Guilty at Work, Distracted at Home

Picture someone who feels guilty at work because they should be with their family, and distracted at home because they are thinking about work. They are never fully anywhere. The constant low hum of anxiety follows them from one room to the next.

One answer is surprisingly simple: protect the time. Set real blocks for work and real blocks for home, and keep both. When you are at work, work. When you are home, be home.

Solomon said it long ago: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” There is a time to work and a time to be with your people. Trouble comes when every time is every purpose.

People notice the difference. A spouse may tell you it is nice to have you actually there. Children notice when your eyes are on them and not on your phone. Give the people in front of you the gift of all of you, for the time you’re with them.