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My new telecommuting challenge – a puppy
We have added our first pet to the family, and with it I now have a new work-from-home challenge to overcome.
Thu, Mar 21 2013 at 2:38 PM
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Photo: Melissa Hincha-Ownby
Last November I shared 5 telecommuting challenges and how I solved them, but if I had to rewrite the story today, I would add a sixth challenge – my new puppy. Last week our family brought home our first pet, a miniature schnauzer named Winston. Winston is a sweet 10-week-old puppy ... but he is a handful.
I haven’t owned a pet since I was a little girl, and while my husband grew up with pets, nothing he told me could have prepared me for bringing home a puppy. In a way, it is almost like I’ve brought home a new baby. He doesn’t talk so he can’t tell me what he wants, he needs a lot of attention and sleep, and he gets scared at night.
To make it even more challenging, the kids are on spring break this week, so I have two kids and a new puppy vying for my attention and writing time. This is a good challenge, though, and I have to admit it has been a fun week.
Sure, I’m tired, but I’ve managed to find time at night and during Winston’s naps to write. When he’s awake, though, there’s no chance I’ll be able to concentrate on an article or research. He wants to play, the kids want to play and quite frankly I want to play, too.
Since my husband works from home, the four of us have spent a lot of time together this week and honestly, it is nice to just stay around the house sometimes. We all have busy schedules and so a relaxing spring break at home with our new puppy is an ideal staycation. Thankfully, I have the flexibility with my work to write when I have the time, whether it is at noon or midnight.
Related on MNN: 10 of the cutest puppy videos on YouTube
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Thanks Chuck! We have already started toying around with the idea of another pooch.
My mother has an older dog that lives with us. I find their playing to be a bit more distracting than just the puppy. Part of that is a size differential and because their play upsets my mother. She would do better with another puppy I think but ai yi yi the noise! They are great fun though.
A puppy's not a challenge for a telecommuter -- it's an opportunity! Having a dog means you need to get up every hour or two to let them out. A quick bit of exercise = better health and multiple chances each day to come back to your work with fresh eyes. Enjoy!
Oh I love that perspective John! The exercise is great (and needed!) but I didn't even think about the fresh eyes aspect. Love it. :)
Excellent point! Taking the pup out means a break and that I am not glued to my seat all day thinking "oh let me do one more thing before I eat/take a break/move.
Congratulations on Winston. We got a puppy in August. I had never had a puppy before--having always had adopted adult dogs. Yes, very much like a newborn and a definite challenge. Ours has settled down some and naps while I work--as long as I don't work too late. Then she starts pulling on clothing for playtime.
Thanks Tarrant - gotta love the not-so-subtle clothing tug to get your attention.