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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Send your email again when I get back

151 replies

FallOfSloths · 10/04/2025 12:32

Aibu to think this isn't good enough as an auto reply?

Medium senior person in work, off until Easter.

Sent her an email, and the auto reply says : 'I'll be back after the Easter bank holidays. I won't be replying to anything during this time, so if you expect a response then resend your email when I am back.'

For info, she's just on a 2 week holiday, not very long term absence like sick leave or parental leave etc. My email is about something that needs her input, so I can't ask one of her team.

AIBU to think this is a bit bloody cheeky? I don't need an answer straight away, but would expect to send the email now and get it answered after she returns. I don't really have the time or headspace to diarise when she's in work so I can email her then. Imagine if everyone did this! Surely the whole point of email is to send when it's convenient and the person doesn't have to reply instantly?

OP posts:
LavenderBlue19 · 10/04/2025 19:11

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 10/04/2025 18:18

I don't work in one specific university, but with academics across many universities and countries. It's very common, especially in summer when they're on study leave. Generally the more senior ones who can afford to annoy people, admittedly..

I've worked in a number of universities and work with dozens of others... genuinely have never come across staff saying this.

Also, the concept of study leave in the summer is pretty non existent in UK universities at the moment but if someone is away from the university their out of office will state that there will be a delay to their response.
I'm a HoD and would not accept any of my staff deleting emails this way. Just deal with them when you get back.

They may not be UK-based academics, I don't really notice which university they're at. Full disclosure, I work in academic publishing so am dealing with (and spend all day emailing) people all over the world.

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