Work at Home
Working at home is an interesting concept.
Or maybe I should say working from home. We all work at home, don't we? But when one is doing work which is not actually related to the home itself or the family you're really working while at home, or working from home. But I digress... What I really wanted to talk about was this:
When you work at home you feel divided. You spend the time you are working thinking about all the home stuff that you need to do. You think about what to make for dinner as you send an email. You wonder if the laundry is dry yet while you make a phone call. If you're computer is positioned in a spot like mine is right now, you stare at the dirty dishes while you organize some paperwork.
When you are doing the home stuff you think about the work you need to get done. While you make dinner, you think about the email you just sent - or need to send. While you fold the laundry, you think about the phone call you just made - or need to make. And if your computer is positioned in a spot like mine is now, you stare at it while you load the dishwasher and think about... Well, you get the picture.
I don't remember this being much of an issue when I worked out of the home. Maybe it was and I've just allowed myself to block out that particular memory. I'm sure there's a balance in there somewhere. A way to shut down the work side of the brain while focusing on the home side, and vice verse. I just haven't gotten the hang of it.
Or maybe I should say working from home. We all work at home, don't we? But when one is doing work which is not actually related to the home itself or the family you're really working while at home, or working from home. But I digress... What I really wanted to talk about was this:
When you work at home you feel divided. You spend the time you are working thinking about all the home stuff that you need to do. You think about what to make for dinner as you send an email. You wonder if the laundry is dry yet while you make a phone call. If you're computer is positioned in a spot like mine is right now, you stare at the dirty dishes while you organize some paperwork.
When you are doing the home stuff you think about the work you need to get done. While you make dinner, you think about the email you just sent - or need to send. While you fold the laundry, you think about the phone call you just made - or need to make. And if your computer is positioned in a spot like mine is now, you stare at it while you load the dishwasher and think about... Well, you get the picture.
I don't remember this being much of an issue when I worked out of the home. Maybe it was and I've just allowed myself to block out that particular memory. I'm sure there's a balance in there somewhere. A way to shut down the work side of the brain while focusing on the home side, and vice verse. I just haven't gotten the hang of it.
I know exactly what you mean. But what's funny now, now that I look back on my younger life as a stay-home-mommy, life seemed easier to manage, even if I was busy cleaning and cooking and changing diapers all day long! Now that I have no little children, I can't seem to manage my time was well. Maybe it's harder when others (adults and bigger kids) are living with us. And maybe it is because I am older, too. I am always so very tired. Sigh! :)
ReplyDeleteGood post, Becky!
~Virginia
Of course we're tired now that our kids are older... they wore us out with all that cleaning, cooking, and changing diapers. LOL
DeleteActually, that was very interesting to read that you found it easier to manage your time when the kids were little.
Enjoyed reading your post.
ReplyDeleteThanx :)
DeleteI work from home, been doing so for the past 14 years or so. It takes discipline but the type of work I do (medical transcription) I had a turnaround time that I had to meet so I had to stay focused. Now I work for a national company with set hours that I have to clock in and clock out for with daily production goals so I don't think about the laundry or the housework, etc. 8:30 to 5 is my work schedule and during that time (minus 30 minutes for lunch), I work. Maybe you can block out definite times that you are at work and think of clocking in and out during that time in your mind to be more productive.
ReplyDeletebetty
Thanks Betty. I do try to schedule a block of time when I am "at work". I don't feel it's so much a productivity thing as just a focus thing. I'm pretty bad about that anyway, thinking about one thing while doing another.
Delete