Unplugged at Work: A Love-Hate Scenario

It’s Friday afternoon--the best part of the week. I had big plans for a fast-moving, productive day, free from the chocolates, E-cards and flowers of yesterday. I have research to do for an upcoming article, and a steady stream of emails to send and receive as usual. But…today’s not going according to plan. AT&T has informed our area that the circuits are down--all outgoing and incoming traffic has come to a halt.

GASP! Since early this morning, no email, no internet. At first I was stumped and frustrated; what would I do today? Realizing this was completely out of my control, I thought about all the things I could get done. The long follow-up emails waiting in the to-be-written wings. Articles needing edits. My mess of a desk that’s calling out for organizational TLC--not to mention an antibacterial wipe or two.

As I plow through a surge of random tasks, I suddenly realize I feel empowered, productive, calm. Indeed, without Outlook’s constant interruptions, it’s decidedly quiet… and refreshing. When’s the last time I described work that way? It got me thinking that perhaps a deliberate unplugging each day is just what we all need. Consider the phone calls or in-office conversations that will no longer get put off. What about the peace that stems from an orderly workspace? Or the satisfaction that comes from organizing that to-do list to create a scheduled plan of attack--not to mention completing some unexpected tasks (early!)? I wonder how many of you willingly “unplug” yourselves, and what benefits that provides.

Alas, as I’m flying along, there’s another piece of info that only Google can find. Stumped again, I flag for further follow-up. The post-it notes are now starting to multiply. And then I start to wonder: are friends and family trying to e-mail me about weekend plans? How tragic!

Here I am, on a disconnected island…a love-hate scenario.