Calling work-from-home-mums: how do you focus?

[expatkat]

I supposed this question applies to mums who work outside the home, too.

How do you force yourself to focus on your work? I'm having a slightly rough time with personal life at the moment, and there are too many thoughts running through my head that keep me from spending more than 5 minutes on the task at hand. I've always been a little prone to procrastination, but this is ridiculous, and I'm 3 weeks late with a piece that probably won't even go into the mag at this point. (And I'm also behind with 2 other BIG projects.) Any practical tips? I'm desperate.

Editor just rang to say my article was pants compared to what I usually write for him. . .and that he'll have to redo it completely. I DESPAIR.

Message withdrawn

Hi everyone

Can I thro something in here on a similar subject.

I currently work for a local council as an Architect and although would love to go down to 4 days, but I can't afford that (debts).

I am hoping to apply for working from home one day a week.

Has anyone else here done that ? Do any of you work for a big company, but are based at home ?

I am trying to find someone so that I can chat to them about concerns my boss will have. I want to have solutions to all the negatives before I apply.

thanks
Marie

Hi Marie
Yep I do this one day a week.
The trick is to make a business case not just a personal one ie how it will benefit the business (no distractions for certain projects)
You need to set yourself targets that can be completed at home eg drafting reports. You also need to be completely clear about when and how you are available eg email, mobile. It also helps if you are visible in non working time (eg the odd weekend email) so it shows you put in the extra for the company in your own time.