The dreaded 'Inbox Vortex'

Who else relates to the idea that...

...their inbox is like a vortex?

During my working day I spend a lot of time organising, reading and replying to emails. Before I know it, if I tallied up the time, I could easily have spent several days a week in my inbox, which makes it look like I'm doing no actual work at all. 

When I came back from annual leave, my inbox became my full-time job. I didn't sign up to be a secretary though, I am a writer of online content, not emails. So I have decided to take back my time.

By that, I mean I have a new schedule. I'm checking my inbox twice a day. Once in the morning, for organising and replying to emails that need responses. Then once after lunch, which will be my opportunity to check for responses and send out any emails I need to send out for the day. I might pop back in before I finish my shift if I'm waiting to hear from someone about something important, but strictly only to check for that contact.

Hmmm, this plan still sounds suspiciously like I'll be spending a lot of time in my inbox though. Maybe there is no solution, and this is why people hire PA's. I wonder if my niece is looking for some work experience.

I have to go now, I'm about to start work, and as long as I'm away from it, my inbox will be filling up!

(This was originally written and published as a LinkedIn post)

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