Work at home tension often comes during the holiday season, for many different reasons. Money and time are both stretched thin, which creates a tight spot for self employed professionals who don’t receive the benefits of vacation days and holiday bonuses. Being self employed during the holidays can at times feel like an ordeal. Does is have to be that way?
Holiday spending and time shortages are only two of the problems which arise for work at home professionals during the holiday season. For many, this season of gatherings leads to a long litany of uncomfortable questions, advice and downright rudeness.
Work at Home Tension
While most family members and friends of self employed professionals will be highly supportive and interested, others may take a slightly different approach. Some may seem critical or somewhat disbelieving of a work at home lifestyle, even saying self employment isn’t the same as a “real job.”
There are many misconceptions about self employment, and during the holidays some professionals may come face-to-face with work at home holiday tension as a result. Some professionals who haven’t experienced self employment view it as a lazy occupation - likening those who work at home to slugs who watch TV and enjoy themselves all day. Some seem to think there is no work involved with work at home - that, in fact, self employed professionals can do just as they please whenever they please.
Is there a way to defend oneself…without ruining the holiday for everyone? Or is it a better strategy to bite the tongue, smile brightly and move on to another conversation? How should self employed professionals diffuse work at home holiday tension?
Self Employed During the Holidays
Even when faced with what feels like criticism during a time that’s supposed to feel warm and happy, it’s important for self employed professionals to remember they don’t have to defend themselves to anyone. Work at home is still work, though there are some who may never seem to fully understand this. Those who don’t work for themselves won’t understand the amount of discipline or sacrifice involved in a self employed lifestyle (or the pain that comes with tax time).
Work at home tension comes in many forms, but it can be easily diffused if the professional in question gives no real credence to criticism. Sometimes, all it takes is a gentle reminder that everyone chooses their own career and that it’s a joy when any professional is happy with theirs. This should be celebrated, not criticized.
KC Morgan - KC Morgan has been the featured writer in Self-Employment since 2006, using personal experience to create guides to being self-employed.
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