As Spring Break finishes up the email requests for my time start rolling in. In my first few years I would read these messages Saturday and Sunday before returning to work and then obsess over remembering to get things ready for Monday. This year I chose to wait until Monday morning before opening any email so that I could avoid obsessing and enjoy my last few moments of vacation with my daughter.
Something popped out of this practice that forced me to recognize a bad habit that adults have fallen into with the use of technology. The idea that connecting with me is as simple as an email.
Something popped out of this practice that forced me to recognize a bad habit that adults have fallen into with the use of technology. The idea that connecting with me is as simple as an email.
We sent an email over break didn't you get it?"
Of course I didn't get it. I was on break just like you were. Respecting boundaries about time is a huge problem with technology users today. Just because I can and frequently do check my email from my phone does not mean that I should be planning and responding to everyone all the time.
I am at fault as I have allowed 24/7 access to become normal since I believe that technology can help streamline an instructional designer's job. However, I found a big flaw in my logic which has led to me disconnecting and not responding to every notification I get.
Family. I actually found myself unable to stop pulling my phone out of my pocket to check and respond over break. It was getting so bad that as I waited in line for a carnival ride I counted seven times in twenty minutes that I pulled out my phone. During this time I was endeavoring to keep a four year old entertained and I found my unconscious habit getting in the way of important family time.
After the ride I turned off the phone and proceeded to enjoy the rest of my vacation. Sunday evening arrived and I found myself staying up obsessing over the disasters that would await me Monday morning. Walking into the building shotgunning Starbucks Bold found my inbox slightly bulging but not with anything critical. The two or three individuals who wanted something Monday morning bright early? Yes, I did get your email. To bad I was busy getting a sunburn and watching a four year old smile.
I am at fault as I have allowed 24/7 access to become normal since I believe that technology can help streamline an instructional designer's job. However, I found a big flaw in my logic which has led to me disconnecting and not responding to every notification I get.
Family. I actually found myself unable to stop pulling my phone out of my pocket to check and respond over break. It was getting so bad that as I waited in line for a carnival ride I counted seven times in twenty minutes that I pulled out my phone. During this time I was endeavoring to keep a four year old entertained and I found my unconscious habit getting in the way of important family time.
After the ride I turned off the phone and proceeded to enjoy the rest of my vacation. Sunday evening arrived and I found myself staying up obsessing over the disasters that would await me Monday morning. Walking into the building shotgunning Starbucks Bold found my inbox slightly bulging but not with anything critical. The two or three individuals who wanted something Monday morning bright early? Yes, I did get your email. To bad I was busy getting a sunburn and watching a four year old smile.