Does your husband work from home too? That means you are probably spending most of your waking hours together. It also means that you hear each other's conversations, have one more person home to make messes, and one more person invading your space. It can be a difficult union – at least according to some research on the subject. The work at home mom has a lot on her plate. The juggling act you are all familiar with takes skill and time. An extra helper in the house would be great, and wouldn't it be nice to have someone help entertain the children? And another cook in the house sounds divine. If only that dream was a reality. The truth is many couples who work at home together have a difficult time jockeying for position. Too much togetherness can be a problem for some. But it can work well with some creative planning. Defining space and boundaries is a task that requires the best cooperation from both parties, especially if there is a vast difference in personality types. You may start to see things about your spouse that you never knew before. You may be surprised at how he deals with business situations, and how he deals with other associates. You many not like what you see or hear. As you learn more about his business it may be difficult for you not to comment or make suggestions. Resist the urge, or you may find the tables turned on you. It's best to agree up front that you will not pass judgment on each other's business ethics. Remember that you each are doing business the way you choose. Respect each other's methodology. Sit down together from the start to divide responsibilities, work space, free time, and other collaborative duties. You may have to make a list and assign chores. Be disciplined to shoulder your part of the bargain. If one of you feels the other is not doing their part, don't let it fester into a blow up. Talk about how things are working out often, agreeing not to take offense with suggestions. Dividing the work area can be a challenge if you are limited on space. It's best to have separate rooms, but a wall divider may have to suffice. It may sound silly to use a divider, but out of sight – out of mind can be a benefit in some cases. Sharing file cabinets, phones and other office necessities is probably not a good idea. It's no fun to wait to use the phone, and when something gets lost, it's too easy to blame the other person. Don't substitute work at home time for fun time out of the home. Just because you are together all day doesn't mean you shared quality personal time. Work is work and play is play. We all function better when we participate in some R & R. You are not just occupying the same house and work space; you are a couple first and foremost. Be sensitive and respectful of each other's time and space. Don't interrupt. It's tempting to run to your spouse when something goes wrong and cry on their shoulder. Gripe sessions can gobble up valuable time, and chances are your spouse won't like being pulled into a conversation and away from business. Distractions should be kept to a minimum. Have time away from each other. Keep your individuality in tack by making time for separate hobbies and friends. It's hard to keep perspective about social time when your world is only you and him. You will be a much more interesting spouse and a better business person if you allow time for yourself. Work out kinks in your marriage before you set up shop together. Spending all day together can bring out the best or the worst in your marriage. If you are planning to work at home together, and you know there are issues between you, don't fool yourself into thinking those issues won't rear their ugly head if you are home together all day. You may love each other very much, but sweeping problems under the office rug will affect your efficiency and ability to cope being together. Working at home together is not for the faint of heart. There will be hurdles and compromises. If you are willing to prepare for and deal with them, then you will most likely be fine. You may want to ask friends and family advise, or take a poll of other couples you know who have worked at home together. Prepare for the worst while expecting the best. It just might be right for you Jan Cline is a WAH grandmother, author and freelance writer. She is also a singer, songwriter with a lullaby CD on the market. You may visit her website at http://www.jancline.net or see her blog at http://precioustimesgiftsbyjan.blogspot.com | 
