Maggie commented on a recent post asking for strategies to deal with people who don't understand that working at home means you can't just drop everything and visit.
Sometimes, the guilty parties aren't neighbors or friends from across town. They are our soul mates and children!
It may take some time to convince your significant other that working at home does NOT mean you have time to drop the car off to be serviced and run other errands.
Establish a signal (a red scarf tied to a doorknob, etc.) so kids know if you're working on something that can't be disturbed or if you're available to hear the details of their day at school.
Setting parameters and employing a few simple strategies can help you teach others to respect your work at home schedule.
Is there a "safe" time when you know you won't be working? If so, tell neighbors and friends you'd love to visit with them then. If your "schedule" has a habit of spilling over to nights and weekends like mine does, gently explain that you'll get back to them as soon as you have a moment to call your own.
Invest in an answering machine (remembering to tape a professional message just in case you get THE call from an agent/editor/publisher) or get caller ID so you don't have to interrupt the flow of words to answer the phone. Either strategy will ensure you don't miss an urgent call from a family member.
Standing up for yourself and setting parameters will help others understand and respect what it means to work at home. There's another important benefit too ... YOU may wind up with an enhanced respect for your own work schedule!
May the Muse be kind!!
Susanne Rose
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/28-How2-SellPersonalStories.html
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/lucki-in-love-p-342.html
Lucki In Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/the-christmas-promise-p-315.html
"The Christmas Promise," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette
Keep the spirit of the holidays going strong and take advantage of this bonus offer: Just send an e-mail to the author: Susannerose@wildrosepublishing.com with “The Christmas Promise” in the Subject Line. You’ll have to read the story first so you can identify the secret recipe when you send your e-mail. Santa will send you a copy of the secret recipe.
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/forever-love-p-248.html "Forever Love," a Wild Rose Press Champagne Rosette
"Adjusting Entries," coming soon in: http://www.lldreamspell.com/RomanceofmyDreams.html
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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2 comments:
Great post, Susanne!
My problem is I make little money from my published books, so my husband complains about my time spent on computer rather I'm writing or promoting. When I had a temporary job though and had a regular check, I received respect and he appreciated my job. He's retired, by the way.
But hopefully, the royalty checks will start coming in on a regular basis and he'll realize my hard work is paying off financially!
Have a terrific weekend!
Diane -
Someimes, it's a guy brick wall communicaion problem ... BUT if you're lucky (and can catch your husband at a receptive moment) explain that the time you spend at the computer is an investment in a wonderful future for both of you!
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