"You aren't really working."

by Debbie LaCroix | More from this Blogger

08 Jan 2007 02:36 PM

Do you ever feel like others don't feel as if you are really working? Often times, spouses, friends and family do not understand what it is we really do and that we actually do get a paycheck.

Often my mom calls do go out to lunch or shopping and I'm in the middle of writing with a deadline or getting ready to tutor and I have to say "no". She's always annoyed. Or she'll call when I'm in the middle of something or on the other line with a team member or potential hostess.

Or my husband will be sitting there playing while I'm in the middle of an article or mailing, and the kids want something. He'll look at me.

Actually, now both my mom and husband are very supportive, but they still forget at times.

Set office hours. When your family is home, set hours and assign your spouse to the kids. Have them written down so he can not say "I forgot." If he is getting ready to head out the door, tell him not to forget the kids. I also let my mom know ahead of time when I won't be available.

Set family hours. Some work we can be constantly doing. I'm no longer allowed to take calls during dinner. Often we leave the house to go do family activities so my computer is not calling to me. I also focus on giving my family an hour in the evening. When the kids are home, I need to set aside time for them as well.

Show your family your check. Seeing is believing. When you get your first check, make a huge deal of it! If you can, take your spouse on a date. When he sees you really are contributing that will help.

Find another place in the house to work. If you need quiet or to give 100% concentration, find a place in the house where you can work away from prying eyes and clingy hands. That way when you go to your "office", everyone knows you are out of the loop.

Don't answer the phone. If friends and family are distracting, let the machine take it and call them afterwards. Let them know you are sorry you missed them but you were working. Now be sure to call them back or your friends will think you are ignoring them.

After time, they will take you more seriously. Just remember to treat it like an out of home job in your dedication and commitment and everyone else will begin to follow.

Learn more about Debbie LaCroix

Debbie is a work at home mom to two active boys. She is the owner of http://www.passiontosuccess.com, a website that offers tools , information, job listings and a message board to help you succeed.

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