Distractions

Trying to work as much as 20 hours per week from the time I was 14 and 15 has created an on-going balance of digital distractions. As with all things, my own struggles are constantly changing. I try to regroup every 6 months or so to prioritize and evaluate my latest distractions. I routinely unsubscribe from certain services and set time limits for others. But I have found the greatest struggle is to let my friends and family know not to expect quick responses during my daytime work hours. Everyone these days expect immediate responses. The more companies I have worked with, the more I have had to learn that this balance is a problem. Obviously, texting is an essential way for co-workers to communicate so I try regularly to minimize the amount of personal texting and keep my family and friends on snapchat or other services. This is one of the many reasons that I prefer to work in an office environment. Family and friends assume that if you are working ‘remotely’, then you really can respond and keep up with their daily distractions.