Over the break, I wrote a letter of recommendation for one of my students. I purposely didn't write it before the break because I was swamped with midterms and grading deadlines and really wanted to take the time to make sure it was well-written and really good for the student. (It's for a scholarship program I got when I was a senior and it's a MAJOR game-changer to receive.) The student emailed me right before the break with all their information about extra curriculars and I told them I would have it written by the deadline. Over the break, I decided I would write it up the week between Christmas and New Years. I wanted to make sure of the deadline, so I checked my email to be sure. The student emailed me on Christmas Eve because they noticed I hadn't gotten it done yet (it was due on New Years Eve). I had a laugh about it because the student is so excited and determined about it. Fast forward to today at lunch, my team was talking about how they got a bunch of rude emails from parents over the break that they're now having to deal with. I chimed in and began to mention this student and their email on Christmas Eve, and immediately they go nuts criticizing me for checking my emails over the break, agreeing to write a letter of rec over the break, and for "having poor boundaries". I understand where they are coming from, but holy fuck. Shut up! I asked the student to wait because I knew I wouldn't get it done before the break started. I knew it would be a good time to get it done because I had absolutely no plans. I also have trouble concentrating at work. I like working at home for an hour or so at night. It lets me work in my zone, the way I want, without the fear of someone coming in to interrupt me. I get needing to maintain boundaries and keeping a work/life balance and all that jazz. But I also understand and need others to understand that there is more than one right way to do this things!!