On Sunday my husband and I walked up to get coffee. It was a nice cold clear morning, and a good walk. While at the coffee shop I got a text from a colleague confirming I had received the 2 emails sent on Saturday. I responded “yup, I don’t work weekends, will get to them tomorrow!”
My husband then said “you’d make a terrible investment banker.” Besides all the OBVIOUS reasons – he’s right. Although investment bankers make a TON of money, they’re never home to enjoy their toys because they work 24/7. My husband mentioned how a colleague emailed an investment banker at midnight (Pacific) and got a response 5 minutes later (so, 3:05 AM in New York).
No, I will not be available 24/7 for you.
I don’t care how much you want to pay me. My evenings and weekends are MINE, you can’t have them.
Feel free to work whenever you want to work, that’s just fine. I don’t mind getting email responses at 2 am from someone, I keep my phone on do not disturb while I sleep, do what you need to do. But make sure you know not every one operates the way you do.
My clients all know that I’m not a morning person so we don’t schedule calls before 10 AM, it’s safer for everyone. I communicate with my clients – when I’ll be out of town or busy or unavailable – expectations are set up front. And the clients who want 24/7 access? I’m happy to make a referral to someone who’d do that for you.
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