Recently, my partner landed a fantastic job that allows him to work remotely. Initially, we were thrilled at the prospect of him working from home. Goodbye, long commutes! He’d gain more time with the family during mornings and evenings, and we could even enjoy lunch together! For a moment, I envisioned the ideal scenario. However, as a stay-at-home mom with three young children, I quickly realized that having a “Home Office” would not be practical for our family dynamic.
Phone Calls? Good Luck!
A significant portion of my partner’s job necessitates frequent phone conversations with clients. Attempting to talk on the phone with children around is nearly impossible. Trust me, I’ve experienced it firsthand. The moment the phone rings, my kids seem to activate a primal instinct for attention, demanding snacks and interaction. Plus, with three kids, noise levels are bound to rise. We would either have to soundproof a room or somehow instill in our children the ability to communicate softly—neither of which is likely to happen.
Daddy Can’t Play Right Now
My partner is the fun-loving dad. When he arrives home from work, he transforms into the Sword Fighter, the Body-Slamming Wrestler, the Tiara-Wearing Tea Party Host, the Wiffle Ball Pitcher, and the Fort Builder. I engage in these activities too, but somehow, they always seem more enjoyable when dad’s involved. If my partner were to work from home, I would find myself constantly redirecting the kids away from his workspace.
Errands Are Not Just Errands
As a parent of small children, even the simplest errand can become an overwhelming task. I’m not referring to significant outings like grocery shopping or back-to-school preparations; I mean those quick trips to the post office or pharmacy. With kids in tow, these short errands can easily consume an hour of your day. If my partner worked from home, the phrase, “Honey, I need to drop off this package. Can you manage the kids?” would become a common refrain, and I’d likely start relishing my newfound freedom. “Wow, I was in and out in three minutes! Time to grab a coffee from that new café!”
Coffee Runs Are Off the Table
What’s the point of having two adults at home if one can’t step out for a coffee run? It seems counterproductive.
Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Sure, I often feel exhausted by the time my partner returns from work, having navigated a long day tending to the physical, emotional, and social needs of our children. I’ve given them my all, often neglecting my own needs. Yet, my partner has also endured a demanding day at the office. There’s something special about welcoming him home with a drink in hand and a child on my hip. “Good luck!” I’ll call out as I take a moment to myself on the porch. My precious evening “Daddy’s Home!” time is sacred, and as much as I appreciate him, he can’t work from home.
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Summary:
In summary, while the idea of working from home seems appealing, the reality of managing a household with young children proves challenging. Maintaining a separation between work and family life is essential for harmony in the home.