Dear Sir
In these difficult times, I understand one must be grateful to have a job.
I have your earlier columns where you have mentioned this.
As you know, it is been 16-17 months since WFH started.
At first it seemed good, especially since one did not have to travel.
But now, after so many months, with parents and young kids and the wife’s demands, it is becoming difficult to concentrate and deliver results. In office, there are no such distractions.
Many of my colleagues are facing the same problem because, like me, they have small houses.
I tried working at a nearby cafe, but it upsets my family very much and causes increased tension at home.
I understand the office’s side as well, but many of us are facing this problem.
How do we raise such an issue with the management?
Please help.
Vikas

Hi.

I appreciate the fact that you sacrificed your job to take care of your parents.

Ideally, you should go back to a larger city and restart your career. I am sure your past employer would be open to taking you back.

If that is not possible, then you need to have a candid discussion with your parents and make them understand that their constant involvement in your life is not acceptable.

They may be doing it out of love but, since it is negatively impacting you, they need to give you space.

Please don’t change your job in your hometown as that will further complicate your situation.

What we can do is make the best of what is at this point in time. It indeed is hard to be away from family at a time like this.

I know parents in some families do find it hard adjusting to a new city at their age and having your wife care for them as logical as the decision was has begun to take a toll on the family as a whole.

It is an amazing feeling to come back home to a family after a hard day’s work where they wait with love, care and support.

Either a job in Mumbai or moving your family to Delhi are the options as it is evident that family and their love is important for you to have the security and stability.

Having said this, Lockdown 5.0 begins soon, I think fearlessly take a call, visit your family.

If you think you want to isolate yourself in the fear of COVID-10, do so…but more that all of this, do sit down as a family, COMMUNICATE, talk to your parents about how this is affecting you and obviously they care and love you enough to hear your side of the story.

And finally, do what needs to be done to make sure that your parents understand and are taken care of and your wife and children are with you as a family.

Happy decision making and be happy!

Hi Kanchi,

You need to put your foot down and make your family realise your value.

You are clearly being taken for granted. Have a candid chat with them and I am sure they will understand.

A job provides financial support but the lady of the house provides much-needed emotional support and the comfort needed so that people can do their jobs without worrying about anything.

You can also look at options of your family members working from their friend's place or you stepping out to your friend's place.

Teach them how to make their own tea and coffee.

Don't worry, offices are opening up and soon all of them will be back to work or college.

Hi Sunita.

The best way to manage the stress is to consider yourself fortunate that your organisation has continued with your employment.

I’m sure you understand that the current economic scenario has not yet picked up and the job market is tough.

As far as your manager is concerned, set clear expectations with her/him at the beginning of the week/day.

Send her/him your task list and then an update at the end of the day/week.

Communicate through email so that it is well documented and there is no ambiguity.

You can also do some breathing exercises and ensure your diet is healthy to manage your stress levels.