When you live with someone else, being a freelance writer and working from home can be a nightmare. You do your best to explain that while you’re working from home, you’re still working. This seems to go in one ear and out the other. It’s one thing to be disturbed if there’s an intruder in the house or the house is on fire but to be disturbed for the silliest occurrences can be annoying. How do you tell the ones you love once and for all not to disturb you unless it is a complete and utter emergency without hurting their feelings? You just do it. If their feelings get hurt so be it. You have a job to do which is paying for the roof over your head and putting food on the table!
If you’re a freelance writer who has small children, it can tricky to get them to leave you alone while you work. Videotapes, PBS, or video games may only work for awhile before your kids figure out they’re just tactics to get them to be quiet. You may consider hiring a babysitter or placing the kids in a daycare or day camp so you can work. If that’s not an option, hold your breath and pray to God they’ll be able to play by themselves or nap.
When you temporarily live with your parents or one parent, being a freelance writer can be tricky. They have, after all, graciously opened their home to you until you move out and get settled in your new place. How do you handle disturbances? The key is to set boundaries before you move back and reiterate those boundaries while you’re living with them. Make sure they know that a “pop-up” on the computer is usually nothing major and remind them that all you have to do is “click-off” of the box. Tell them that while you care about family members, there’s no need to interrupt your writing to tell you what happened to “so and so.” In fact, there’s no need for gossip at all!
Unfortunately, many people still don’t understand that freelance writers who work at home actually work from home. They’re not playing Solitaire or chatting online. If you’re doing this, you’re wasting time and losing money. Work is work know matter if you’re in a corporate or home office. You won’t get paid unless you do what you’re supposed to do. Yes, you may be interrupted but hopefully the interruptions are worthwhile.
Freelance writers chose their profession because of the freedom it allows them. They can work from home, set their own hours, take vacations when they want to do so, and be the boss. Their career is just as important as the accountant who goes to the office every day. The only difference is freelance writers work from home.
The next time someone tries to disturb your freelance writing, gently tell them you’re working. Remind them that you help pay for the bills and won’t be able to do that if you’re interrupted for every little thing that happens. Tell them you’ll be with them at the end of your day and go back to work. If they get an attitude, put them in time out until you’re finished writing. Good luck!
Rebecca
What do you do to reiterate to the people you live with not disturb you while you’re writing? Share.