Do you work from home? Even if you don’t, read on for a good chuckle and some great tips on balancing home and work.
work remotely at least once a week.
I work from home and I love it. I love the flexibility, the financial savings, and the comfort of being in my own home.
But there are definitely challenges to working remotely and at least once a week, I daydream of what it would feel like to work out of the house. With the distractions, the noise, the pull to do things non work related… and the kids.
Ooooh, the kids…
My youngest son knows well enough that if Mom’s office door is closed when he comes home from school, then I am either finishing up with a client or on a client call. Either way, he will get himself a snack and begin his homework.
Now normally I don’t book people during the hour my son is arriving home so that I can spend time with him and help with homework. But this particular afternoon, Natalie was in my office because of an earlier reschedule.
Before I go further, let me create a visual image of our coaching session for you:
I have a lovely office with an attached bathroom – very convenient. This bathroom also has a connecting door that allows you to enter from the main hall. Natalie and I are sitting comfortably in my office, talking, sharing, brainstorming, taking notes, etc. Spring sunlight is shining through the window. My aromatherapy diffuser is misting both Clarity and Acceptance oils. Ambient music is playing softly in the background… you get the idea. Our space is a haven of peace, healing, and creativity.
Until – reality bites, I mean strikes!
My son throws open the side door (I heard it hit the wall behind it), drops his backpack on the floor, stampedes through the kitchen into the hallway and then on into the bathroom and slams the door shut. Of course, I’m thinking, “Oh dear lord, please make him quiet down. Why is he being so loud?!”
If only that was the end to this “work from home” mom’s story. HA HA!
Not only did he run in like an elephant but he proceeded to pee like one, too! Yep. All of sudden, you hear the seat go up (thwack!) and
piiiishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
And it kept going and going…
Well, I look at Natalie. Natalie looks at me. And we both burst out laughing. We pull ourselves together until we hear the toilet flush… and then we’re rolling in laughter again!
I’m overtaken by embarrassment and giggles and I apologize… like seventeen times…
Natalie doesn’t have kids but thankfully, she does have a good sense of humor! Natalie said it was really funny and insisted it was all no big deal.
So grateful I have the best clients EVER!
Listen, balancing your home and career can be a challenge. No joke! So, how do you allocate your time between personal and professional responsibilities? How can you focus on conference calls when you’re surrounded by loud noises, bathroom blunders, and dirty laundry?
Learn how to set priorities and reduce distractions whether you’re new to remote working or you moved out of your cubicle years ago. Use these tips for staying peaceful and productive when you work from home.
Steps to Take by Yourself:
- Follow a schedule. Set a start and end time for your day. Tackle your most challenging tasks during the hours when you’re at your peak. When it’s time to quit for the day, leave your job behind.
- Design an office. Designate a separate space for business. It could be a whole room or a corner in your dining room. Decorate your space with pictures, art, and objects that you find inspirational and uplifting.
- Change clothes. You may not want to wear a suit and tie but changing out of your pajamas will help you to feel more professional. And when you feel more professional, you’ll speak and act more professionally, as well. Hang up your bath robe and get dressed each morning.
- Limit distractions. Do you waste time watching TV or checking social media? Ban leisure activities during business hours except during break times.
- Take breaks. Speaking of breaks, take them. You’ll be more productive if you refresh your mind and body periodically.
- Wind down. Do something at the end of each day to help you transition into an off-duty mindset. You might listen to classical music or take a walk in the park. Getting into “comfy” clothes or just taking off your shoes may be enough to shift your focus. If you have a pet, spend a few minutes with them. Animals have amazing powers to help us humans re-center and relax!
- Get organized. Create routines and systems that encourage efficiency. Buy a cabinet for your office supplies. Use an online calendar to block out your time.
- Continue learning. Career development matters whether you work at your dining room table or in a corner office. Take a course online or order a catalog for the adult education program at a local university. Read industry publications and general business news.
- Evaluate your performance. Conduct your own job evaluations. Look for ways to increase quality, save time, and manage stress. Update your strategy as your goals evolve.
Steps to Take with Your Family, Friends and Colleagues:
- Talk with your boss. It will be easier to balance your life when you and your boss agree on overall expectations. Negotiate the flexibility you need to succeed.
- Post your hours. Ensure your boss and coworkers know the hours that you’re available. Discuss arrangements for how to deal with emergencies that occur outside of those times.
- Go out for lunch. Your midday meal is a daily opportunity to stay connected while you work at home. Plan a weekly date at a local cafe to catch up with your office friends or other employees who work from home.
- Remain visible. Make business lunches and other events part of your strategy for cultivating your network. Show up at the office on a regular basis for staff meetings, birthday parties, and other gatherings. Volunteer at the local chapter of your professional association.
- Pull together. A strong support network helps you to build your confidence and accomplish more. Ask your family and friends for the emotional and practical assistance you need. Let them know how much you appreciate them and pitch in when they need a hand too.
And as far as preventing future “pee pee predicaments”, my solution to that is Post It Notes! I now leave a note on the side door that reads, “SHHHH, MOM’S IN SESSION – XOXO”
It let’s my son know what I need (See #5 above) and it’s a simple reminder to use a different bathroom!
P.S. If you’re struggling with creating balance in your life, please reach out and schedule a complementary consultation. Let’s get clear on what’s really going on for you and what’s holding you back. If you want clarity, vision, and inspiration, then this is the call for you!
