Babies, Parents and Home Offices - Advice?
I'm back to working at home after completing a recent contract, much faster than the client expected, I'm proud to say, as I was able to leverage some open source software to do exactly what they needed.
While I love being able to see Helen and Ilenia more during the day, it also brings up that old question of Adam Smith's: the division of labor. It's pretty difficult to concentrate at all with a baby in the house, despite having an office with a door. When she's noisy, she's really noisy, and there's nothing like the yowl of an unhappy baby to get a parent's attention, even if he's not the one currently taking care of her. Also, perhaps most importantly: she's adorable and full of smiles for me, and loves to play... as do I, certainly more so than working! Since she won't take a bottle yet (well, I did succeed once, but it's not easily repeatable), my wife is still the one Helen's primarily attached to, but even so, needs some time when I take care of the baby so she can do her stuff too.
I'm curious what sorts of arrangements other people have worked out? Fortunately, one option would simply be to spend the time with Ilenia and Helen and forget about work for the most part, but that's pretty extreme. It's not as if I don't have computer time, but the biggest problem is the constant interruptions, which make it difficult to do more than read and write a little bit. Serious coding requiring concentration is pretty much only for late at night or early mornings these days.
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about 2 hours later:
I hear you on this, as a telecommuting father of a 1 1/2 year old.
Luckily for me she's at the stage where she can entertain herself and doesn't require all that much attention, and as my Boss (and co workers) know that I look after my daughter during the day, they are a lot more patient when it comes to me doing things (just let bosses/clients know, honesty is always best)
Unfortunately my fiance/wife doesn't work from home but in an office, and sometimes it is difficult for her, 1. not being at home with us, 2. remembering that I'm not at home to do home stuff... :p
Basically just planning your day around baby/play/meal times is always a good idea.
Oh and being patient also helps, cause kids will be kids... ;)
HTH
about 2 hours later:
One of my friends swears by his attic-office. They've got a two-floor apartment and the small detatchment of having a second floor makes all the difference. Probably not helpful in the short term, but possibly something to consider at the next move.
about 14 hours later:
I agree that a different floor, if possible, makes a lot of difference.
I used to work from home a lot when my kids were younger, and what worked for me was:
a) Dad's office is a kind of sacred place - you're welcome to open that door if you have a real, urgent problem, but not otherwise. And that's valid for Mom as well ;-)
b) Enough soundproofing (or headphones) to avoid being able to follow what's happening in the house. Some background noise is not a problem as long as you're not able to follow the action.
about 20 hours later:
Forget about work as much as possible. You can code anytime - she's only a baby once - and it's over quicker than you think. Pick your priorities and enjoy.
1 day later:
I've been doing this for years. What I try to do is be flexible and in the moment. If one of the kids comes in and wants to chat and play for a bit, that's fine. But it's also clear to me when play time is up, and there are times when I have to be firm, and escort them out the door.
I do have a lock on the door so that when I really need focus time or I'm on the phone I can lock it. But I try not to do that too much.
And of course, I regularly have to reiterate the rules, sometimes to much whining and crying.
But it's definitely worth it (although I do miss the creative energy of hanging out with the rest of the team - but given that my team is in Prague that's kind of moot).
1 day later:
I worked at home for the better part of a decade, and here is my honest, frank advice:
Rent an office.
Really. You'll thank yourself for it, work will STAY at work, and you'll be free to properly enjoy time with your family at home.