DEAR ABBY: I am a freelance writer who works from home. I have flexibility when it comes to my work hours, but I decide that on my own terms. I have lost count of the number of times friends and family have asked me to baby-sit, have lunch or go out shopping with them because, according to them, writing isn't "real work" and working from home means having no fixed hours.
Last week my husband called me from his office and asked me to bring him some documents he had forgotten at home. When I realized it wasn't urgent, I told him no and that he had interrupted my train of thought. He has been sulking for days. Was I wrong?
In this digital age, with more people working from home, it still means adhering to a schedule. Oh, and one more thing -- please remind your readers that writing is very much a REAL job. -- FREELANCE WRITER IN TENNESSEE
DEAR FREELANCE WRITER: Consider it done. Writing requires concentration, and it IS a very real job. However, you may be bringing some of your problems on yourself by not informing your friends and family that you write between certain hours every day. And an effective way to isolate yourself and ensure you won't be interrupted by annoying phone calls would be to turn your phone off during the hours that you're writing.