Posted at October 6, 2009
Here's Kelly McCausey's guest post. Enjoy!
I don't know why it is, but it seems that people who work at home
like to complain about it.
Have you ever noticed that?
To be honest - it sort of grates on my nerves.
Here are some complaints I've read on blogs and social networks:
"What I hate about working at home is that people call me to run
errands for them."
Yeah, this can be a bummer. I work at home in my pajamas several
days a week. Errands mean getting dressed! But, you can and
should look for a way to leverage this favor into an opportunity.
("Sure, how about a little quid pro quo? I'll get around, head out
and pick up that ____ for you - if you'll watch the kids for me
this Saturday morning for a few hours?)
Favors go both way, remember?
"I hate that the kids are always under my feet when I'm trying to
work."
Most of us had pretty pictures in our minds about working at home.
We'd work in peace while our children napped or played quietly in
the next room or for a few hours after they went to bed. And then
reality hit home with the first earache or snow day.
There's never as many quiet hours in the home as we'd like and I
understand that. I really do. But I especially hate to hear this
complaint from work at home moms. Most of them desperately wanted
to work at home to BE with their kids - so to then whine and fuss
about it when it happens? That's just sad.
"I can't stand how my mom thinks she can just call and talk to me
any old time."
Hey, moms understand a schedule as well as anybody. Just let her
know a good time to call you and explain your need for focus. It's
not rocket science.
"What bugs me about working at home is that my neighbor thinks she
can just stop by for coffee."
Oh the horror!
Resist the Temptation to Complain
Next time you're tempted to complain about working at home - please
stop yourself!
What you like or dislike about any situation is mostly in your own
head. When you want something bad enough, you look past the little
quirks and annoyances. When you forget what's really important,
you'll find yourself putting a magnifying glass on every little
distraction.
The funny thing about working at home is that it's freaking
GREAT!
I love it that I can run an errand for a friend when they ask.
I love that while I'm working I can pause anytime and pay attention
to my son.
I love it that I can take a call from my mom or anyone else anytime
I like.
And - I would seriously love it if a neighbor stopped by
for coffee 
Guest post by Kelly McCausey, host of Work at Home Moms Talk Radio
(http://www.wahmtalkradio.com) and long-time product contributor and
supporter of The Wonderful WAHumor Internet Marketing Giveaway for
Autism Research, now live!
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Comments
8 Responses to “The Funny Thing about Working at Home”
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Dan, thanks for letting me make a guest appearance on your blog – and for calling me a goddess
I did forget one thing though – if someone is planning to stop by for coffee, they better bring some! ROFL!
I just call ‘em like I know ‘em, Kelly.
I hear ya on the whole coffee issue. Danish and donuts are optional, but they better have coffee!
Dan
Hey Kelly, very cute! I personally used to DREAM about not being at work and being home. I love every minute of it. If I could think of just one complaint it would be the tv blaring when the kids get home from school.
This is fun, Kelly and getting a good message across. Shall stick it in my subconcious for those moments when I have my complaints.
I have to admit, I love the ability to be interrupted too most of the time. But then I’m also pretty good at telling adults when I’m just too busy. They do understand.
Kids… well, they’re why I’m here. Even when it’s frustrating it’s better than working outside the home and not being able to help them.
I’m with Stephanie. I tell adults when I’m busy and they are pretty understanding. Kids are why I’m here, though mine are almost grown. However, I do love that I can get up and make my daughter’s lunch still, see her off and be here when she gets home. This is the last year of having kids in school for me, so, I’m savoring every moment.
My biggest complaint is that my family sometimes forgets I’m working too! They think because I’m home now that the vacuuming, dishes and laundry are all mine. NOT!!!
I agree with you on all points Kelly. Being free to be able to do those things sets us apart from those who have the 9-5. I love the freedom to give attention to the important stuff in life without a job getting in the way. People need other people and since most others are working outside the home it is good to be able to be there when someone needs me.
Adults can be pretty understanding if you let them know that you are not available right that minute.
Hi Kelly,
First, an introduction. Nicole Dean is my daughter, so I have seen your name quite often. I dreamed of working from home, getting out of a job that I didn’t want to go to anymore. With the help of Nicole, I am now able to work at home as a writer and va. It’s wonderful! The freedom is so invigorating!
With that said, I’d like to thank you for bringing up those complaints. I really enjoyed reading your post because you really nailed it!
So, I am a WAHG (that’s grandma) so I don’t have to put up with the whole kids-at-home thing, just a couple cats and a hubby that bugs me sometimes.
There are always going to be whiners. But, with that said, I must tell you that the examples of complaints you listed hit a nerve with me, maybe because I’m older, but Lord, don’t these people know the precious gift they have? I actually teared up at some of those complaints.
You see, I would give anything to have back the time I missed with my daughter while I worked outside at an office. And now she’s grown up.
And, I would give anything to have back the time I missed with my mother while I was at work. And, now she’s gone, and it’s too late.
So, when I hear these complaints about kids interrupting and mom calling, I think of the loss that these people will feel if they don’t get their priorities straight.
Yes, you have to work and you have to set limits. And, Mom will understand when you say “can I call ya back?” She’s a smart woman – after all, she raised a smart person, didn’t she?
Okay, so the complaints touched a nerve with me. Probably because I have a different perspective than the young mother or dad trying to work from home. I have the luxury of hindsight. And I’m here to say, no, warn the complainers out there:
The Days Are Long, But The Years Are Short.
These complainers better embrace what they have and take a deep breath. Because, in the blink of an eye, it will no longer matter. That’s my speech for the day. Thanks for reading.
And thanks, Kelly, for the GREAT read. It really touched me in a strange way, as you can tell. I guess I have no tolerance for complainers because I know what is at stake.