DEV Community

Discussion on: Remote workers, how do you handle at home distractions?

Collapse
 
phallstrom profile image
Philip Hallstrom

It's not clear to me if you're simultaneously taking care of the kids and working or if your spouse (or other care taker) is also there. I'm going to address the second scenario, because I simply don't have any idea on how to handle the former.

FWIW, I've been working 100% remote for 12 years. My boys are now 12 and 14. My wife stays at home.

  • Set work hours. They don't need to be absolutely rigid, but 8ish to 5ish or whatever works for you and try to stick to it. This will help set the boundaries you need to get work done and help you "leave" the office when it's time to quit.

  • Dedicated office. Maybe you can do it, but I simply have to have my own space. I also have a sign I can hang over my door handle letting the family know they can't interrupt. Most of the times it's off, but when it's there they know something better be on fire if they come in.

  • Noise cancelling headphones. Bose QC 35. Yes they are crazy expensive. Yes, they are worth every penny. I can't hear the vacuum cleaner outside my door when I have them on. Well, I can just barely hear it. I can't hear my neighbor mowing his lawn at all.

  • Remember that one of the amazing perks of working at home is that you can step out for a break and play with the kids, go for a walk, get that thing on that top shelf no one else can reach, etc.

  • Recognize that the transition to working from home takes time. My wife and I were surprised to realize it took us about a year to figure out our groove. Figure out when it's okay for her to interrupt me and/or ask for help and/or take me on errand and for me to remember they all live here too.