by Leo Wiles
20 October 2017
Straight off the bat, let me tell you I am a people person who genuinely likes the company of others – unless I am on deadline.
A surprise visit in the precious handful of childfree hours I have while they’re at school can derail my entire day, as I’m guessing many of you will understand.
Especially at the moment when I’m trying to complete tasks in the run up to the school holidays, knowing it’ll be nigh on impossible to string a sentence together with three little elephants rampaging through the house next week.
Clutching my Rescue Remedy, I listened this week as my lovely naturopath gently chided me, reminded me about boundaries and respecting my time. The alternative – shelving work to have a cuppa / lunch / wine with a friend who’s dropped in – pretty much means I always find myself burning the midnight oil to make up the time I gave away earlier that day.
So how can you gently remind people that despite the fact your car’s parked out front and they can see you through the window that you are not available (and by knocking they’re disturbing your workflow)?
1. Take a stand mentally that it is okay NOT to wave them on in. Remember that said relative, friend, mailman etc wouldn’t expect you to stop and chat and or put the kettle on if you were working from a traditional workplace.
2. Send a friendly but firm group email letting friends and family know that you’re really swamped right now. Perhaps write something along the lines of: ‘Hey guys. Just wanted to let you now that work is really hotting up right now and I need your help to stop me procrastinating during my work day of 9-4pm. So while I love seeing your smiling faces, can we catch up on the weekend instead? Thanks for understanding.’
3. Print out, laminate and hang a Rachel’s List Do Not Disturb sign from your gate, front door or mailbox as a visual reminder to would-be visitors that you are WORKING from home. And, sure, while it would be lovely to open the wine they brought or have a natter about their latest antics over coffee, now is not the time.
4. If you don’t have a printer go to a $2 dollar shop and buy a store sign with a clock that shows opening hours and add business hours are from x – x. Please do not disturb during these work hours.
5. Deal with the resistant repeat offenders by answering the door with a phone. Cover the receiver and whisper, ‘Hi. It’s a really busy day at the office. I’ve got to take this call. Can you come back at 5pm / tomorrow / never?’
OR
‘Hi. I wish we could talk / have lunch but I’m on deadline / I really have to get back to work right now. Are you free tonight / later this week / this weekend to catch up properly?’
OR
Open the door with a worried look on your face. ‘I’m sorry did we have plans? [No] Phew, was it urgent? It’s just that I’m on deadline right now – gesticulate with your thumb to the hot computer awaiting. [No] Ok, great, let’s talk later and plan a catch up for the weekend.’
Whatever you do, do not invite them in. Even if they walked off miffed, it’s much better for you to defend your time and finish your workload – and not set a precedent that you’re available during those times.
What do you do to ward off unwanted visitors?
