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Is It Harder to Cope With Personal Problems in a Home Office?

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I came across this page because I'd typed in "how to cope with working at home". I'm not sure if it would be better if you had a position in which all you needed was your laptop and you could go anywhere (actually I'm pretty sure it would be tons better), but as someone who has a call-center job based from home where you're tied to it every day, after 6 months of it I am going STIR CRAZY. I was a completely balanced, happy individual at the start of it and now I am seriously starting to consider counseling and therapy.
I never would have thought working from home would get to me like this. I love home, and being in one places, and I am extremely low-maintenance. But the lack of separation between work (a necessary place) and home (a haven, a happy place) has gotten to me. The lack of socialization has gotten to me even more. Each call that goes less that perfectly is able to stew, and ferment, and drive me insane without someone else to hear, or talk to, or even see.
I'll never do this again. EVER.

of CO 2:59PM July 22, 2008

The closest that I come to having a home office is during income tax filing season when I do half a dozen or so returns for younger family members on our stove with the cat helping me. Hope nobedy gets hungry.

Dan of IA 8:36PM July 11, 2008

Hey Liz - thanks for the thoughts. I've worked from home a lot over the years, but never "full-time." How appropriate that I read your post just as I begin (this coming Monday) to work from home.
I do agree with your comments regarding the ability to draw clearer borders. Without question, it's much easier to draw the line when I wave goodbye to my house and drive my car to an office 30 miles down the freeway. However, having spent the majority of my career in an office/cubicle since 1987, the distractions at work are still plentiful and sometimes more frustrating because I "feel" like I should be able to avoid unproductive meetings - projects - chatty co-workers.
Well, at least I'm willing to give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

Dennis of TX 12:00AM July 11, 2008

I've worked from home on and off, more or less over time. I've also discussed it with many co-workers who work from home much or most of the time. The biggest piece of advice I have to give is that even when you're home, "go to the office." That is, have a set place where you work, have a morning routine... get up, get dressed, go to the office. Don't make a habit of working in your pajamas; get dressed. Having "an office" gives you a place to focus, and makes it easier to avoid distractions, chores, or playing with the cat.
One co-worker who worked from home full time, and whose husband is a teacher, said that it was toughest for her in the summer, when the Mr was home too, but idle. "I love you, Honey," she finally, had to say, "but I'm WORKING." And she closed the office door, with Honey on the outside.

Barry Leiba of NY 7:36PM July 09, 2008