Distractions While Working at Home
Beware: Personal Rant Ahead…
No matter what you do in your work at home business, whether it is strictly writing, researching or any combination of tasks, the last thing you really need is distraction.
If you are in the middle of a project and you get one of those annoying phone calls, knock on the door or a jack-hammer banging away, you lose whatever train of thought you had going.
Today, a good semi-retired friend called. He seems to be having problems with his computer. Nothing major, just that he can’t figure out how to get online with his new service. The first phone call wasn’t a problem. I answered his question. Thanks and goodbye.
The second, I was in the middle of setting up a post on one of the other blogs. Stopping in the middle of that, I answered another stupid question. Thanks and goodbye.
By the third call, I was on yet another set-up on something else. Again, I had to stop what I was doing to answer the same stupid question for the third time. I started to get upset, raising my voice and asking if he could ever think for himself or is this just a recent problem. Goodbye.
It’s not like he is paying me for the information, then I probably would be a little more receptive. This is all done as a favor, gratis… at least he says thank you.
I hate to get angry with a good friend, especially when he needs my help. The one thing he has to understand is that just because I am here all day, doesn’t mean that I have nothing better to do than answer his questions.
Although I have done favors in the past, he has more than done his share for me. So, I try to let him know that when I am working, only call me if it is important. Not to call just because I know the answer and it’s easier to call me than to call his service provider.
I am trying to think of a nice way to tell him, unless he wants to pay for my services like everyone else, don’t call me while I’m working. As I said, I don’t mind doing favors, but not when it costs me money, or time when I could be making money.
Update: The same friend called twice (caller ID) while writing this, I ignored the calls.
How do you handle good friends or family disturbing you when you are trying to work?
Related Posts:
Overwhelming Work Load
Unwanted Solicitation Calls
The Balancing Act… Work and Home
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