Unplug with Mr. Number
When I played soccer as a kid, one of my teammates’ dads was a cardiologist with an ever-changing schedule. He came to as many games as he could, but he ducked out many times when his pager (a brick-sized box with a telescopic antenna) started bleeping.
Eventually, he upgraded to a portable not too different from the ones we use now, except that he lugged his around in a bulky attaché case; when a call came in, he’d take it on a full-sized plastic handset attached to a curly cord.
Today, a cardiologist looks just like the other parents at a kids’ soccer game wearing a Bluetooth headpiece, except she probably drives a nicer car.
The down side of this great leap forward in technology: anyone can reach you at any time, at any place. You always have the option of turning your phone off unless you’re making or expect to receive a call, but that’s a luxury. Family, work, friends — you can’t afford to miss an important call when it comes in, especially when everyone knows you’re reachable.
We often plan to unplug, but what does that really mean when you carry the world in your pocket? Even when you take a few days off or go out for a nice evening, anyone who has your phone number is along for the occasion. Telemarketers, debt collectors, your office, the sister you’ve been arguing with all week…
…This is where Mr. Number comes in; we block and deflect so you can focus what’s on important.
Are you getting a flurry of messages from your roommate about the dishes you left in the sink? Block her calls and texts for the rest of the afternoon so you can prepare a presentation and keep your phone free to stay in touch with co-workers. When you’ve finished your work, give your roomie a call and work things out.
Going away for a three-day weekend? Mr. Number can block all calls and texts except the ones from your parents who are watching the kids.
Sick at home with a fever? Let Mr. Number send everyone — except your mom, your doctor and the pharmacy –directly to voicemail until you’re feeling better.
Get Mr. Number for your Android phone, and you’ll have new ways to manage your downtime.
Telemarketers: you can hate them, or hate them. But there’s not a lot you can do about them, except complain.