I work from home (all the time not just now) as a freelance consultant. While I work incredibly hard to set clear boundaries with clients I’m frequently contacted on the phone, via text and WhatsApp at all hours.
More recently with many working from home and our days disrupted there seems to be an increased expectation that I’m available at any time in the evening, weekend etc. This isn’t from one client - it’s from a lot (and also from perspective ones - e.g can we do our initial call at 7pm etc.
Now of course I’m well within my rights to say no for any reason, however I’m finding that where I usually just say “I’m not available then” that’s a bit trickier bearing in mind that I’m obviously sort of available as it’s not like I’m going anywhere.
While I don’t have children - am tempted to invent some so I can say “no I’m doing dinner, bedtime, looking after the kids”
Yes I know this is nuts - but am struggling a bit at the moment. Usually I’m pretty tough on this stuff but the pressure to do more outside of usual hours (not urgent things) is rising quite a bit!