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Posting this to remind my future self why I am trekking through COVID-infested airports and cities to move. Moving in the current environment is probably going to be a hassle, and might be dangerous. I'm still going to have to do it.
I mentioned before that I'm running my small business while living in close proximity (same physical building) as family members. I'm getting frequent interruptions and requests for help from seniors; this reduces my income and interrupts my patterns. The worst is when it interrupts technical or planning work, since I have to get into a certain head-space.
The problem is not really the requests for help. The problem is that they are demands for immediate help. One particular senior is the real problem.
This evening I got "in the zone" for getting some work done. I was so happy to tackle the work, but then, the request from a senior came in... could I help them with some home maintenance task. It's something that's been on their to-do list for months, so I know it's not urgent.
I said that I'm busy, and this isn't a good time. I told them that I have certain work patterns, and this is currently my prime time for working, so I really want to work.
But the senior doesn't give a s*** about that! I started getting the aggression... sarcastic comments about how my time is so valuable (actually it is, billable at $200/hr), followed by pouting. This senior has also previously yelled at me and threatened me, also while I was trying to work.
So instead of doing my work, at the optimal time for me, I came to the senior's assistance instead. He totally destroyed my mood, stopped my momentum, and got me out of the zone. Once again, the senior imposed his schedule and demands on me. And there is never any apology such as "sorry you had to stop working to come help me."
I realize that it's similar for people who have children at home; kids are needy, and interrupt you constantly. I sympathize. At least children can be taught better behaviours and will grow out of that behaviour.
I mentioned before that I'm running my small business while living in close proximity (same physical building) as family members. I'm getting frequent interruptions and requests for help from seniors; this reduces my income and interrupts my patterns. The worst is when it interrupts technical or planning work, since I have to get into a certain head-space.
The problem is not really the requests for help. The problem is that they are demands for immediate help. One particular senior is the real problem.
This evening I got "in the zone" for getting some work done. I was so happy to tackle the work, but then, the request from a senior came in... could I help them with some home maintenance task. It's something that's been on their to-do list for months, so I know it's not urgent.
I said that I'm busy, and this isn't a good time. I told them that I have certain work patterns, and this is currently my prime time for working, so I really want to work.
But the senior doesn't give a s*** about that! I started getting the aggression... sarcastic comments about how my time is so valuable (actually it is, billable at $200/hr), followed by pouting. This senior has also previously yelled at me and threatened me, also while I was trying to work.
So instead of doing my work, at the optimal time for me, I came to the senior's assistance instead. He totally destroyed my mood, stopped my momentum, and got me out of the zone. Once again, the senior imposed his schedule and demands on me. And there is never any apology such as "sorry you had to stop working to come help me."
I realize that it's similar for people who have children at home; kids are needy, and interrupt you constantly. I sympathize. At least children can be taught better behaviours and will grow out of that behaviour.