The awkward moment when a neighbor assumes I'm free for chat because I work from home

Yesterday, my next-door neighbor popped over unannounced during my peak productivity hours, thinking I could just hang out. I had to politely explain that I'm actually on the clock, but it felt rude. Now I'm wondering how to set boundaries without coming off as unfriendly. Do you all face similar issues with neighbors or family? Any tips for managing these social expectations while remote?

4 comments

4 Comments

wrenl286h ago

Ugh, I feel this in my soul. I once accidentally answered the door in my ratty pajama pants during a conference call and had to whisper-yell "I'm at work!" while my neighbor just stared at me holding a package. Now I'm basically a hermit who pretends not to be home between nine and five, lol.

oscar_henderson351h ago

Boundaries are a joke when you work from home. My neighbors think I'm a recluse now, lol.

price.ray6h ago

Always thought home workers were slacking off, until I tried it and realized the need for actual boundaries.

tessam738h ago

This is the remote work revolution's dirty little secret, that people still equate physical presence at home with being 'off duty'. There's a widespread assumption that flexible hours mean constantly available, like you're just waiting for someone to drop by. It puts remote workers in this impossible position of defending their professionalism against outdated perceptions, where explaining a deadline feels like rejecting hospitality. Honestly, we've created clearer social boundaries for someone wearing gym clothes than for someone whose office is now their living room.