Telecommuters Refuse to Be Taken Advantage Of!
August 9, 2010 – 9:00 pmA few days ago, the Wall Street Journal posted this fantastic blog article about the struggles of being a work-at-home parent. According to Jeffrey Zaslow who penned the article, telecommuting moms and dads are often put in a tight spots by other parents who ask them to pick up their kids, walk their dogs and do their share of PTA duty among other things. Working parents assume that because other moms and dads stay at home that they have time to run their errands. I know that there have been a number of times when my friends and relatives have asked me to do favors for them because I was “going to be home anyway.” Apparently, telecommuters and stay-at-home parents have had enough and are fighting back!
According to recent statistics published by the Telework Coalition around 35 million people now work from their home. That’s an increase of 15 million from 2000. As the number of telecommuting workers continues to grow so does their frustration about being their neighbor’s doormats. Many at-homers are finding solace and strength in internet forums and chat groups. Online, at-home-workers can vent about their neighbor’s unreasonable requests and initiate “just say no” campaigns. “A lot of at-homers who commiserate online are torn between their willingness to help and their resentment. They get calls from their local school to pick up sick kids because other parents have listed them as emergency contacts without asking. They comply with breathlessly urgent requests from working friends—only to be hit with more so-called crisis requests.”
In addition to using the internet as a place to voice their concerns, stay-at-homers are also finding ways to turn their frustrations into dollars. New websites like taskrabbit.com connect people with at-home workers who are available to run personal errands for a fee. Currently, the service is only available in the San Francisco and Boston areas. However, Taskrabbit hopes to expand to other cities in the near future.
Many at-homers find it difficult to say “no” to their friend’s requests. However, Zaslow stresses the importance of setting boundaries and knowing your own limitations. It’s also crucial that those who work at the office understand the time commitment involved in raising children or running a business from your home. Most at-homers are happy to help out a neighbor, Zaslow observes. But being a good neighbor is a two-way street and office workers should look for ways to show at-homers their gratitude and return the favor. For Zaslow’s full article, click here.
Andrea Hart is a freelance writer, a student, a teacher, a wife and a mother to two rambunctious boys. She currently resides in Southeastern PA.
3 Responses to “Telecommuters Refuse to Be Taken Advantage Of!”
Good stuff, Andrea!
I find the best way to deal with things like this is to set actual office hours, where I don’t answer the phone (unless it’s the kids’ school, or my husband), or check my personal email, or even answer my door (unless it’s Mr. UPS with some fabulous delivery. LOL) If someone tries to call during my office hours, I return the call when I’m done, and usually say something like “Sorry I missed your call, I was working.” Even though we’re work at home parents, we have jobs and our time must be respected. The first step towards that, though, is taking control of and respecting our own time.
By Sharon on Aug 10, 2010
Great article! I agree to you, In addition to using the internet as a place to voice their concerns, stay-at-homers are also finding ways to turn their frustrations into dollars. According to recent statistics published by the Telework Coalition around 35 million people now work from their home. Working parents assume that because other moms and dads stay at home that they have time to run their errands.
Good job! Keep it up…
By Avis Austin on Aug 23, 2010
I have been checking out many of your stories and i must say nice stuff. I will definitely bookmark your website.
By Lala Denoon on Jan 21, 2011