Not to be confused with other cell phone threads, I stopped using my cell phone except for emergencies (or extremely important calls).

 

My first phone was a vehicle-mounted unit that I got in 1992. Sometime in 1995, I started carrying a phone that wasn't mounted in the vehicle.

 

The bottom line is that I am tired of the non-stop, never-out-of-reach, 24/7 all-access-all-the-time lifestyle. Technology is making life harder, not easier. Below is an email I sent to various employess and people I deal with daily.

 

All,

 

I’ve been thinking awhile about the pace of life and I have decided to try to live without a cell phone (full time) and email (outside of work hours). In other words, when I am away from work, I want to be away from work. Also, I remember when I was growing up it was good to be out of touch sometimes. As it is now, I can be reached anytime, anywhere and I don’t like it.

 

From here on out, if you get a call from me on my cell phone, you can bet it is an emergency.

 

My home number is (XXX) XXX-XXXX. My office phone, XXX-XXX-XXXX ext. XX, has voicemail and I check it every workday. If it is a workday and I am not in the office, XXXXXX will know where to find me. Her number is (XXX) XXX-XXXX ext. XX.

 

Innovations are supposed to make life easier, not more difficult. The cell phone is a great invention for emergencies but if you use it more than that, it is just adding to the stresses of life.

 

If this works out, I may look into the Amish lifestyle. As I have heard, less is more.

 

Maybe after a break, I will embrace my phone again but for now I am enjoying not being a slave to the phone. It is turned off and is in a zippered pocked of my computer bag.

 

Anybody else felt the need to do this?

Edited July 13, 200917 yr by Mr.Network

I personally enjoy having my cell phone by my side, as I am presumably much younger than you Mr. Network. When my phone is broken and someone can't get a hold of me I almost feel too much OUT of the social circle. Also I'm always doing something with my friends these days I just can't be out of touch or I'd kill myself due to an excessive amount of boredom.

I hated my cell phone, and then I bought an iPhone. I love the iPhone. If I don't feel like talking to anyone I just don't answer.

I feel like this sometimes as my wife and her brothers have become completely addicted to their Iphones.

The only advice I could offer then is to get a cheaper plan, since you won't be using it as often.

Good for you. Sometimes I leave my phone turned off on purpose just to get a break. It is amazing the way people will actually get mad at me for not answering my phone. (However, I must confess that I have gotten upset with others who never answer their phones.) The trick is to control technology and not let it control you.

I must agree with BM on this one. Granted we are in identical situations. My family actually completely discontinued our landline so without cell phones we'd be out of contact with everyone at all times.

I believe it makes no sense to do what you are doing. There are times when you need a cell phone (emergencies that happen when you're away, etc.) If you don't want to talk then leave it in the car when you go out to eat with your family or turn it on silent but to completely shut yourself off is just crazy. I could not live without my cell phone nor internet access. I'm addicted to technology and being able to have news or information at the tip of my fingertip. I am not dependent on it however.

I could never be without a cell phone.

Got rid of mine two years ago and don't miss it at all.

I have to agree with you Mr. Network! I too had to carry a cell phone and started carrying what they called a "Brick" back in 92. I can remember my young nieces and nephews telling me it was so cool. Well having that cell phone on 24/7 was a pain, and I am so glad that I don't have to carry one today.

 

I think Blue Magic there is a huge difference between having to have that thing on 24/7 and knowing that when it rang, it was work and having it being friends or family.

 

Today I have one and even though every once in a while it's work related when it rings, I don't have to have it on 24/7. It's quite nice to be out of touch from time to time.

I hated my cell phone, and then I bought an iPhone. I love the iPhone. If I don't feel like talking to anyone I just don't answer.

 

That’s the best thing about caller ID, especially on my iPhone, is if you don’t feel like talking, just don’t answer.

 

I can certainly understand Mr. Network’s point about always being tethered to the office, but in my case, with two teenagers, I find that a cell phone gives parents a certain peace of mind by being able to call your kids whenever you want or need to. It also gives the kids easy communication with the parents in case of an emergency, this is especially comforting with 16/17 year old drivers.

I'd assume that it's a "sign of the times," but there's no way I could survive without a cell phone...

I can only assume that you are the boss, Mr. Network. I don't have a choice. :cry:

Mr. "Network" tossing his cell phone? How ironic is that?