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Working on the Weekends
By Christina Lemmey | March 16, 2008
We already know that working from home has many advantages, including freedom in making your own schedule. When I first started my podcast, I was on the computer seven days a week and it was challenging but fun.
Now that I have that website set up the way I want it, I’m trying to spend the weekends computer-free. Well, I still check some favorite blogs and will email friends, but I try not to do work.
However, I’m finding that’s a tough goal because some of my VA clients do work on the weekends or they have projects that are needed by Monday morning, which entail me having to work as well. I’m not complaining because I love the work and my clients are great but sometimes my kids roll their eyes, wondering why they and dad don’t have to work but I do.
I’m wondering how other VAs gain that balance between work and family and if they, too, work on the weekends?
Topics: WAHM Life |
March 16th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Christina, I do a little work on the weekend when I want to. I try to never put my VA’s in the position of having to do so but as you know, the show must go on and schedules need to be kept. One of the things I’ve always appreciated about you is for quickness and flexibility!
When you are part of a chain of activity you’re always leaning up against what the other is doing before you and if they are often pushing you into the weekend - I would be sure to say something.
There’s nothing wrong with stepping up and letting someone know that it is your goal to be done with week by 4pm on Friday so you would appreciate their effort in passing their elements on to you before noon on that day. (Or whatever works for you)
You have such a great attitude, I’m sure whoever you work with will be willing to flex with you
Kelly’s last blog post..Ten Quick Thoughts About Creativity
March 17th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Christina,
I tend to work in spurts. When creativity hits me I’ll work on the weekends…if it hits me then. But usually I only check email, my forum, blogs…etc…fun stuff.
I did do some work on the weekends when I was a VA, because of deadlines or of me getting behind during the week.
I eventually learned to schedule things well so that I didn’t HAVE to work on the weekends. If I felt like getting ahead of schedule I would work on the weekends.
I guess what I’m saying is that I’ll work anyday of the week if I feel like it or if there is a deadline, but typically I don’t do heavy duty work on the weekends anymore.
GREAT topic!
March 17th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I typically will work a few hours over the weekend but it’s dedicated to my own business stuff. My things always take the back burner to my client’s work so dedicating a few hours each weekend helps me stay caught up.
However, if I have a client who has an emergency or maybe I’m behind on something, I will spend some time on their work too. But it’s by choice.
I used to work 7 days a week but I got really burned out and was ready to throw in the towel (so was my family!). About a year ago, I let all my clients know that I’m not available on the weekends except for emergencies and those should be few and far between (and are at a higher rate). They’ve all been real good about getting work in early enough for me to complete without working weekends.
So I guess it’s just a matter of letting clients know your schedule and then sticking to it (you and them). Eventually it will become habit for everyone.
March 20th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I try to leave the weekends for family time and that’s when we get our running around done. I rarely leave the house during the week so the weekends are our time to get out and get some fresh air. I will however work if I have a deadline or something has come up that needs my attention or if for some reason I am behind on work. I’m flexible.