Downing Tools
We are all too aware of the technology that surrounds us. Blackberries, pagers, cell phones, and fax machines cloak us in a patina of technology. We cannot escape from technology and, in fact, we are now “on” 24/7. It is somewhat ironic, and perhaps tragic, that the promise of technology was to free us from the drudgery of work. However, any professional or businessperson will tell you that technology has only made work life more demanding and deadlines more immediate. There is no escaping the office.
However, heading into the weekend, it is worth considering that there is a rising tide, some might even call it a revolution, that the proletariat (yes, that now includes professional and businesspeople thanks to technology) need to down their tools. In other words, Blackberries need to be turned off, cell phones muted, and faxes left waiting in the in-tray until Monday morning or after a well-deserved holiday. Psychiatrists and psychologists will tell us that leisure and recreation is an important way to recharge our batteries. The truism “all work and no play make Jack [or Jill] a dull boy [or girl]” seems even more relevant today. Perhaps we need to look to our European counterparts, who take longer holidays and seem more willing to stop and smell the espresso.
In my view, a well-rounded and high functioning lawyer should take the time to recharge his/her batteries as well as broaden his/her experience by travelling. A lawyer should also take the time to read the newspaper or the latest magazine, or, in fact, a good book. Living, and not merely working, provides perspective, context, and helps develop judgment – traits that any good lawyer needs. As the calls for technology to be “turned off” or, at least, muted grow, it will be interesting to see how society ultimately responds.
Have a good weekend and relax...
Justin
However, heading into the weekend, it is worth considering that there is a rising tide, some might even call it a revolution, that the proletariat (yes, that now includes professional and businesspeople thanks to technology) need to down their tools. In other words, Blackberries need to be turned off, cell phones muted, and faxes left waiting in the in-tray until Monday morning or after a well-deserved holiday. Psychiatrists and psychologists will tell us that leisure and recreation is an important way to recharge our batteries. The truism “all work and no play make Jack [or Jill] a dull boy [or girl]” seems even more relevant today. Perhaps we need to look to our European counterparts, who take longer holidays and seem more willing to stop and smell the espresso.
In my view, a well-rounded and high functioning lawyer should take the time to recharge his/her batteries as well as broaden his/her experience by travelling. A lawyer should also take the time to read the newspaper or the latest magazine, or, in fact, a good book. Living, and not merely working, provides perspective, context, and helps develop judgment – traits that any good lawyer needs. As the calls for technology to be “turned off” or, at least, muted grow, it will be interesting to see how society ultimately responds.
Have a good weekend and relax...
Justin
