For those unfamiliar with the dynamics, here’s a glimpse into life when both you and your partner work from home.
- You gain a personal support team. Your partner seamlessly transforms into your proofreader, brainstorming buddy, tech support, ink supplier, and if you’re persuasive enough, your barista for that second cup of coffee. Who needs interns when you’ve got all this at home?
- Texting becomes obsolete. With rare exceptions for work-related travels, we rarely spend more than three hours apart. When we do, I’m fully aware of his whereabouts and expected return. In fact, I ditched my cell phone years ago, which has been liberating since texting can be quite tedious.
- Your inner thoughts escape into the open. If I worked in a traditional office, I wouldn’t suddenly exclaim, “Ugh, rice pilaf farts again?!” Yet at home, such comments are commonplace, and my partner knows exactly what I’m referring to, having shared the same meal.
- You might find yourself becoming rather dull. Office gossip is sorely missed. My knowledge of the world is limited to my husband, our daughter, and myself. So if you see me, please skip the “What’s new?” question—because the answer will always be “Nothing.”
- Date nights can feel less exciting. The last time my husband suggested a date night, I couldn’t help but blurt out, “With you?” It’s not that our work setup diminishes my affection; it’s simply a matter of how many hours one can spend with the same person each day.
- Lunch dates, however, are thrilling. I absolutely love spontaneous afternoon outings with my husband. They feel like a delightful escape from the daily grind, combining fun and romance. Plus, there’s nothing quite like an empty movie theater during a matinee—no need to worry about bumping elbows with strangers while stealing kisses.
- You find yourself listening to him discuss his work. In an office setting, I might find some coworkers irritating, but at least we’d be focused on shared interests. With my husband, I can’t always keep track of the specifics of his studies or teaching, as I often enter “uh-huh … uh-huh” mode during our discussions.
- You always have a cheerleader in your corner. While my husband and I often work closely together, it’s not always in a romantic sense. When we moved from a two-bedroom to a three-bedroom, I insisted on separate office spaces, even if it meant our daughter’s nursery now houses a desk and fax machine. The truth is, freelancing doesn’t usually afford us the luxury of expansive workspaces. We often find ourselves navigating uncertainty about client responses and financial stability. This mutual support is what I cherish most about working from home with him; we uplift each other throughout our day.
In summary, sharing a home workspace with your partner introduces unique challenges and rewards, from the joys of spontaneous lunch dates to the occasional dullness of daily conversations. However, the support you offer each other is invaluable, making the experience worthwhile.