It can be depending on how you set it up. I have kids with my owner and I have a job. We have certain tasks I'm expected to have done and there are consequences if they aren't done. There are also consequences for disrespect, having a smart mouth, inconsiderate actions/words, etc. However, the consequences/punishments aren't always on the spot. Usually on the spot I'm just told (verbally or via text message) that I'm in trouble/will pay for what I've done later. Then I get sit with that weighing on my mind all day about what that trouble is going to be, which I never can guess and he won't tell me. The waiting to find out is in itself part of the punishment. Then when we are alone at the end of the day, behind closed/locked doors, that's when he deals with me if I need dealing with. So if you don't feel a need for "on the spot" corrections, this can definitely be done, but you would have to talk with your sub and come to an agreement on what's expected and when. That dynamic can look different in every relationship.