I recently quit my job to work from home (which is more money!!!) but my family (in particular my sister) thinks this means that I a maid who is open to do things for them. In the last two months I have babysat, went grocery shopping, typed out college papers, paid bills, and numerous other mindless tasks. While I by no means mind helping them out, I feel that they are sticking me with too many things because I don't have to go and check in at a regular 9-5. I have said no to them but if I do "I am being bitchy and unreasonable" in their eyes. I am comptiplating moving to a different city 35 miles aay just to get away from them.
2006-07-01 16:50:29 · 19 answers · asked by ohiodiva 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I think that the best way to approach this is to just tell your family that even though you are not punching a time clock, you are still working. Explain to them that you don't mind helping them out when you can but your work has to come first. You could even set hours for yourself that you cannot do things other than work. If they can't respect that then perhaps it is time to move.
2006-07-01 16:54:43 · answer #1 · answered by ♥dream_angel♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ohiodiva,
Part of the problem is that your family sees you have ultimate flex time. You can always work around an interruption, where someone who has to go into an office, really can't be disturbed.
Consider setting some ground rules with them. You work from home, but from 8-5, you are off limits. You say you need the structure so you won't be working until 11:00 pm each night, preventing burnout, working with the rest of the world, etc.\
You have to follow through, though on your position. You can't say this then play tennis at 10 am with some girlfriends, or go hit the mall at 1:00 pm on a Tuesday.
Another thing you might consider is to have a room dedicated as an office, where all you do is work. When you leave, you are either on break, or you are at play. All this is to demonstrate that you indeed have an "office" and a real job, albeit it is a room in your house.
Good luck,
C
2006-07-01 23:59:56 · answer #2 · answered by chuck_jax 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you need to lay down the law for your family. Tell them what you have said here. It is possible that they do not understand or even realize that they are treating you this way. Just let them know that even though you are working from home, you still have a job to take care of. In fact, you may even be working longer hours than 9-5 because you don't need to go anywhere. Make sure that you are firm and sure, but don;t get accusatory. Use every bit of tact that you possibly posses. Don't let your family go on the defensive. Just say what you feel and tell them that it is not okay to dump everything on you.
Hope that helps!
2006-07-01 23:59:29 · answer #3 · answered by mega_roony 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if you work from home, you still have a job and your family should respect that. I would guess that you don't bother them at their job. Move if you have too, but I think a simple sit down conversation would be better than uprooting your life. Take them out to dinner and talk to them while you are at the restaurant. Just ake sure that you are not being hateful towards them, and remember to listen to their reasons, Good luck, I hope you can work everything out.
2006-07-01 23:59:05 · answer #4 · answered by KWCHAMBER 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be adult and set the boundaries. Just say no, when working from home. I do not answer the house phone, or doorbell. I do not leave my office (my workspace in the house, except for breaks and bathroom). The door even has my office on it and family knows when it is closed, not to knock unless the house is on fire. If you stick to your guns and set hours and only work those hours, your family will begin to respect that.
If you want to continue doing the extras for your family, let them know you are an independant contractor and you expect to get paid as such. Or do it in your free time and let them know it.
Running away is not the answer. All of my family lives in different states, but with the internet, email, fax machines and cell phones we are constantly doing things for each other. In my off time, I do resumes, grants, budgets, proposals and design all kinds of training materials.
P.S. I even charge my mother, and she pays me too. We love and respect each other. She recognizes my talents.
It can work for you to!!!!
2006-07-02 00:11:51 · answer #5 · answered by Seeking 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey,
Honestly sometimes the move can be a good thing. I would say discuss it with them which you've already probably done. I know you love your family but when you are being taken advantage of put your foot down . If they still don't here you and you are in a position to move . Do whats best for you! Remember no one lives your life but you ! Good luck and look to the sky!
2006-07-01 23:56:34 · answer #6 · answered by kdizzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain-I work from home too and it was a nightmare for a while dealing with family and friends. They knew that I was at home so they felt free to drop in or call when they needed something. You have to set boundaries and let them know that you cannot be interrupted on a whim. I set up an office and when I go in there, my family knows that I am not to be disturbed.
2006-07-01 23:58:35 · answer #7 · answered by mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a very common problem for telecommuters. People think we don't do anything all day long except play on the computer. Anyway, the way I handle it is to use voicemail to handle the calls and have a separate line for business calls. If I agree (not guilted into doing something) to do something, I do it on MY schedule. They can seek other assistance if that's not good enough. It has helped tremendously to set these boundaries. Good luck to you.
2006-07-01 23:56:20 · answer #8 · answered by jd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try explaining to them your home is now your office. You make more money working at home but you need to be able to work without constant interference with having to deal with other tasks thrown at you that is not job related. State that alot of people are now working out of their homes. If they feel you are being unreasonalbe, just apologize and tell them firmly - my home if my office. this IS my job.
2006-07-01 23:55:02 · answer #9 · answered by kaykib320 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put up a sign clearly visible to all when you are 'at work'. They wouldn't bother you if your work was in another building, so they shouldn't while you are at home. However, you need to keep it professional yourself. Don't sit and file your nails or gab on the phone to friends while allegedly working. You may get them to understand and honor it.
2006-07-01 23:55:22 · answer #10 · answered by J Somethingorother 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋