Working at home can sometimes cause friction between the home worker and their spouse. Whether it’s jealously or just a lack of information, your spouse may be strongly opposed to you working from home. This resistance often springs from several points of contention. First, when you decide to work from home, it will probably result in a loss of income at least temporarily. Be sure to sit down with your spouse and talk about what working from home will mean for your finances. Chances are you’ll have to make some compromises, but your spouse will probably react better to your home business if they know what’s happening right from the start. Less income also translates to less luxuries. Your spouse may resent having to give up the indulgences they are accustomed to in order to compensate for a new budget. Try to make small sacrifices such as renting a movie instead of going to the theatre, or cutting back to eating out once a week instead of three times. There is also that annoying stereotype that people who work from home don’t have a real job and that they spend all day watching TV and doing their nails. Explain to your spouse exactly what it is that you do during an average day so they can see that you are putting serious time and effort into your business. Showing them receipts or cheques for money you’ve earned can also go a long way towards gaining your spouse’s acceptance of your efforts as a legitimate business. There may also be some jealously involved. Why do you get to stay home while they have to commute to an office every day? It may be worth your time to discuss how your spouse can start their own business (or join you in yours) once you’re established and able to support your family. When your spouse has doubts about you working at home, there are two things to remember. Keep them informed and be willing to compromise. Keeping your spouse in the loop about how your business is growing and developing will go a long way in winning their acceptance!

1. Working at Home With an Uncooperative Spouse