Weighing my options....need advice

eec129

I need some advice regarding my current work situation. One year ago, I left a job that I was fairly satisfied with for a higher paying WFH home job in my field of marketing communications. At the time my DD was about 6 months old and I thought it would be a great way for me to have a little more flexibility/no commute, etc. She does go to daycare full time. 

Time passes and I'm having an extremely hard time dealing with my boss. Our company is entirely virtual so I know that's part of it, because communication is lacking. She's extremely critical of my work and expects me to keep a sort of "open" schedule. For example, last Monday (Memorial Day) she became angry with me because I didn't see an email she send me at 4:30 am and she had to text me at 10:45 am in order for me to check in. It's that kind of availability that I just can't deliver right now, nor do I want to or think my job requires it. She is not married, no kids, so it's not uncommon for her to work at odd hours.

Also, I'm finding that I really miss adult interaction and just having a life outside of the house. My DH has a very busy job as well so there are many days where I don't get out at all!

Now I MAY have the opportunity to go back to the office for a similar job and pay. As much as I love being able to do little small extra things here and there around the house or not have to actually shower first thing every morning, I'm starting to think I need a regular old 9 to 5! 

Those of you who WFH -- do you find you have similar issues with keeping a set schedule? Has anyone decided to go back to an office after WFH?

Oh and I'm not pregnant right now as my tickers says...I can't delete it for some reason. 

danieliza1127

I worked from home for 3 years before I was married and I loved that job, but I totally get what you mean.  My situation was a little better in that I had field work and I could get out and do my field work about 3 days a week if I wanted to, or I could stay home in my pjs all day.  It was a great job but I did eventually decide to go back to a regular office setting and I don't regret it at all.  It's great to be around other adults, especially now that I have a child, I don't think I could work from home now.  I'm already at home so much every evening and weekend, I couldn't do it all day too.  My H works from home and I know he struggles with that and I wish he would find more ways to get out of the house.

Anyway, I don't think it's strange that you're thinking about going back to an office setting.  If that's what you think works best for you, go for it.

BabyHope2013

This is just more of a suggestion. I also work in marketing communications and we have some staff that WFH and I can occassionally WFH every once in a while as well. I have found that sometimes the biggest battle of communicating with people virtually is that you can't necessarly build a relationship with them like you can in a regular office environment. It's easy to take things the wrong way from an email---that you might take differently face to face with non-verbals and even tone of voice.

That said from my experience, could you some how find a way to get to know your boss better. Or maybe really just find out what the expectations with her are for working. Like a PP said, are you really supossed to work on holidays?

 When I do work from home, I love it because it is so much more flexible. I can watch TV while I work in my pj's. However, I also try to be productive with setting up shop at the kitchen table and then at 5 p.m., I turn my computer off and am done for the day. If I could work from home more, I would like to think I would in a heartbeat. Not having a commute alone would make it worth it!

eec129

Thanks for responses. I've really tried with my boss and a couple of times I thought we had sort of ironed everything out, only for her to jump on me again a few weeks later. It's like she's very moody or something and her expectations change like the wind! I've never worked for someone like her before. The worst part is I like everything else about the job aside from my relationship with her. We are a very small start up company so there is isn't really anywhere for me to turn about the situation either.

I am in an advanced process of an interview for another position right now, so I will just see where it takes me. The commute would be about 20-25 min. so not horrible.

jlaOK

While WFH is a pretty sweet gig, it doesn't make up for a bad boss.  I WFH PT on a set schedule.  While there are times that I work late to finish a project, I am never expected to work on my days off.

I agree that communication is WAY harder in a virtual setting.  I would first try talking to your boss about her expectations are for you.  If she really does expect you to be constantly available then I wouldn't hesitate looking for a traditional office job.