3 simple phrases to help you set boundaries when people don't understand that you're actually working from home

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• Working from home and creating your own schedule offers flexibility that an office job might not.
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• But it can also be difficult to deal with those who don't think you're actually working. That's why it's important to establish boundaries. Make it clear you're not available for long phone calls during the day.
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• Assert that you're not always available, and stress that you still have deadlines to meet.
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When I first began working from home on a part-time basis and making my own schedule, I loved the flexibility that came along with it. Simple things, like being able to run errands throughout the day, eating lunch whenever I wanted, and talking with friends on my own time were all brand new freedoms I enjoyed as an author.

But some people thought my flexible work-from-home schedule meant I wasn't actually working. This left me open to friend and family requests of me doing favors throughout the day - anything from running errands, emergency babysitting, and picking up packages.

Initially, I agreed to many of these requests. But, I quickly realized if I agreed to random requests, I was going to spend my evenings and weekends trying to make up for it.

It was obvious that I had to make it clear to my loved ones that I still have a job. Boundaries were going to have to be necessary.

Once I did this, I was finally able to take back control of my schedule and get things done.

So if you also work from home, whether you are a remote worker or a full-time freelancer, it's important for you to create similar healthy boundaries with the people you know.

Here are three things you can say to people who don't understand what it means to work from home: