The flex penalty…out of site (and sight) out of mind?
I've experienced this for sure. “Oh, sorry I forgot to include you in the email” Or “We got to talking and didn't think to call you.” Bottom line, it is unavoidable. I think you can take steps to minimize it, but you're always going to be the telecommuter. You're going to be different. But if you've choosen to live your life and manage your career like this, then you already know the benefits are worth the drawbacks. Do I think my career suffered because I've been working from home for four years? Yes and no. It certainly caused some changes in my career path, but I think in the long term, I'm going to be happier, healthier, and more fulfilled as a person because I choose to live and work this way.
Come on how many people get to look out the window sipping coffee, watching a bald eagle soar by, on a conference call to a multinational company?