As many will attest, the convenience of a home business, especially as it benefits family life, is something quite special.  But, like many things, it is a balancing act.  When the office is just down the hallway, it is easy to spend more time there than you really intended.  This is especially true when you really do love to do your work. Some years ago, I developed a ritual to separate work life from home life.  It is just symbolic, of course, but it helps to keep separate the two hats I wear.  When it is time to close shop, I shut the door to the office and light a candle in the family room.  I never knew that lighting a candle could be so relaxing.  If you need defining categories in your life, you should try it - it really does work!