Flexible working hours and locations, storefront shopping options seven days a week or online shopping 24/7, and food that is delivered to your doorstep following a simple telephone or online order. Let's not forget the ability to access a host of services including counselling and medical support, the ability to download music and movies, and paying bills without even leaving your home.
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These are among the many modern conveniences we enjoy in the 21st century. They are conveniences that most would embrace. Conveniences that we enjoy because staffing rosters are set up to ensure someone is at work to deliver the service. That is someone is being paid to do the job. It is part of the structure of the respective businesses.
But in an era of accessibility have we forgotten that not everyone is at work at unusual hours? And no-one wants to work around the clock seven days a week.
When the staff shut the supermarket doors at night and spin that closed sign to the outside world that means there is no-one on duty - the staff are finished work for the day. They have clocked off and headed home for time with their family and friends.
You might know someone who works in a supermarket but do you approach them after hours asking if you can buy a food product or other item? Surely not. Should you go up to an off-duty police officer and ask if they can check your home to see if an intruder has jemmied the locks? Why would you even think it is an option?
Is it okay to approach a doctor, who has clocked off for the day, to ask if they have any advice for treating your sore throat or earache? No, respect their privacy. What about approaching a tradesman for tips on how to fix that blocked drain or crack in the wall? You have no intention of employing their expertise during their work hours, but do you think it is okay to pick their brains for free advice when they should be enjoying their down time from work?
No, no, no. The answer should be no to all those times you consider approaching someone about their work, when they are not at work.
If you enjoy your time with family and friends - that time after work has ended - then surely you can appreciate that others feel the same way.
The bottom line is that unless you are dealing with a robot, perhaps it is time to consider a little respect for the person on the opposite end of your selfish intrusion. Sure there are a lot of things that are easily accessible in the 21st century, but that doesn't mean we should lose respect for people, or an individual's right to personal time.