How to work when there are unexpected guests

Corzhens Level 1

November 8, 2017, 10:04 am

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How to work when there are unexpected guests

There are times that unexpected guests would be knocking on the door. And even after serving them dinner, they tend to linger. In our culture, hospitality is a virtue and it is not an option to send home the guests. I am fortunate to have an understanding husband to take care of the overstaying guests so I can do my work on the computer. And when the guests leave, I would take a little time to bid them goodbye.

When I go full time in my freelancing, unexpected guests would have to understand my work so they wouldn't be dropping by without advanced notice otherwise they have to suffer the consequences that I couldn't attend to them.

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Barida

Barida

This is where communicating with these guests come into play. One thing is that some of these guests would want to stay longer as a result of the fact that they found your home to be comfortable for them. However, I try to let my guest know after sometime of their stay that I want to complete some tasks on the internet, so that if they want to stay, they might not get the maximum attention from me at that particular moment.

7 years ago

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Everett

Everett

A lot of my friends or family, if I asked them to leave because I had stuff to do they would tell me that they can help and that it is no problem. But they totally miss the part where I am saying I want them to go because I need to finish my daily tasks and can not be distracted by their presence. I hate having to entertain someone if I do not want them there. It is almost like as if they came into my work and just hanged around and started to talk to me and I cant focus. But if i do that to them, then it is a totally different story.

7 years ago

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augusta

augusta

Well, for me I will see it as not being their fault, they might not do I work online, they might just believe one just stay at home doing nothing or just the house chore.I will make them understand this in a very polite way.

Better still tells them when they can visit in case of next time, that way I will not make them feel bad.They're still my friends my work shouldn't kill the friendship.

7 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

Communication is really important in every situation, and that rings especially true for one like this. I find that if you word things correctly, then you can easily convey the message that your guests may be welcome in your home, but you're currently busy and don't have much time to host them.

Many times when my neighbors come over, I've said something along the lines of "Hello! Please come in, I don't have too much time as I'm currently working on something but I can make time for a coffee break." Typically this lets them know that they can't stay much longer than the length of time it takes to have a coffee.

Sometimes if they're particularly courteous, they'll understand that this is an indirect message telling them that I'm busy and would like for them to return later.

7 years ago

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Corzhens

Corzhens

Last Christmas, I went to my sister's home early for our traditional family gathering. No guests yet so I had time to do my freelancing for an hour or so. But after 5 minutes, there came my niece to pester me with queries about my freelancing. She was not exactly interested but obviously just curious. Well, I lost my opportunity to work because my niece had no letup with her questions.

7 years ago

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TimothyAlex

TimothyAlex

I think this is a difficult question to answer. In the US, it is typically considered rude to visit someone unannounced. For the most part, my friends and family know that I work from home, and that they need to almost schedule an appointment. Even though I am "at home", I am still "at work".

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

It's the same over here in the United Kingdom. Almost everyone tends to not just pop around to your house unannounced and will make sure to ask you if they can come over at least a day or even a few hours in advance. The best thing to do then is to say that you are a bit too busy and try and set up another day that they can visit (without trying to sound too rude of course).

7 years ago

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TimothyAlex

TimothyAlex

It must have to do with the culture of a greater Anglosphere. The US's Hispanic community is much more into the idea of just dropping in of friends and family. Though, I do think we rank right of there when it comes to hospitality as a virtue.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

I am not sure that I agree with you. What is your evidence that the Hispanic culture does this? My girlfriend is Hispanic, and this is not at all a common practice in her family or at our house. I think that this may be a stereotype on your part. People who just drop in can be people of any culture. I think there are plenty of "Anglos" who drop in un-announced as well. Just saying.

7 years ago

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TimothyAlex

TimothyAlex

Just like you, it is a personal anecdote. That said, my observation that the US's Hispanic community is much more into the idea of just dropping in of friends and family is obviously not a universal statement. Just as if I made the observation that certain cultures are more family focused or place a higher emphasis on education, it is not putting everyone from that culture in a little box. I could say that American culture values free speech, but anyone who has been paying attention to the news knows that there are groups ready to riot to stop speech they don't like.

7 years ago

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Everett

Everett

Exactly! This is entirely my point. If you work at home, you will treat your time at home as if you are in an office building and working. People need to understand that if a friend or family member works from home, during the time they are working from home their home is their office. Do not intrude. Even though someone who works at home may or may not have a boss, or other hierarchy does not mean that the person is a working from home can just slack off.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

Everett,
Your post made me laugh about something for a second. Every now and then, I will do online surveys in order to make a little pocket change, and they all tend to ask about my work environment--do I work full time or part time? Do I work from home or in an office? Sometimes, I am not sure what to answer because I do not have set hours, and I work in a designated office space in my home. I agree with you, though, that an office at home is just as sacred, when it comes to work and productivity, than any office in a corporate building, or otherwise, so I try to cultivate that demeanor and environment in my home office.

7 years ago

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JonathanS98

JonathanS98

Like yourself, I'm also American so I agree with this. Normally, you don't visit someone else's house unless it's planned. Therefore, I've never really had the issue of dealing with unexpected guests while in the midst of my online work at home. However, the type of friends and family I have, understand me when it's time to be at my desk, rather than engaging in a social setting. They give me plenty of space on request so I can take care of my business.

7 years ago

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mildredtabitha

mildredtabitha

I will also prefer someone to notify me before visiting. I always find myself leaving everything I am doing so I can attend to unexpected visitors. Maybe it is just my good nature. But before it gets out of hand, it is always good to tell them that you had to leave something important for them and that they should inform you the next time they come.

7 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

Same here. I don't know but here it is considered impolite if you just come without prior agreement or notice. It luckily doesn't happen often.

I am always worried how to politely tell somebody to leave because I got work to do though. Some people get easily offended.

7 years ago

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mildredtabitha

mildredtabitha

I have always known men to have that nature. Someone could interrupt a man rudely and he would not know how to tell them to go away. Anyway, I know most women won't tolerate it and will openly say that they are offended by the visitors interruption.

It is also considered impolite at my place.

7 years ago

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potentialwriter

potentialwriter

When you have unexpected guests, that shouldn't stop you from observing your work at the right time. No man is worth sacrificing your time and work for, except you have important business friends who may have come for serious business issues to discuss about. The type of guests determines the kind of attention you are going to give and even how it's going to affect your work at any point in time.

7 years ago

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zanghie0942

zanghie0942

In life there are many unexpected things are happening to us. And we all have work for us to support our everyday needs. But what if while we are working there is unexpected guest? How to work when there is unexpected guest? I am from the Philippines, we as a Filipino has this attitude that no matter what we are doing we prioritize our guest. But we are also understanding. You can tell to your guests that you need to go to work and they can stay at your house until you come back from work. Or you can ask them if they have places they want to visit, they can go there first while they are waiting for you. It is a matter of good conversation and understanding to each other. But if you can leave from work for only one day, then go ahead. You should entertain your guest. Once in a lifetime they visit you because they want to see you.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

I guess that we all have unexpected things happen to us all of the time--if a surprise is going to happen, I would rather it be a guest arriving than an accident or medical emergency. I would count my blessings there. However, that being said, people should respect each other's schedules and workloads. Plans are easy to make with cellphones and social media, and people connect a lot easier these days, and quicker, than they once did. My friends tend to know that I am busy at work at home all of the time and out at my other job, so they try to synchronize their schedules with mine, and I do the same. Still, if friends showed up unexpected while I was finishing a deadline, I'd get them drinks and snacks and set them up with entertainment until i could get to a stopping point.

7 years ago

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Pixie06

Pixie06

I don't have unexpected guests that often and I am thankful for that. Most of the times my friends or relatives inform me before visiting. However, sometimes I do get unexpected visitors. Whenever someone visits me I have no choice but to reschedule my work. On such occasions, I usually try to work till late at night or I wake up early the next day. The main advantage with freelancing is flexibility.

7 years ago

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Everett

Everett

Well lucky for you! Sometimes my friends just stop by and ask if I want to go exercising with them or go somewhere. I have a phone and it is constantly around me, so why didnt you text me i ask them constantly. But they still show up at my door. They dont knock either because they have the combination to enter my house.. maybe I should change it.. lol

7 years ago

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kgord

kgord

I guess you need to decide in advance how you will handle the situation. I see nothing wrong with saying you have work to do and that it was nice seeing them..Tell them next time they come you will be able to spend more time with them if you know about the visit before it happens.

7 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

The problem of being so sincere is that sometimes people don't get this momentary "rejection" very well and starting to think things that don't exist - which is not good - and maybe start treating you differently for that.

7 years ago

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kgord

kgord

Well to be honest, is we are not responsible for everyone's perceptions of what we have to say. We are not mind readers..and although we can make every attempt to be kind, we are really only responsible for ourselves...not other people's perceptions of us.

7 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

Yes, I totally agree with you.

I won't change a concept of mine to please others because they don't agree with me. The diferences will always exist and we must learn to deal with them all (although this is obviously not easy).

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

I think this is easier said than done, to be honest. If someone comes to your door uninvited, even though it is extremely rude and inconvenient, it is just hard to say no and that you are too busy especially since they have come all the way to your house to see you and say hello. Best thing is to just have a quick chat with them but make sure that you are not seen as trying to get rid of them

7 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

I don't usually have patience when this type of situation happens (and thank God they rarely happen... I hate people who don't realize how inconvenient they are) and to avoid arguments or other bigger problems, I prefer to go out and look for a better place to work in peace.

7 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

I don't really have unannounced guests over... Perhaps sometimes if a close friend is nearby and he/she drops by but they always at least ring me first and ask if I am busy.

Regarding the invited guests that tend to over stay though... Those are the worst. It is so annoying when you are doing everything possible and giving hints that it is time for them to leave but they still ignore it.

I am not too good at telling people to leave because I am afraid it might sound rude, my partner is better at it.

7 years ago

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Judas2018

Judas2018

I live alone so I don't ever get unexpected guests that pop in and stop me from completing a task. I do receive unexpected phone calls sometimes that can be a bit of a bother. Or if I run out of something and have to go shopping for supplies. But beyond that, I don't have these problems really.

7 years ago

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AmieBotella

AmieBotella

You must be from the Philippines. And it is a normal thing for friends or family to come to your place unannounced and stay for some time. It is but sad, especially when you have so much things to do. What you should do I think, is to politely tell them that you need to do something at the moment and now is not a good time to chat or something. And tell them to set a date next time so you will be prepared and be able to host them properly. This way, you can tell them to call you first whenever they want to visit in the future. Remember that it is always mush better if you say it honestly than making excuses. I'm sure they will understand.

7 years ago

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vhinz

vhinz

If I'm working with very important project I used to tell them honestly that I could not entertain them for longer hours. And I just ask my wife to have conversation with them if they would stay for a while. And I would let my wife to tell me if the guests are leaving so I can say goodbye to them.

7 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

I work from home and for many people working from home is not a real job. When I say I don't have time to attend people, many people snigger. I tell them working from home is just like 9-5 regular job, the only difference is I don't go to an office to do work, instead, I sit in my home and work on my computer.
When I tell people that I don't want to attend people when I am working, they think I am being insolent.
Sometimes where there are guest, I attend them for few minutes and take an excuse saying I have work to do.

7 years ago

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overcast

overcast

Yes people think that home jobs are not real. And they try to make fun of such jobs. And also they think we are not being serious with our life. And that is something that may not be a good thing. I think we have to get separate office room or something like that to avoid such issue. And that can also solve the problem with the guests as well.

7 years ago

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Everett

Everett

Whenever I have guest over, or if they just randomly appear out of the blue i always feel so uncomfortable to work online around them.I have to work around them because sometimes I am on tight schedules and I have to get whatever it is I am doing done as soon as possible. I dread when they start to look at the computer screen or sit near me so they can spy on what i am doing. I feel they may ask questions that I do not want to give them the answer to, or they ask me questions like:

- Is it legal, what you do on the internet?
- If it is legal, and you are making money, why isn't everyone doing it?
- Where did you learn to do that?
- Can you teach me how to make money on the internet?

Now, these questions seem like the typical questions I am asked whenever someone asks me what I do, and I am sure a lot of you have gotten these same questions. It annoys me to no end when someone says "If it is legal, and you are making money, why isn't everyone doing it?". I have to explain to them for like 5-10 minutes the ins and outs of making money online, and that yes it is legal. They usually never seem to fully grasp what I am telling them. So this is generally why I do not like guest over when I am working online. They ask too many questions!

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I've had this problem before and thankfully at the time my work and schedule was flexible enough that I could just postpone my work and enjoy myself for a while when a guest would come by and sometimes would even invite me to go out. If my work was really important and I had to meet a deadline soon, I would just not beat around the bush and be honest with my guest. I would entertain them for a few minutes and allow them to stay for as long as it is comfortable with me but if I need to finish my work then I would have no other choice but to be honest.

7 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

This is pretty common in my culture as well. I live in a fairly closely knit rural community, so it isn't uncommon for your neighbors to just show up at your door at random hours of the day, expecting to have coffee or lunch with you. Needless to say, as someone who grew up in a city environment I find this behavior more than slightly agitating.

I can be open and forward with some of my neighbors and directly tell them, "I'm currently working but feel free to stop by in a few hours." They'll understand, and we'll have coffee later that evening. Others don't quite get the message, so rather than being rude I simply lock my gate and put up a notice that I'm not home until a certain time. Obviously that time is when I'm finished with my work.

7 years ago

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overcast

overcast

I have had this problem a lot. People used to disturb me while working from home. And it was kind of harder for me to work while being around the guest. You can see that some of the time such guests around can lead to more or less hassles. And we can't say a thing to them. So in that context it'd be reasonable to understand that we have to keep on working and let the guests deal with other members of the family. That's how I have noticed things to be working in that context.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

I don't have this problem, not that often. Once a month, my mother in law would drop by our house to visit my son and take us out for a meal. That is the only day I cannot do any work online. Otherwise, I work online after midnight.

7 years ago

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jaymish2

jaymish2

I'm from a country and culture where visitors are given the VIP treatment.In our country, you're supposed to be hospitable and welcome visitors. However, I decided a long time ago, that this just plain rubbish!People start to take advantage of you and I noticed they were some relatives that used to visit without fail every Sunday at lunchtime.

I make no apologies when guests come and I am working, I pretend that I am not at home or cheat that I am on my way to an appointment. As the famous Tv psychologist, Dr. Phil says 'you teach people how to treat you'. My guests have learned to tell me before they come. For those that are shocked, politeness and culture don't pay the bills!

7 years ago

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cmoneyspinner

cmoneyspinner

I think guests need to remember that they are the guests. They don't live there and they are only there because the owner was gracious enough to invite them in. SO if they drop on me unexpectedly and I'm working, they can either leave and come back later or make themselves at home. They're welcome to whatever is in the fridge or the pantry and they can watch TV or play video games, by themselves or with my kids. When I finish my work I'll come and entertain them. If they don't like that arrangement, they can walk out the door the same they walked in. If you drop by my house unexpectedly, unless it's an emergency, I'm not about to drop everything and cater to you! Call me rude, I don't care. It's my house!!

7 years ago

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coolavender

coolavender

I don't have much problems with unexpected guests as people here know better than to drop unannounced. Besides that, everyone seems to be busy with their own lives and like us, they need to plan any visit ahead of time. Even weekend visits need some planning or they might end up wasting their time and effort. When the unexpected happens though, I would probably invite close friends and family inside the house and simply explain that I would not be able to entertain them as I have work to do. These people know their way around the house and I don't really mind if they choose to pass the time with us. They just have to respect the fact that I'm working at home and can't be disturbed during work hours.

7 years ago

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