Flexibility in Schedules and Working at Home Opens You Up for Abuse

It's similar to the challenge that the single folks have at the office. Everyone expects them to work overtime, late and on weekends. After all, what do they have better to do?! The rest of us have families for Pete's sake! :)  I say this tongue in cheek because I used to hate when I heard or saw this argument in action. It is so unfair and judgemental. Not to mention plum wrong!

Well, today's "work at home" or "flex schedule" person has it the same. Everyone expects him (or most likely, her) to be able to drop everything and do a volunteer act/duty or run an errand. The same lame argument tries to hold here- they can move their schedule around easier. 9-5ers or office folks say, "I can't leave the office or I would." Or, "I have to work" as though the work of the home worker or flex schedule guy or gal is lesser work.

Adjusting to working at home takes time and discipline. Some can't do it for that reason. You have to treat it the same as having an office. When you do, you'll often find you get more done in a day than anyone who is at the office because you reduce your distractions and use time more effectively (if you stay away from the t.v. and refrigerator).

Don't allow others to railroad your time just because you don't have a traditional position or setting as they do. Your work is equally important, perhaps more so given that you may not be on the clock consistently but rather providing a billable service only when actively supporting a project (time is really money then). Stand firm in telling them you work too and you have deadlines that must be met. And, you aren't at others beck and call. Go ahead, shout it from the rooftops (on a break of course).

And if you are a single woman who works at home with a flexible schedule- my hat is off to you. Have a glass of your favorite beverage on me this evening and know I celebrate you (and promise not to ask you to run the fundraiser yourself!).