Hello World, it’s time for an unplugged letter.
Please, please, please(!) stop asking me these questions about how I can possibly work from home. I find them at best, annoying — and at worst, offensive — and I bet I’m not the only one.
I know you are just curious, but here’s how it makes me feel when you ask me these things…
1. Don’t you get distracted by housework?
Uh, no. Have you seen my house lately? That’s why I pay cleaners! … and really, would you ask this if I was a guy?
2. How do you separate your work from your life?
Short answer… I don’t. My work is part of my life, and I just don’t see any reason to compartmentalize it. The work/life collage concept works for me, and working at home makes it convenient and easy!
3. So… do you get dressed or do you work in your pajamas?
First of all — this is not a professional question (shame, shame)! Second, who cares? But of course I feel compelled to answer politely. Yes, I get dressed. I might even shower.
4. Is it lonely?
Not at all! Teams are teams and we work together, even if we’re not in the same location.
5. Wow, that’s great that you can work at home and take care of your daughter… you do that, don’t you?
What I say: “Oh, no. My daughter goes to full-time daycare. I couldn’t get anything done with her at home.”
What I feel: “Are you serious?! I have two-year old! I could not work full-time to make my business successful with a two-year-old. Do you think I work, like, 2 hours a day? No, I am a professional and business person — you do understand that right? I own this company.”
President Obama works from his house too, and you’re not asking him these questions, are you?
Thanks for listening, World, and trying to understand… and hey, World, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. Or even ask a question (if you dare)! 🙂
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