The Blackberry Leash

In reading this article from WSJ's The Juggle, I thought about those weekend requests for work and how difficult it can be to say no. It sounds easy enough, just tell the partner you already have plans. Sometimes that's not difficult, but other times we have to worry about how it might affect his job. With the economy falling, and layoffs in the news, it's easy to feel like one wrong answer could be the end of your job.

In the comments I saw several people referring to a requirement by their firms for a Blackberry. This wasn't really a requirement at our firm as much as an expectation --You don't have a Blackberry?!-- And I have to agree with the commenter that referred to it as a Crackberry. It is like a drug that has a hold on you at all times. Every time he hears the buzz, that thing comes out of it's holster and there's always the wonder what kind of bad news this could be. However, for me it feels more like a leash. Even when you feel like you've got the freedom to roam and go home "early" there's always the chance that you'll get yanked back to your owner.

R is in a good place right now as far as hours go, in fact this last week has been great. He has been home before dinner several times and I am appreciating every minute, but trying not to get used to it.