Work At Home Sanctuary

 

Work At Home Sanctuary

 

Home duties – I’m here but I’m not

 

Your home is your sanctuary, your safe place, a place where you can be you in a relaxed, non-threatening environment. But, when you work at home is it really a sanctuary?

Let’s start by taking a look into the definition of sanctuary. According to one dictionary sanctuary is:

 

  • Noun: sanctuary; plural noun: sanctuaries

       A place of refuge or safety.
       “People automatically sought a sanctuary in time of trouble”
       Synonyms: refuge, haven, harbor, port in a storm, oasis, shelter, retreat,          hideaway, hideout

 

When we work outside of the home, coming home is our sanctuary, isn’t it? When we work at home though, we need to work at maintaining that safe environment not only for our family, but for ourselves and our sanity.

Here are 3 things you can do to set boundaries to protect your work at home sanctuary while still building the business of your dreams.

 

No new pets

When I first started my business working at home my son had just received a new 6 week old puppy as a gift. Dexter was all of about 5 pounds and absolutely adorable, one look and my heart melted. However, when my feet hit the floor at 5 AM it was all business until late into the evening, there was no time for taking care of a wee pup.

The previous statement is easier said than done. Since my husband worked 6 days a week, 12 hour shifts; and my son worked at the bank 5 days a week and was gone for 10 hours per day … well, you get the drift. By default I was Dexter’s caregiver who included taking him out to potty, play and poop!

It didn’t take long to set that boundary and stick to it…NO NEW PETS. (I will admit it was that pup that forced me to get up, take breaks and move. I have him to thank for my health today). After that first year, which was the toughest one we were able to purchase chain-link fencing…now, the dog is safe to go outside by himself.

 

Set office hours and stick to them

It doesn’t matter whether the company is your husband, children or a friend who randomly stops by, when you work at home there must be boundaries. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself the target of everyone’s errands, gossip circle and babysitter.

It takes time to get yourself into the work at home mindset; but, you’ve got to make sure that your whole family knows when you are “at work” and when you are available for their needs. The burden of enforcing this boundary will fall heavily on YOUR shoulders. You have to take the posture of “if I were at my job, would you waltz in here and demand “that“?

Most of the time people just don’t stop and think. Remember, our home is our sanctuary and for most other people, family included you are in their sanctuary, not at work. Take a deep breath … now, set that boundary and stick to it.

 

Mommy/Grandma is working

Oh boy, this is the toughest one of all, the grand-daddy of boundaries but an absolute, line in the sand has to be established early on for your success.

If you are like me you love your kids, love the grandkids and want to spend that quality time with them. However, if you spend all of your time with them, when are you going to work at home to accomplish your dreams and goals? Oh I see … after hubby gets home he can watch them, right? WRONG!!!! NOW he wants some of your time and before you realize it 24 hours is gone and you’ve done nothing to build that business that brought you home to build that business.

So, you can see it is VITAL that you pay attention to the kids/grandkids at breakfast, giving them all the attention their little heart’s desire. Then, carefully explain that you are going into the office to work for … and give them a time. Close the door and focus on your work. This takes time; patience and effort to train yourself and the family…after all you are in your safe haven, your home, your sanctuary.

It will be worth it once you establish these 3 boundaries. Everyone, including your hubby, kids/grandkids will appreciate you for honoring them with your undivided attention once you are finished working at home for the day.

If these tips have helped you in anyway, please share with your work at home friends. Your help is appreciated so much and I wish you much success as you enjoy your work at home sanctuary.

 

 

[contentblock id=1 img=gcb.png]

 

 

 

 

 

[contentblock id=2 img=html.png]