"How can I stay productive while working from home with a cat on my keyboard?"

Distracted young woman petting cat and working distantly on laptop at home

Dear Vice Column,

I'm a 32-year-old freelance writer who struggles to stay motivated and productive while working from home. I have a tendency to procrastinate and miss deadlines, and I need to find a way to stay focused. I also have a cat that loves to sit on my keyboard and distract me from work.

- Cat-Distracted Writer

Dear Cat-Distracted Writer, As a fellow freelance writer who also works from home, I can relate to your struggles with staying motivated and productive. It can be tempting to procrastinate and let distractions like your cat get in the way of your work. One thing I've found helpful is to create a designated workspace that's free from distractions. This can be a separate room or a corner of your home that's solely dedicated to work. If possible, try to keep your cat out of this area so they don't distract you. Another tip is to create a schedule or routine for your workday. Set specific hours for work and stick to them as closely as possible. During your designated work hours, try to eliminate any other distractions such as social media or email notifications. You may find it helpful to use productivity tools like the Pomodoro technique, which involves breaking your work into 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. As for your cat, try to find ways to keep them occupied during your work hours. Provide them with toys or scratching posts, or consider getting them a companion if they seem lonely. You can also try playing calming music or using pheromone diffusers to help them relax. In terms of products and services that may be helpful for you, I recommend checking out the Freedom app, which allows you to block distracting websites and apps during your designated work hours. Another great tool is the Focus@Will app, which uses music and soundscapes to help you stay focused and productive. I hope these tips and tools help you overcome your struggles with procrastination and distractions. Remember, staying focused and motivated takes time and practice, but with patience and dedication, you can achieve your goals as a freelance writer.

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Dear Vice Column, I recently inherited $500,000 from my grandmother's estate, and I'm not sure what to do with it. I work as a teacher and make a modest income, so the money could really change my life. However, I've never been good with money and am worried about making the wrong investment choices. Plus, I have an invasive thought about splurging and cloning my dog to help stave off the inevitable pain of losing him — he's two-years-old and in good health. - Lost-and-Found Teacher with a Clone Dream Dear Lost-and-Found Teacher with a Clone Dream, Take a deep breath and appreciate this unexpected windfall. It's important to approach this with a clear head and a plan. The first step is to consider your current financial situation. Do you have any debts or outstanding loans that need to be paid off? If so, use a portion of the inheritance to pay them off, as this will save you money in interest payments in the long run. Next, consider setting aside some of the mone...

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