Life, Home & Table · Story 4

My remote job made me realize my partner doesn’t think my work is real

A Reddit user in r/remotework shared that their remote job revealed their partner does not view their work as legitimate. The post has sparked a discussion about respect and boundaries in remote work relationships.

This story highlights a growing tension as remote work becomes more common: the need for partners and family to recognize and respect the professional demands of home-based jobs. It reflects broader societal challenges in adapting to new work norms.

Key details

  • The original post is from r/remotework, with over 11,600 upvotes and 1,700 comments.
  • Top comments suggest the issue is not about the job itself but a lack of respect from the partner.
  • Commenters share similar experiences with partners, parents, and friends who interrupt or dismiss remote work.
  • One commenter notes that locking doors or paying for co-working spaces are not real solutions to disrespect.

Discussion angles

  • Some commenters argue that the partner's behavior is a form of sabotage, not just misunderstanding.
  • Others point out that remote work is often treated as less serious than office work by family and friends.
  • A commenter compares the issue to night shift workers whose schedules are not respected.
  • One user shares that even a partner who also works from home can be disruptive, suggesting the problem is about boundaries, not location.

Top comments

The community largely agrees that the partner's disrespect is the core issue, not the remote work itself. Many share personal stories of similar dismissals from loved ones, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and mutual respect.

Some people sabotage their partners work this way. Locking the door just in case the other person comes home early, or paying extra for a co-working space because your partner can’t be respectful, are not solutions.
u/_Light_House · 1,761 score
It’s not your job that your partner doesn’t respect.
u/emccm · 1,191 score
Man same with my parents and partner, they straight up ask me if I have "a day off" (home office day) or "am working" tomorrow (have to go to the office) 🤡
u/Mattauke · 319 score
I currently work swing shifts and we all run into this same issue on our night rotation. Friends, family, neighbors, people who know you're working nights, just don't understand that I'm not free at 2 pm, I'm sleeping....
u/FixBreakRepeat · 255 score
My partner and I both wfh. So we know not to disturb each other etc. They still walked in and shouted "poopy poop" at me when I was leading a meeting. Lock the door til they learn
u/Sad-Educator-4547 · 182 score