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The Working Parent’s Guide to Workshifting

posted on August 15, 2012

I get hired to create all sorts of different things. My only rule is that I’ve got to be excited about any project I accept.

So when Citrix asked me if I’d be interested in writing an eBook for them about workshifting as a parent I jumped at the opportunity.

You can download a PDF of the book or view it as a slide show below.

I firmly believe that being able to workshift makes it easier to balance maintaining a happy family and a successful career. Every parent will get something out of this. I tried to not talk about only the technology, but more about the mindset and actions you must take to balance the two.

Thanks to the team at GoToMeeting for getting me involved in this. I had a blast on the project and look forward to more projects in the future.

Parents, once you’ve read it I’d love your feedback and additions that you think I may have forgotten.

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Categories: Books / Workshifting / Writing
  • tibbon

    From the perspective of someone who doesn’t have kids, I’d have problems with co-workers being able to work-shift and maintain their professionalism.

    One too many Skype calls with kids screaming in the background, people being suddenly unavailable mid-day due to something with their kids, and interruptions.

    I like the idea of people working from home, but from my view its very important to have a ‘quiet space’ at home that kids are strictly disallowed from entering. One thing that I think is critical for everyone is focus, and if you’re watching the kids *and* working, then its hard to focus on work. Having a quiet space, free from distraction, for calls and such is critical for this focus.

    Then again, this is just the perspective of someone without kids. Maybe when you have them it all seems more flexible.

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      I agree. That is why I talked a lot about the need for that type of space in the eBook and about setting boundaries with your kids.

      But, I have to disagree with you completely that people can’t workshift AND maintain their professionalism. That is short sighted and completely wrong as I know thousands of people have telecommuted over the years and have done it successful.

      It is more about having a strong work ethic than anything else. Technology allows anyone (not just parents) to do this, but it is up to the individual to make sure that they have it in them to do what needs to be done no matter where they are. I just find it silly that companies think that having someone within their own walls magically makes them more productive :)

      Thanks for swinging by, reading the book and leaving your comments. I appreciate them!

      • tibbon

        I absolutely agree with you. It really comes down to each person. Some people just can’t do it. Others do an amazing job. Its less about having the kids about home, and more about how they handle it.

        I’ve worked remotely for the past 4 years and I’ve had my fair share of distractions that I’ve had to learn to quell to make myself consistently productive. I do wish that more companies allowed remote work for a variety a reasons.

        Great eBook! I’ve thought of writing one or two myself and its inspirational to see someone I know put one out.

      • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

        We’ll get there with more companies doing it.

        My hope is that they will realize that it is something they can try and if it doesn’t work stop doing it.

        I remember back when I was working for a company and they let me work from home sometimes. When I did, I was ALWAYS more productive. Companies seem to forget how much time is spent talking in the hallways or drive by cubical conversations can suck up :)

  • Concretin Nik

    Great stuff CC! I’m hoping to workshift (from home) whenever “the next one” comes along. My boss has been VERY receptive to the idea each time we’ve discussed it in passing over the past few years. Living close to work helps, as I can be in the office in just a few minutes if absolutely necessary. Definitely going to hang on to this for a future proposal… hopefully in 9 months, assuming tonight goes well of course! HA!

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      Ha! Hope you had a good night.

      Also cool to hear you think this will help at work.