7
When my mom visits, she thinks my home office is just another room to clean up
I lose focus when she starts rearranging my desk while I'm on a call.
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
nancythomas1mo ago
That cleaning urge turns into a real problem fast. It's like @tyler_hill said, they don't see it as real work. My mom once filed a stack of papers mid video call, right as I needed my notes. Setting a hard line is the only fix, even if it feels rude. You have to say the desk is off limits, full stop. The help is nice but it wrecks your whole system.
5
tyler_hill1mo ago
Oh man, that's the worst. I was just listening to a podcast that talked about this exact thing, how family often sees a home office as not a real workplace. They said it's key to have a clear talk about boundaries, even if it feels a little awkward. Something simple like, "Hey, I need my desk setup to stay the way it is so I can focus," might help. It's tough because she's trying to help, but she might not get how disruptive it is.
2
john6501mo ago
Man, that's so true. My dad used to "tidy up" my desk by stacking all my papers, and I'd lose track of what I was doing. It feels like they're helping, but it just adds more work. Setting those limits is key, even if it feels like you're being picky. Once I put a literal do not disturb sign on my door, it finally sank in. It's a tough spot when they mean well but don't get it.
4