That might be the toughest question that anyone asks you all day. Between your computer, tablet and smart phone, it has become more difficult than ever to actually disconnect, or, as I like to call it, “hide.” It has actually become unacceptable. You can no longer tell someone that you didn’t get their call or email, because they will surely text you in a matter of minutes. (Guilty as charged!) Even if you were on a flight, that is no longer viable excuse.
So, what’s the answer? How can you escape the nonstop barrage of communication that you are forced to deal with on a daily basis?
I, too am dealing with this, and it only seems to be getting worse. If you publicly state that you are going off the grid, people will invariably tell you that they think that’s cool, but only until they are the ones trying to reach you.
So, here’s what I do from time-to-time when I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, even just for an hour or two.
I set an email auto-response message, that I also use on my phone for calls and emails. It’s just a simple message that reads:
“I am currently unavailable. If this is an actual emergency, please call 911. Otherwise, bear with me, and I will reply when I can.”
Try it and see what happens, or share what works for you.