Topic: Are You Taken Seriously Because You Work From Home?
PrimeDeborah Board Grand Poobah
posted May 19, 2003 11:29 AM
One of our message board members brought this up the other day and I thought it was a great topic. So, my question (actually two) this week is:
Because you work at home how do others perceive what you do? Are you taken seriously because you work from home?
posted May 19, 2003 11:43 AM
I find that my husband really takes my working for granted. He assumes that because I am home all day that I can do it all. So I get all the sick days, doctors visits, trips to the dentist, car repair appointments (even though he is a mechanic) and everything else to disrupt my schedule. True, my schedule is flexible, but I do have to work sometime! I find it very frustrating. When I hit him up to do his fair share, the reply is always that he makes so much more, and works on straight commission, so a missed hour of work will cost us money, where all I lose is my sanity.
I find that the kids, after two years of this, are much more in tune. They know that they can't use the computer if I am still working, etc and they respect it. They have learned my schedule and know where to find me if they need me. IF they are home sick, they try to leave me alone to work.
Other people vary. I don't have neighbors who drop in, and my sister used to work at home, so she knows how it is. It seems it is just DH who refuses to get it.
posted May 19, 2003 12:22 PM
I think I get a lot of unneccessary sympathy when I mention I have a daycare. "OH, you brave soul, I could never do that!" Yes, it is hard doing daycare, but if people are so ashamed of how children act, then maybe they should be better parents!
Now if I just mention my Herbalife biz, then I get blank stares! LOL! People don't seem to understand how that could be work!
As for my husband, he is about 50/50 when it comes to taking me seriously. (it took 3 years to get to this point though) He doesn't complain anymore if the dishes aren't done at night or if the laudry is done and folded, but still on the couch. He even encourages me to take "me time" sometimes.
Then there are days when he asks "What did you do all day?", in sort of a sarcastic tone. Rather than try to explain, I just smile and say, "Not a damn thing." He knows that's not true and doesn't pursue the conversation like he used when I tried to justify my time.
Overall, I think most people actually admire the discipline it takes to stay on track as a self employed person. And the freedom lifestyle that it can provide.
posted May 20, 2003 03:47 PM
Yes and no.. My DH used to think very lightly of my business, until I started bringing in a bit of money. I do handle all of the home stuff since I am home. That doesn't bother me at all since my DH really doesn't have the flexibility at all.
People like my parents while supportive, think it is just a little hobby to keep me busy while I am at a home with the kids.
------------------ Theresa
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[This message has been edited by TREE (edited May 20, 2003).]
[This message has been edited by TREE (edited December 16, 2005).]
posted May 20, 2003 04:31 PM
I feel that my husband also takes it for granted that I work from home. I do everything involving the kids and house from getting up with them in the morning to putting them to bed at night, grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, paying the bills, etc. Whenever, I complain that my husband needs to help, he says well, at least you have the flexibilty of when to work. But, I really don't. My kids are 4 and 2, are very demanding and don't nap during the day. I am usually working in the middle of the night or very early in the morning. My business has started to pick up and I am making more than I did when I worked outside the home but still feel like I get no repect or help from my husband. Sorry, to vent, I just get so frustrated with him.
posted May 30, 2003 05:54 PM
Am I taken seriously?? Well my side of the family is very supportive but some of my husbands relatives dont support me.On the other hand my husband is very supportive which is great.In about a month my husband will be able to help me almost full time here in the office.I hardly ever get to see him now and finally we should be able to spend more family time together etc.I have waited for this moment for a long time LOL.
posted June 01, 2003 02:52 PM
Not from people that dont really know what I do for a living. They think working at home is easy. When , in reality , its much harder then working outside the home. To me anyway. My family takes it seriously though , and thats all that matters.
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posted May 19, 2003 11:29 AM
