WORK + HOME = LIFE

Suggested Video.
Children interrupt BBC News interview:  

​When things can go wrong they will go wrong.  This video demonstrates the need for keeping calm especially when working from home.  In fact I have had a similar situation when broadcasting to a small group. Thankfully my experience wasn't shared around the world.
Yale teacher and self-improvement author Grenville Kleiser thought; being happy was good for the body and the mind.
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It's important for me to say that the generally accepted idea of the work/life balance is not how I see things.  I have come to see 'life' is a product of what happens to us at 'work' and 'home'.  Rather than trying to balance the two I now believe that the way forward is to accept the impact that work and home have on each other and look for ways where both compliment each other.  I see flexible working hours as one simple/early example of this.  Looking forward I am becoming aware of situations where employers are less concerned about structure and focus on getting the job done.  This has led some companies to offer unlimited holiday time.

The Telegraph (online) 24 FEBRUARY 2017 reported on a company that trusted their employees to the point that they were allowed to structure their time/timetable to suite what needed to be done.

  • Listen to the truths of others without being combative:  Working from a family home means accepting that you have partners.  Despite what you may think those partners have rights.  It is vital that they get to have their say without feeling it will result in a row.  Frustration stored-up will lead to resentment.  
  • ​Be sceptical, there are personal and professional tricksters:  Without the instant back-up of others in an office environment it is easier to fall prey to opportunists.  Take care and avoid inviting people you do not know to your home.
  • Embrace change:  Every little thing that changes in a home has the potential to disrupt your work-flow, if you let it.  Everything changes, go-with-the-flow.  Bend, don't snap.
  • Don't allow your mind to create problems and give birth to monsters:  Working from home can leave you feeling isolated. Lacking the ability to-talk-things-over, humans have a tendency to imagine the worst about every situation.  Once we start imagining things our mind has no bounds.
  • Recognise when you are tired and need a rest:  The pressure of getting things done can lead to family tension.  If you ignore the fact that you are tired tension and arguments, are almost guaranteed.
  • Have the resolve to rest when you need to rest:  When you know you are tired take a break. 
  • Make peace with your own weaknesses and the weaknesses of those around you:  Watch the video.  You will know what I mean.
  • Be Happy:  There is a real link between happiness and acceptance.

What's Next?

  1. Get your family 'onside'.  You need to explain what it is you are doing, what it is you're trying to achieve and how they can help you achieve it.  
  2. Agree some basic non-negotiable rules.  For me that begins with my office door.  When my office door is closed it means I'm working, don't disturb me.  The only flaw in this is my wife.  To her, my closed door means knock quietly and ask if I'm working. 
  3. Make a cup of coffee, sit back and try to prepare yourself for the inevitable disturbances.
  4. At the end of the day, share your achievements with your family and thank them for their help.

​As a final point.  Rather than fight against interruptions expect them and programme them into your day.  Think of them as mini-alarms.  When an alarm goes off, stop what you are doing and engage with the issue.  Think in health and safety terms.   Interruptions are opportunities to refocus your eyes and stand up, things that you should be doing anyway.

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