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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to think some people think WFH should be a constant nose to the grindstone?

360 replies

Yodeloo · 12/02/2025 15:45

I think some jobs are like that definitely. Heavy workload, helplines etc

Some people think all WFH should be like this and get horrified because someone hung some washing out or helped out a family member for a short time. Plenty of jobs have flexibility and it is about getting the job done not just being present in front of the computer non stop.

I get all my life admin done throughout the day around work. I do an exercise class most mornings and then start work later on the days I WFH. I will meet up with friends, work on my side business. Nobody cares at my work. All targets are met consistently.

Is it jealousy that people get so upset?

OP posts:

KhakiViper · 12/02/2025 16:07

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

rwalker · 12/02/2025 16:05

hanging your washing out in works time and going to the gym is taking the piss if your being paid you should be working

FaithFables · 12/02/2025 16:03

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 12/02/2025 15:51

If you have specific wfh working hours, surely you should be working during them? Why should your employer be paying you to do your laundry and go to an exercise class?

If you have totally flexible working hours and are allowed to do your work any time as long as it gets done, then obviously the question isn't really relevant.

I have specific wfh hours, funnily enough we're still bound by the same employment laws as everyone else, so we do get breaks. Which is when I get my laundry done or shopping delivered, or have a cuppa with one of my parents who's just dropped by.

IHadaMarvelousTimeRuiningEverything · 12/02/2025 15:59

Yodeloo · 12/02/2025 15:45

I think some jobs are like that definitely. Heavy workload, helplines etc

Is it jealousy that people get so upset?

Yes it is jealousy.

People don't like it because they're jealous they can't do those home admin jobs because they either can't wfh because of the nature of their job or they've been hauled back into the office.

I know someone that works in a school and she's incredibly scornful of the fact I can get bits done when I'm working at home. She likes to make out I must be shirking and that my job isn't a 'proper one' like hers.

SatinHeart · 12/02/2025 15:56

imtheholidayarmadillo · 12/02/2025 15:48

I think a lot of it is jealousy.

Agree with this, I find it's mostly people who can't wfh who have the strongest opinions about how wfh should be done.

Needanewnameidea · 12/02/2025 15:52

Depends. If it’s that easy to meet your targets while simultaneously visiting friends and working on another job (which honestly sounds like you’re working part time) then I’d argue your targets aren’t stretching enough.

If it’s an ebb and flow thing and in general you’re working full time hours for a position that’s paid as full time then fair enough, some flexibility rather than pedantic clock watching probably works both ways. My DH might do a load of laundry on a day he’s wfh or nip out to collect the car from the garage, but he’ll also sometimes do a zoom call at midnight because that’s what a foreign client has asked for. That’s just give and take.

LittleRedRidingHoody · 12/02/2025 15:52

Its failure to understand jobs are different.

Many who say that would not imagine working a minute after 5pm (or whenever they finish) ~ I do regularly, but I also do laundry whilst I work, always do the school run, and wouldn't hesitate to work with DS around if he's ill.

Different companies are happy with different set ups. As long as no one is actually taking the piss, its fine.