This is definitely a thing on our private social accounts as well, though maybe less disturbing. But we all have that friend or co-worker who is constantly in "do not disturb", yet replies instantly, right?

When last time I went on holiday, I put my out of office on, stating very clearly when I will be back. I did expect emails to await me, but I didn't expect Teams messages... which would have required my immediate attention.... to be sent the day after I went on leave... and my status clearly stated I won't be back for a week.

Do people not check someone's status anymore before messaging them? I'm even reluctant to message someone who is "in a meeting" because it makes me stop and think, would I disturb them if I physically had to walk into that meeting room, is my message truly that important?

I'm also guilty of having my Discord constantly on "away", my reason for it is, that I'm admin at a server where one of my co-admins didn't like that I was not showing as online on Discord when I was at work (I apologise for having a life...) so I sent my status to "away" and left it like that ever since, kind of signalling to people that I won't respond straight away as it's not my job to be here 24/7.

Does your online status at various instant messaging apps truly represent if you are busy or away? Does it bother you if people message you regardless of your status? Would you send someone who is out of office and instant message or an email? Or would you find another colleague who can help you there and then with your question?