I don’t know why it bugs me so much when I hear folks make reference to “working in pajamas.” I think it indicates a certain laziness, really, and that’s the last thing I am when it comes to work. I also think it indicates a certain slovenliness, as if we don’t change much and sort of have a hygiene problem. I mean, if I were to hear someone hung out in his pajamas all the time it would indicate to me that he doesn’t get dressed too often and, also, may be in need of a serious shower.
But that’s just me.
It’s not even a matter of looking clean or smelling nice. I like to have some balance in my day. I have my sleeping clothes, my exercise clothes and my get down to business clothes. I feel lazier in pajamas. Plus, I spend more time wondering if I should get changed, and feeling as if I should get changed, that I’m not completely focused on my work.
Now, I’m not saying I should put on a power suit to write up a blog post or interview a potential speaker, but I am saying that getting dressed helps me to separate work from home. I don’t know how it is for other telecommuters, but for me it’s important. The lines are blurry enough as we work longer hours, or our laptops beckon during family time. When I’m dressed, it makes me feel as if I can face the day. I’m not distracted. I’m not wondering if I should take a shower or talking myself out of going back to bed.
This isn’t to say, that I don’t have moments when I’m laying on the couch in my plaid flannels, laptop on my knees, getting ‘er done. However, that’s not the norm. The people who pay me to do a job, pay me to put my all into it, and I can’t do that if I’m in my pajamas.
Mostly I find the people who talk about working in pajamas are the ones who are trying to sell you a lifestyle. They’re making this life attractive, carefree and easygoing, and they want you to pay big money for them to tell you how to do so. Before you buy into it, let me share some details that aren’t in those ebooks and courses.
For the record, here are some of my other observations about working at home:
- I don’t know too many people who work on the beach. The sun glare, even with an umbrella, makes it tough and no one wants sand in the laptop. Most people who say they’re bringing work with them to the beach or on a picnic, may be bringing it along, but they’re not getting much done.
- It’s extremely difficult to work during soccer games or piano recitals. I mean, we can, but not everyone is wired. Plus by the time we get ourselves set up, we have to pack up and go home again. I do bring the laptop to taekwondo on extreme occasions, but it’s too noisy and other moms want to chat. Plus, our kids want us to see their latest brilliance. I can’t work while heeding calls of, “Look, Mom!!!” Even responding to phone calls and email can be a challenge. We’re portable, but that doesn’t mean we can work anywhere.
- While many freelancers do work flexible hours, most of us have no choice but to work during business hours because our clients need us. Telecommuters who work for an employer especially have to make themselves available during the regular business day. We’re flexible and productive but most of us work the same hours as before we left our office jobs.
- Most people who work at home spend more hours working than those who commute. We start earlier and we end later.
- There are more distractions at the coffee shop than in the home. While many of us do enjoy getting away and enjoying a different environment now and again, many of us prefer to be home where it’s quiet. I find the library to be a better place to work when I need to get away.
- Despite your best intentions, you can’t work at home while the kids are awake, alert and unoccupied. Once you pick up the phone or get into your project, they’re going to want your attention. If you have children in the house, you’re going to end up stopping what you’re doing at least a dozen times. You can’t focus solely on the matter of hand with kids in the house.
- It’s harder to work at home than in an office. No one is standing over you making sure you’re focused, no one comes along and offers to help when they have a light load, and the communication between you and the people you work with isn’t always 100% when you don’t see them at the office all day.
Whenever someone tells me they wish they had my carefree lifestyle, I want to laugh. There’s nothing carefree about working at home. Yes, we can sort of work whenever we want. Certainly we don’t have to worry about someone yelling at us for being on Facebook or Twitter, and we can wear whatever we want. However, if you’ve never done this, it’s not what you think.
Distractions abound. Even something as simple as working in pajamas or having a cluttered desk can be a distraction. We’re not hanging out in our bunny slippers and pecking at the laptop when the urge hits us. Most of us are spending at least eight to ten hours each day focused on a job.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining about anything. I love my job and I love my life. Instead of ditching my job(s) early to start my weekend or rush off as soon as all my projects are complete, I keep going. I love what I do so much, I don’t want to stop doing it. Still, I roll my eyes sometimes when I read about how many people live a “pajama lifestyle.” We all have relaxing days, but it’s not the norm at all. Working out of your home creates a whole different set of issues and politics and not everyone can handle it.
What are some of your favorite myths about working from home?
