Mr. FF has worked remotely for many many years, with a couple of different companies. We always had an office in our home for him wherever we lived. In earlier years, he would travel to locations that needed his expertise, but when he was in town, it wasn’t necessary to go into an office. He has always been a self starter.
Fast forward to 2019 when he started his latest job. The company he works for now has commonly had remote workers. They were ahead of the game when the pandemic hit.
After having watched this for the better part of 20+ years, here’s how it works, at least for us.
Have a designated space for work, and set a reasonable schedule that you can live with. Stick to it unless there are very unusual circumstances that cause you to alter that.
My husband sometimes gets caught up in his work. He’s always been this way. He doesn’t like to let his boss down, bit he has learned over the years that it’s not right to cheat his family either.
Now when it’s quitting time, and I don’t hear him shutting down, I use an old recording of The Three Stooges that says, “How ‘bout a beer? … Why soitenly!” Sound of a beer being poured. Hubby hears and gives a quick chuckle. He knows it’s quitting time. It’s just a gentle reminder that tomorrow is another day, and his work will be waiting for him in the morning.
It took us many years of trial and error to get to this congenial method. I don’t bother him during his work day, unless it’s urgent. He takes a break here and there to stretch his legs. When evening comes, we take a walk together to transition from work day to home life. He often tells me about his day, the good, the bad, and the mundane. I let him know what’s going on in my world. We discuss dinner and maybe future activities that are on our calendar.
We have a really great work/home life balance. We feel very blessed.
Have a designated space for work, and set a reasonable schedule that you can live with. Stick to it unless there are very unusual circumstances that cause you to alter that.