My BP Internship: Reclaiming Your Time (Day 43)

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I think not responding to e-mail or responding ridiculously late is rude. That's what I thought pre-internship. But now, my feelings have changed just a bit. (I still agree with the latter…if your reply comes two weeks later, you might as well not reply at all.) After some time spent managing two inboxes and spending almost 2 hours at a time trying to clean them out, I've just about given up on the timeliness factor. Although I try to respond within 3 days (that's just my personal rule), lately, it's been tough. It's also worth noting that getting through e-mail isn't our job (wise words from a VP). I have to keep reminding myself that…the OCD in me just won't quit…

Some big events have come up, and I've had to prioritize my time. In subtle ways I've had to communicate with others that I'll be unavailable. For me, it's been bitter sweet. I like my work, and I like who I work with…but every now and then, you've got to put yourself first. You've got to reclaim your time. Although this saying may somewhat have a negative connotation, I think Congresswoman Maxine Waters had it right when she first said it. It's not that people are wasting your time. It's a matter of not letting people take time away from you period.

I am guilty of being the "yes" girl and that sometimes doesn't pay off in the long run. Because you're able to deliver, sometimes people may not very well know that you're drowning. (And I don't ever want to get to that point.) Although it pains me to admit this, responding promptly to e-mail is not a priority (at least not at this current time). To be quite honest, some things are just not that important. It's the sad truth, but it is the truth.

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