Is this normal?

[Aloneinthebigworld]

Is it normal for someone who has a well paid managerial position to be occasional checking work emails while away on a city break abroad? I’m worried he’s working to much and can’t switch off.

Not 'normal' but certainly not uncommon. I checked my work emails today between doing the washing up and cleaning the loo. I didnt even think about it, just did it. I'm not expected to but I get worried I've missed something important.

Maybe have a breezy chat with him and ask him if there's anything worrying him at work as you've noticed he's not fully relaxing on holiday. He might open up about something going on or an anxiety.

Yes, I'm afraid so.

Totally normal. Not necessarily good or healthy but certainly normal.

Depends on the job. I get work emails on my phone 7 days a week. I always check them, even on holiday.

Totally normal in my experience.

If he has a managerial job then yes. You have to be on top of things, if you missed something important it could affect his performance review or bonus.
Companies tend to be really hard on their managers now especially those run by american companies.
He probably doesn't like it any more than you and maybe feels he can never switch off.

Totally standard. Make sure you both discuss and agree how much email checking is reasonable.

Normal.

Yes normal

Yep I do it all the time

Thanks all. Just wondering if it is as I have a job where I finish at 5 and not think about it until I’m back in the next day. I just want to make sure he’s ok and not stressed. When I’m on annual leave I can totally switch off and not think about work until I return. He is also occasionally contacted by his staff with issues - 60 guys in total.

Do your partners/children ever worry you are checking emails on holiday?

I don’t find it stressful. And tbh. I find it more stressful thinking about emails piling up than not looking!
And yes as long as you’re not stuck to your phone then I’ve never had someone else be annoyed about it.
I wouldn’t do it at dinner or when doing something. Usually in the morning.

So in your job where you can check out completely every day - who makes the decisions on your off time when someone's hair is on fire? Do you have a backup coworker with the same level of decision making authority? Do you want others making decisions on your stuff?

There have been times when I have been sorely tempted to chuck DH's phone off the top of a skyscraper to stop the email checking. But he says it makes life easier for him when he gets back to work.

Y'up. Totally normal.

It's a sad state of affairs but seems to be the accepted norm. A number of our clients are now looking to lock down on it so the employees actually get a break.

Both myself and DH do
Sometimes a quick email can move someone on who's a bit stuck or just giving someone the ok is helpful to have sooner rather than later and it's nice to return to work with a lot of them cleared

Absolutely, even those who are not so senior but in demanding jobs can find themselves checking their emails and generally being concerned for work. It all depends on the nature of work and the role. You are fortunate you're in a role where you can leave at your stated time and switch off with no concern until the following morning.

Unfortunately it's pretty normal, or rather common.

Theres very much an unspoken culture these days of being expected to respond to messages on email/Skype etc out of work hours - as much for management as the layers under them, especially for those looking to progress in companies and organisations.

I used to be terrible for this all through my late 20s and 30s - there was always a feeling I HAD to do it and it definitely put a strain on our relationship from time to time. Weekend breaks, checking while the kids are getting ready for bed etc - it creeps up on you and the pressure can be really damaging to domestic life.

Now that I'm a bit older, I've forced myself to stop - just drawn a line in the sand and said I'm not doing it. If I'm on holiday and theres a work 'crisis' people cope and dont think any less of me.

After 6pm, as far as I'm concerned, work is over. It's done wonders for my general mental health. And the thing is, it's made NO difference to my performance professionally. If anything it's made me more productive.

Basically, incessant emailing/checking is a personal choice - through professional guilt mostly - and when you stop doing it the world doesnt fall apart and everyone is much happier.

At least in my experience! :)

I do it.

Totally normal and doesnr stress me out. I reply to any where it's a quick 2 minute job.

Andthing bigger waits till I get back. If it cant, I reply and forward to someone who can do something.

It's much less stressful than dealing with 500 email when I get back and realising some major issues have been missed because someone doesnt know what CC is.

I suspect, op, you arent really asking about it being stressful though.

Oh and the other thing is, as the sole earner in the household. I do feel the need to be on it.

I am a single parent. I like knowing my job is secure, things arent missed and everything is running smoothly.

I do feel more pressure to check and keep on top of everything, because if I dont earn. The Bill's dont get paid.