BenefitNews.com recently published the results of a survey (www.benefitnews.com/pfv.cfm?id=8706) showing how Americans who "work" at home at least part-time (40 million people) actually spend their time. It turns out they deal with their kids, make personal phone calls, surf the Net, watch TV, nap, run errands, and do housework.
What they don't do is work, or at least not much: 53% said they worked less than three hours a day, and 25% admitted that they spend less than an hour a day working when they're at home.
I can't say that I'm surprised. I've been a self-employed writer and editor for a number of years now, so I'm well aware of the allure of absolutely anything but work when your workplace is home.
When faced with a blank computer screen, I've been known to haul out the step ladder and dust all the ceiling fans. I've voluntarily called my mother to hear about the latest funeral of a stranger she's attended ("It was Mrs. Murphy's husband. You know Mrs. Murphy, your high school English teacher? She wasn't?"). I've done more laundry than I would have thought my family owned. I've checked the weather in Slovenia (chilly and damp) and the traffic in Lahore (jammed). I've bought groceries, picked up dry cleaning, tricked the dog into going to the vet, and washed the car. I've even, God help me, taken my teenage son clothes shopping.
At least now I know I'm in good company. The next time I decide that I really must mulch the azaleas before I can get back to work, I'll do it guilt free. After all, if 40 million people are doing it, can it be so bad?
(To read more about how I manage to fritter away work hours, countered by great tips on how to use your time more effectively plus advice on getting organized, check out the April issue of my newsletter, Finding Our Way, called "Getting Organized, or How to Find Your Desk." To subscribe, simply go to www.findingourway.com.)
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