One of the biggest complaints I hear from clients who work from home are the lack of boundaries between home and work. It’s an important topic as you consider how you want to work and live when we emerge from the pandemic. It’s great to be able to work from your patio or deck (or the cottage) during the summer, but it also “pollutes” those spaces. Rather than getting the relaxation vibe at work, you may accidentally end up creating a work vibe in your relaxation space. Not cool. You deserve to enjoy the beautiful spaces you’ve created in your home and life. Decks, patios, gardens, balconies, etc. all benefit from seasonal spruce-ups (if not redecorating… or am I the only one watching videos on how to design your outdoor living space...). Being able to create these kinds of sanctuaries is one of the reasons you work so hard, but they are useless when you don’t have time to enjoy them. I LOVE sitting on my deck in the shade, hearing the wind rustling the leaves of the maples we planted with just this scenario in mind. Our back deck has been a labour of love, and now (many years later), it has changed from a barren sun-burnt lawn to an oasis of calm where I like to spend as much time as I can. But working from it? There is a fine line between living to work and working to live and my deck is the boundary. So, how do you enjoy the benefits of working from home and keep your sanctuary too? Here are some strategies to consider:
Of course, the best way to ensure working from home doesn’t become working for your employer for an extra10-40 hours a week …for free… is to set (and keep) regular office hours. It also helps to have a routine for leaving your work space that includes shutting it all down (or closing the door on it). Hearing audible notifications going off is the biggest cause of boundary bleed between work time and home time – the very definition of noise pollution! You work hard for many reasons, having a lovely home environment is likely one of them. But, it’s no good to you if you can’t enjoy it. Working from home without boundaries can contribute to upsetting a space that was designed to give you sanctuary. Working from home has a lot of benefits, but it means you need to be a good guardian of your time, allowing you to enjoy both.
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I believe in empowering others in many tangible ways. When I learn new career strategies or see something that might help others, I share it using my blog and website. Archives
January 2023
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