Phone numbers, and notifications
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jerome Stanek
... still have the same number that I got back then also.
An idea when switching from land-line to cell: When we dropped the land line when moving to the farm I had the land-line number transferred to my cell phone. That way friends and family who had that number could still reach us. I still don't answer compulsively but at least communication can happen.
Very few calls are urgent. One thing that works for those who can't live without worrying that every call might be urgent. Have friends and family know that for an urgent call simply call again. A second call from the same person implies some urgency.
Another thing I did some years ago was turn off ALL notifications from every source. That way I won't be distracted but browse on my schedule.
I do have my own compulsions. One is reading the newspaper (especially since I never watch TV, another common waste of life). An article in today's paper with the headline "ARE YOU ADDICTED TO YOUR SMARTPHONE?" reported that 46% of Americans said they could not live without their smart phone! (Pew Research Center) People stare at the screen the last thing before trying to go to sleep. They check it the first thing when they wake up. My Lovely Bride will stand motionless for minutes in the middle of the kitchen or hallway and browse Facebook feeds. Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, even notifications from woodworking forums can control us.
I have people come here for part time work at the farm. I'd see teens and even adults standing stationary next to a wheelbarrow or a bale of hay they were supposed to be carrying, staring at their phones. And I'm paying for that? New rule: all phones go on a shelf in the shop while working. One girl nearly had a meltdown, "What if it's an emergency and my MOTHER needs to reach me??" My answer: she has my number and I'll take the call. Funny thing happened, the kids got used to it very quickly and never missed their phone. One of the first things I ask now when someone wants work: are you addicted to your phone? BTW, the boy who works now, 15, the best worker I've ever had, doesn't even have a phone.
JKJ