option rn financially.

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Comments(5)

GGreg W.Regular1w ago

I did this for a year and honestly the constant context-switching was making me worse at my actual job AND worse at parenting. Finally had to tell my manager 'these are my available hours and interruptions will happen' and weirdly they were chill about it

MMatt J.Regular1w ago

8 months in and you're still pretending this is sustainable. You can't do two full-time jobs simultaneously. Something's gotta give - either your work hours shift, your wife's schedule changes, or you find childcare. Pick two out of three

KKent R.Regular1w ago

Can you shift your schedule to work during his nap time? Obviously depends on his nap routine but if he's still going down for 1-2 hours that's legit working time

BBen D.Regular1w ago

You're not failing at both, you're just succeeding at neither which is different lol. But real talk - your company knows you have a 4yo at home right? That should change expectations during certain hours

NNate C.New Dad1w ago

The 'supposed to be watching him while on calls' part is the problem. You can do either/or but not both well. Even just admitting that to yourself helps - then you can actually plan around it instead of feeling guilty