“Seems like every silver lining has its cloud” – I like that. 
I have the same issue when I’m working from home and have to participate on a conference call. I get ready to make the call a few minutes before the scheduled time, and I sometimes call in then and sit there listening to dead air for a few minutes, but if I let myself get distracted by something on the computer, I can actually be a couple of minutes late getting on the call. It’s not as big a deal as your situation though; it’s just a little embarrassing.
I hope you get to achieve your dreams soon – you shouldn’t have to be putting up with that kind of @&$! at this time of your life.
REPORT ABUSE