The Home Office Challenge

(MoneyWatch)  I have a love/hate relationship with my home office. After working in a corporate environment for many years, I started writing from my home full-time earlier this year. My arrangement has its advantages. I have flexible hours and get to spend more time with my daughter. But sharing my bedroom with a desk also has its challenges. For example, it's tough to set boundaries with my family when I always seem to be available.

Since I'm not ready to give up my home office just yet, I thought I had better find some solutions to my boundary problems. So I decided to call up Will Limkemann, author of The Successful Home Business Guide, for a little advice. Here's what he had to say:

The Spouse
My challenge: I get stuck getting my daughter dressed and fed in the morning, managing all day care and babysitter issues, and running all sorts of other errands during the day. Since I now have less time to work during regular business hours, I find I need to make up for that loss during the evening.

Limkemann says: It's not uncommon for the spouse working out of an office not to understand his partner's job is just as demanding, even if it is based at home. Limkemann suggests some old fashioned communication to fix the problem. Couples should sit down, discuss the issue and then divide up the household responsibilities.
The Kid
My challenge: My daughter doesn't understand why I can't play with her if I'm home. She gets particularly resentful if she knows I'm on an important work call and unavailable under any circumstance.

Limkemann says: Working out of my bedroom is half my problem. When possible, he recommends work-at-home folks carve out a dedicated space for an office -- think spare bedroom or even the garage -- and then keep the door closed during business hours.

While older children will have an easier time respecting your "business hours", toddlers and even some youngsters in elementary school won't understand why you're not available if you're home. The key is to hire a babysitter to care for the small ones and give them the attention they need, Limkemann told me. Also, he suggests periodic breaks to visit with the kids.

The Relatives and Neighbors
My challenge: Neighbors and family members think it's okay to call me during the day to chat or that they can just stop by for a visit. Just a few days ago, for example, I got the impression one of my neighbors was offended when I didn't call her back to have a playdate with her grandson while I was on deadline. (My daughter wasn't even home!)

Limkemann says: Like with my spouse, a conversation with my neighbors and kin is necessary here. Limkemann suggests I tell those that impose on my time when I'm working and when I'm not. For all home based business types, he also recommends proactively setting up lunch dates with friends and family members on days that aren't too busy. This will achieve two things: you'll be less lonely, and get an opportunity to show loved ones you care about them.

Do you share these problems while working from home? What challenges do you face and how do you deal with them? Please share your experiences with me.

An E-Learning Cat image by Sarah M. Stewart, CC 2.0.