Originally Posted by
tjspiel
I think the thread is really, really interesting. I never realized that there were such strong feelings (pro and con) regarding cell phones and how they should be used. I was surprised to find that there are people out there who dislike folks for choosing not to carry a cell phone or carrying one but some times leaving it off.
Though I'm not surprised by it, it's interesting to me that an employer feels that for the low price of $40 a month, they have the right to call an employee any time, any where and expect them to answer. Traditionally being "on call" was limited to certain evenings or times and often associated with some extra pay, though you were tied to being around your phone.
I'm also surprised that some people have such a dislike for them though realistically choosing not to have one does marginalize oneself to a larger degree as time goes on.
Well summed up. I do think it is interesting to see the reactions. My career allows me the luxury of not having one. But it seems like any professional without a collective bargaining agreement is expected to have one.
Much of this is new to me, having not been a part of it at all. I don't feel marginalized since I'm married and busy with a career, a band, two boys ages 3 and 5, church and choir, hobbies, projects, et cetera. I'm booked and double booked all the time, and get by in my busy life w/o one.
Few have veered towards comparing the pro phone crowd in this thread to the anti-cycling sentiments from co-workers and motorists on the road. I want to point it out, but don't want to attack them... "you're just like those car people..." lol
PaulRivers, I'll take your cue-- I'm 32, which is on the younger side of things as far as computers and cell phones, I think. I think there is also a little bit of luddite backlash among young people going around. I'm not as sure that it's a generational thing, though that would of course make sense.