Getting Harder to Disconnect From The Office

On July 4th, NPR posted an article about how smartphones are making it harder for the working man to leave the office at home. The summer used to be a time of vacations with the family, tanning on the beach while watching children race after one another, catching waves and the occassional sea shell. Now, you better have your cell phone, pager, Blackberry and laptop with you.

Mind you, this blog is coming from a person who grew up in a technology age. I have many fond memories of putzing around on my old computer, playing virtual pool and smashing my little fists on the keyboard to create "stories". I honestly don't hold a hatred for technology in the least.

What I do find fascinating is how much techology has since evolved and kept us tied to the work place, whether we are willing to or not. Jobs are no longer nine-to-five; they are 24/7. Your cell phone needs to be on in case the boss calls and, eventually, those five-minute conversations about where you put the Jones files are going to add up to a full day of work. Monster.com even quoted Laura Stack, author of The Exhaustion Cure, as stating how, "this 'always on' behavior can contribute to overwork and workaholism if not managed correctly."

What is a worker to do?

The Monster.com article continues that the best way to deal with the technology cord is to cut it. Make sure you set limits as to when you are available and when you are not.

I feel as though this is essential. There's no point to giving your time away for free. If you want to spend time with your family, your job should respect that you are out of your normal working hours. Even if you wanted to do something as simple as take a nap, you have every right not to answer that call from the office.

I guess such is the price that we pay for making newer and better technology.