Let’s be real, working from home sounds like a dream. No commute, pajama-friendly meetings, and unlimited snacks. But here’s the plot twist: instead of working from home, it feels like you’re just always working. Your boss thinks you’re available 24/7, your family assumes you’re free for errands, and your neighbor keeps “popping by” because they saw your car in the driveway.
So how do you protect your time, your sanity, and your Wi-Fi bandwidth from freeloading family members? Here are six no-nonsense ways to set boundaries, without looking like a total villain.
1. Master the Art of the ‘Fake Commute’
Your office job had one thing going for it, separation. Create that same boundary at home. Start and end your day with a ‘fake commute’, a quick walk around the block, a coffee run, or even just changing out of your pajamas (yes, really). This sends a signal to your brain (and your family) that work mode is ON or OFF.
Pro Tip: Even if your “commute” is just walking to a different room, the ritual helps you mentally switch gears.
2. The ‘Do Not Disturb’ Zone (a.k.a. Your Fortress of Solitude)
If your family keeps barging in mid-Zoom call to ask where the ketchup is, it’s time to set up a DND zone. Designate a specific workspace (even if it’s just a corner of your kitchen) and make it clear: when you’re in this space, you’re at work.
Bonus Move: Put on noise-canceling headphones. Even if you’re not listening to anything, it makes people think you’re busy.
3. Say ‘No’ Like a Boss (Without the Guilt Trip)
When you work from home, people assume you have endless free time. “Can you babysit?” “Can you run this errand?” “Can you bake 200 cupcakes for the school fundraiser?”
Here’s your new magic phrase: “I’d love to, but I have work commitments.” No need to explain or apologize. Your job is just as real as anyone else’s, even if your office chair is your couch.
Power Move: If they keep pushing, repeat the phrase. The more you explain, the more they negotiate. Don’t negotiate.
4. Block Off ‘You Time’ on Your Calendar (Yes, Literally)
If you don’t guard your time, someone else will steal it. Block time on your calendar for breaks, lunch, and focused work. Treat these like meetings, because they are.
Real Talk: If your boss sees you as “always available,” you’ll be expected to be “always available.” Setting clear working hours makes you more respected, not less.
5. Train Your Boss (And Clients) to Respect Your Hours
If your inbox is blowing up at 10 PM, it’s not because your boss is evil, it’s because you trained them to expect an answer. Set a hard stop time for work and stick to it. If they email at midnight, respond the next morning.
Tough Love: If you answer outside work hours once, you’ll be expected to do it forever.
6. Embrace the Power of the Auto-Reply
Technology is your friend. Set up an out-of-office auto-reply for after-hours emails, something like:
Hey there! I’ve signed off for the evening, but I’ll get back to you first thing tomorrow. Have a great night!
This little trick does wonders for reinforcing boundaries without confrontation.
Your Sanity Matters, Protect It!
Setting boundaries doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you smart. The only way to thrive in a work-from-home setup is to train people (including yourself) to respect your time. So pick one of these tips and start today!
Which of these boundary-setting tricks are you going to try first? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts!