I have my own business doing home renovation. Working within someone's home can be challenging at times because you are in their personal space, invading and disturbing their routine. I try to set expectations very early, saying I will text/communicate asap, does not mean immediately, but no more than 24 hours.
But because I live in the same community, and they have been to my house (which I invite them to see my work), the 'personal space' boundary gets crossed regularly. Getting texts at all days and times is normal, them expecting me to work 7 days/week at their house is fairly normal. If seen out at a store, I will be immediately asked about their project. Frequently at parties or bars, when someone (um... women) find out what I do, they will hammer me with questions about their kitchens or bathrooms while their husbands laugh at me (but are happy because they can talk to their buddies). Don't get me wrong, I don't hate talking kitchens, it's better than forced 'small talk'.
So work and personal life for me is intertwined. It hasn't been easy, but I have gotten fairly adept at 'managing' people. Getting better at that has put me more at ease. Also, since craftsmen are so in demand right now, the respect level has risen a little. That helps too.
And a few good beers while making dinner sure helps....
But because I live in the same community, and they have been to my house (which I invite them to see my work), the 'personal space' boundary gets crossed regularly. Getting texts at all days and times is normal, them expecting me to work 7 days/week at their house is fairly normal. If seen out at a store, I will be immediately asked about their project. Frequently at parties or bars, when someone (um... women) find out what I do, they will hammer me with questions about their kitchens or bathrooms while their husbands laugh at me (but are happy because they can talk to their buddies). Don't get me wrong, I don't hate talking kitchens, it's better than forced 'small talk'.
So work and personal life for me is intertwined. It hasn't been easy, but I have gotten fairly adept at 'managing' people. Getting better at that has put me more at ease. Also, since craftsmen are so in demand right now, the respect level has risen a little. That helps too.
And a few good beers while making dinner sure helps....