You need a break……
For many years I worked in the corporate world, leaving home at 6am and arriving back at 7pm. In all of these years never once did family or friends decide to “drop in for a coffee” or ring up for a chat. They knew that I had a job to do, deadlines to hit and if they wanted to see me, would call at weekends or, in times of emergency, late evening. Fair enough.
Now I run my own business, I work from home. I probably put longer hours in than I did before. I still have work to do, I still have deadlines to hit so why is it suddenly OK to phone up at random times to tell me about the latest happenings with the pigeons in the garden, or what the chap over the road said on his way back from the shops? Why is it suddenly OK to just turn up out of the blue for a cup of coffee and a chat?
Is it because I’m not available evenings and weekends? Well yes but that’s only because I’m trying to catch up with all the work I couldn’t do during the week due to interruptions.
I got so sick of it at one point that I kept a diary and logged who phoned, who dropped round, when and for how long. By the end of the week it came to just under 8 hours! An entire working day lost.
I decided it was high time to say something, so when people phoned or arrived I would make it clear I was busy. I’m not one who likes to upset people needlessly and took the heavy hint route. I would say things like, “We’ll have to make this quick as I have a deadline to hit” to which the answer came back “Ahhh well, you need a break”. Break! I’ve had nothing but breaks! I’d rather like to do some work for a change.
After a while it became clear this wasn’t having the desired effect so, I laid it on the line, with the predictable results that they all got the hump. I was informed that I was being ridiculous. They only called a couple of times a week, how could that be a problem? They were right, if it was just them it wouldn’t be a problem but when everyone is doing the same thing it becomes insurmountable. They couldn’t see it but, the tactic worked. The only phone calls I got during the day were from clients. The only knock at the door was the postman. Peace at last.
It continued working for all of 3 months and now the calls have started again. Last week a coffee visit was made. It has to be said that nobody has yet announced I “need a break” which is probably just as well because I’m likely to explode!
I’ve discussed this with other home based Web Devs and it seems I’m not alone. Unless you have a 9-5, commute and work for “the man” then it’s not a proper job so feel free to interrupt.
Joan Rawson responds:
Posted: April 1st, 2007 at 1:33 am →
I’ve had exactly the same problem and it’s great to know I’m no the only one. I rented a managed office space and that put a stop to it. It’s because you’re at home so it’s not real to them, they think you do 5 minutes work and then get the vacuum cleaner and duster out for a bit of light housework before a leisurely lunch so they’re not actually interrupting anything important.
The biggest problem though was my ex-husband who expected me to do everything round the house as he went out to work while I stayed at home.The fact I made twice the money he did made no difference.
Mike Cherim responds:
Posted: April 2nd, 2007 at 12:05 am →
It’s a difficult concept for those on the outside looking in to wrap their brains around. Fortunately I’m remotely located so visits aren’t an issue. And when it comes to phone calls, well they can call the home phone (which I simply don’t answer). I’ll call them back when I’m off work — around 3:00am. If they complain that it’s too late to call and that they were sleeping, I just tell them they needed a break
Jaybee responds:
Posted: April 2nd, 2007 at 1:32 am →
Ooooh nice idea Mike. Let’s see, it’s now 1.30am on a Monday morning and I’m still “working”. I could call them all up to let them know I’m having a coffee break.
Joe Dolson responds:
Posted: April 2nd, 2007 at 3:19 am →
Both my girlfriend and I work from home, so we can “divide and conquer,” so to speak — that, and we have an unlisted number which we’ve only given out to a couple dozen people.
On the other hand, we do tend to interrupt each other rather frequently…
Helena Boylen responds:
Posted: April 3rd, 2007 at 11:03 am →
You need a welcome mat like the one in the photo - or one of those plastic card things that you get in hotel rooms to attach to door knobs. You know the things I mean? The ones that, translated mean - I’m stark naked so this is a good time to barge in and clean the room.
You could attach it to the door with “Bugger Off I’m Busy” or “Jaybee can’t come to the door right now, please try later (much later)” or “Don’t you have a life?”
I think I’ve just had a brilliant new business idea…
Jaybee responds:
Posted: April 3rd, 2007 at 11:25 am →
Joe, so what are we saying here? That I need to get a girlfriend!!!!!!!?
Helena, funnily enough I used to have one of those doormats but somebody stole it. If the business takes off, kindly remember who gave you the idea. My cut is a very reasonable 10%.
Gui responds:
Posted: April 4th, 2007 at 1:01 am →
Dear jb
first of all, congratulations on this most elegant space! My, I am even reconsidering my attire for the day! I will go home and put on my Barbour Beaufort, my corduroy slacks and a nice wool sweater! Sort of getting in the country hunting attire!
I understand you perfectly! Same thing here! I had to rent up a little office space in order to get the job done. If it wasn’t one fried or relative, it was the cable guy, the trash guy, etc.
If I worked for so many years in corporations and everyone respected my time, why do they think it;s not real work when I am at home? Mind you, I wouldn’t mind being interrupted for a little ‘afternoon delight’ but that never happens!!! Actually, I was more ‘requested’ by my co-workers when I was at the office
That is why I enjoy this environment! I can chat with ex-corporate who understand me and share similar thoughts
Steve responds:
Posted: April 11th, 2007 at 4:23 pm →
Hi JB
I started reading your blog, instead of working…. must stop doing things like that or I’ll never get anything done!! I really know what you mean about friends and relatives phoning and popping in for a chat now you’re not “working”!!!! My dad is the worst, never called me for weeks on end when
I was employed, now I’m self-employed (or in his eyes at home and available!) he calls three times a day!!
JBVoices » National Homeworking Day responds:
Posted: May 18th, 2007 at 9:21 am →
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