101 Tips for Telecommuters—Successfully Manage Your Work, Team, Technology and Family

31. Negotiate Expectations and Agreements

The first thing you and your family should be in rock-solid agreement on is your decision to telecommute. This may be a major change to the lifestyle and day-to-day routine in your household, so don't underestimate the impact telecommuting will have on everyone involved. If your decision is more of a directive than a choice, you'll need to be even more careful in formulating agreements and dealing with issues, feelings, fears, concerns—those of your family and your own.

Without clear agreements established at the outset, you're likely to stumble through misunderstandings, hurt feelings, productivity drains, declines in marital bliss, and unnecessary stress. While you may have more structured, as well ...