Dear Queenie,
I’m lucky to have a job that I can work from home by computer. But I have some neighbors who think that if I’m at home they can drop in any time to visit and don’t understand that I have to be on the computer at certain times and that I have to get my work done on time.
Queenie, I don’t want to be rude to them, but how can I get them to leave me alone when I am working?—Telecommuter
Dear Telecommuter,
Some time when you can spare the time – as soon as possible – explain to your neighbours what you have just told me. Then when they drop in, tell them you are busy at your job and ask them to come back later when you have finished your work, giving them a specific time when you will be free to visit with them.
You could even make a sign to put up on your door saying “Please do not disturb; I am at work right now. Please come back at (such and such a time).” However, you might not want to use that sign if you are expecting a delivery.
