The Virtual Manager Collection (3 Books) (HBR 20-Minute Manager Series)

Manage Common Problems

Without the structure of office life, your schedule can easily devolve into anarchy. You have a meeting at 10 and a deadline at 5 . . . and everything else is up for grabs. How do you explain to your coworkers and friends that your nontraditional arrangement is still real work? How do you stay on task when your kids come home from school? You can get stuff done when no one is looking—and stay sane through it all.

Managing your workflow while keeping your own sense of well-being intact can be a tricky balance. To establish boundaries around your workday, you’ll need to find ways of limiting unwanted intrusions from colleagues, friends, and family. But for your professional reputation as well as your own mental health, you’ll ...