This weekend, for the first time in a long time I find myself taking work home with me. Not just reading, but creating an entire class from scratch (see this post ). I couldn’t do it today as I was busy teaching, on shift, and other general work. It will be wierd to be working in my off time, and I am slightly resentful of having to do so, but know it is my own fault that it needs to be this way.
So how often do you take work home? Why? and Should we have to, or is it if it is not done between ‘working hours’ that is it- never mind the consequences?
The Foodie Librarian 
Since I started my current job, I’ve been taking work home on a far more regular basis than ever before. Part of it was getting used to a new type of workload, some was due to the learning curve I was on. Changing to four days a week this year didn’t help. But I’m starting to rein it back in now.
Usually, taking work home is a big no-no for me. It makes me feel unbalanced, resentful and weary. So I’m glad I’m leaving this short phase behind me. It’s not sustainable. And it sours your feelings about your job.
Personal professional development in my own time though – perfectly okay with that 🙂
Hmm, tricky sometimes, but as a general habit no. If the workload is too much, flag the problem with your manager. If they don’t have a solution, negotiate what won’t get done and report on it, as well as on your successes. You need your home time to refresh yourself so you can perform when you are at work! The organisation needs to know what can and can’t be done with the resources available. If you’re part time don’t fill into the trap of working up to full time hours with only part-time rewards! I agree with Sally, taking work home should only be for short phases or emergencies!
I used to do a lot of work from home, especially just before going on leave. Unfortunately our VPN access has been removed, so even if I wanted to concentrate and work on a serious project at a time that best suits me (i.e. no interruptions), I’m unable to. Even if I am off sick I will still check my email, just so I know what I might be walking in to when I get back – I’m glad we have webmail available to us. I guess I’m happy to blur the lines between home and work – I know there’s times at work I chat more than I should, so I make up for that at home.
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I only work part-time so it makes it a bit different when I take work home with me. And when I do, its because I want to and enjoy what I’m doing, not because I have to – and that makes a huge difference.