Setting Boundaries in Your Home-Based Office

Setting Boundaries in Your Home-Based Office
Copyright © Jerry Posey
Free ebook explains why it's not your fault you haven't made any money in network marketing

Many of us who have a home-based business have friends and family that misunderstand the whole concept of what it means to have a home-based business. Many well-meaning people cannot see the dedication that goes into running a business from home.

The neighbors don’t see your car leave for the office by 8 am, so they assume that because you are home, you aren’t really working and have plenty of time to sit and drink coffee, do yard work or other things people do on a day off.

Family members may call in the middle of the day just to let you know who is sick, which cousin you haven’t seen in 20 years just got married, or even feel slighted when you can’t take a dream vacation with them.

Working from home is very difficult for children and spouses to understand too. This is especially true when parent works the traditional 9-5 job away from home and the other operates a home-based business. Even when they see that you are working, they find it confusing when you can’t drop everything and spend time with them.

Here are some basic guidelines for boundaries that you can set so that everyone will have a better understanding of your situation and your needs as a home-based business operator:

* Explain to your family that you have specific working hours and let them know what the hours are. Let them know that your business is your source of income that you depend on. Let them know the hours or days that you are available.

* Be consistent. If you friends or family call during your working hours, let the call go to voice mail and then return calls after your scheduled working hours. If someone stops by, just remind him or her that you can’t visit because you are working.

* Set physical boundaries too. Have dedicated workspace and explain to your family that the equipment, office supplies, telephones, or computer is only to be used for your business and can’t be used or borrowed for other activities.

Many other situations and issues are sure to arise but for an increasing number of people around the world, a home-based business is helping them fulfill the American Dream. When you set and enforce a few boundaries, it might be a little easier to find the balance between relationships and business.


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