Feel guilty?

Question

I've recently started working from home since my mat leave ended in September. I'm so thankful to be able to stay home with our son and work. If I had to go in the office, I probably wouldn't have gone back because what I make wouldn't even cover daycare costs. So working from home as been a blessing.
HOWEVER - we have to submit timesheets everyday. So we punch in when we start and punch out when we close up for the day. 
I typically punch in around 9AM when we are settled in for the morning and punch out at 5PM to make dinner, bath, bedtime etc. 
The thing is, I'm obviously not working a full 8 hours. That's impossible with a toddler or a little one. 8 uninterrupted hours makes so sense when you're working from home with kids. 
My boss is well aware I'm taking care of our son while working. I have family (sister and brother in law) who also works at my work so they've been working from home as well. 
I feel extremely guilty for putting 9-5 everyday because I feel like I'm not putting in that amount of hours as I'm obviously with our son. My husband keeps saying don't even worry about it, keep doing what you're doing and if they have a problem they will talk to you about it. I work when I have pockets of time in between taking care of our kiddo.
Anyone else in the same boat? Should I feel guilty? All of my timesheets have been approved and no one has even questioned a thing. Idk, I can't help but feel bad about it.

Answer

Yes. It is fine. Our whole normal has shifted. I am working from home with 2 under 2. It’s insane. But we have help now. I just make sure everything is getting done both with my workplace and at home. This means that I’ll work sometimes after dinner and the babies are in bed for the night, or I’ll wake up before everyone else in the morning to make sure all my meetings are scheduled neatly, all reports are done, try to schedule my work day around my Children’s schedule etc. Because I know that as much as I try to work during the day, my time is split with two wild children at home. Managers should be understanding of the changes and all the accommodations.

Answer

Are you an hourly employee or salaried? My husband works from home (does not take care of our toddler though) but he is salary and he definitely is not putting in full days. He is expected to keep up with his work, participate in all meetings, etc. But generally they know he isn't working nonstop all day. He occasionally runs errands, does things for me around the house, finishes early for the day, and even plays video games. But always keeps up with his work. If you are in that sort of position then no I would not feel guilty. If you are paid by the hour then idk. Is there someone that does the same job as you but is putting in full days at the office? They may complain.  Without knowing your job title its hard to say.  But there are also lots of people that punch a clock and sit at a desk but spend a lot of time on Facebook or talking to coworkers during the day too 🙃

Answer

I don’t feel guilty about hours... as long as I’m getting all of my work done and doing it well.

Answer

When I went back to work we began to pay one of my sisters to come to our home and watch our kids. I don’t think it’s “fine”, because as you stated, it is impossible to focus solely on work when you’re tending to your children which means you’re not as productive as you would be in the office. 
If it’s an option to work off the clock I’d consider making up your hours and work in the evenings. i had a few days where I had interrupted work days and when my husband came home I told him I needed a couple hours to catch up. 
If you can do that maybe speak to yourself employer about a flex schedule where maybe you can clock in from 530-730 be “out of office” while you get your kids settled then be back in from 9-5. Technically more hours...but maybe 2 uninterrupted and 8 broken seems more “fair”. 
Yes our “normal” has changed...but that doesn’t mean we can be less productive as employees.
I obviously don’t know the ins and outs of your company or what you do for work...but for me personally it is not an option to have 8 interrupted hours a day, get my work done, and be secure in my position. 
Again I’d consider a childcare alternative and or working with your employer on your available hours.

Feel guilty?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products