As a workshifter, I work everywhere. I work at home, I work in the car, at a shopping mall, and even in the office. After arriving home from the office recently I realized I left my precious blackberry sitting on my desk. The office is 24 miles from my house.  That's not a quick, turn around and get what I forgot. And it was such a long Monday... I couldn't even face the possibility of driving all the way back just to get my phone. So I buckled down for a night of withdrawal.


Phase 1: Panic
I do admit, I panicked when I realized I didn't have my BlackBerry. It doubled when I realized that if I were to choose sanity, I would not have my phone for the evening. Commence deep breathing techniques. In.... Out. In.... Out. I. Can. Do. This. But what if there's an emergency?

Phase 2: Denial
No one calls me. No really. I never pick up my phone. I don't need my phone. It's just a phone for goodness' sake, Erica!

Phase 3: Depression
I do need it. I don't exist without it. No really. I don't exist. What if someone needs to reach me immediately? What if in my travels tomorrow my car breaks down? What else will I do when stopped in gridlock, how will I get my fix in the Dunkin Donuts parking lot? What will I use to tell the time? I need my BlackBerry. I am nothing without it.

Phase 4: Acceptance
Wait a second... Erica, you still have your laptop. And access to email. The best way to get in touch with you. It'll be a short 13 hours and then my BlackBerry and I will be reunited. And for now, I'll relax with a nice glass of wine and watch mindless television without, for once, my BlackBerry interrupting. I'll just be using my laptop instead ;)

Do you have any withdrawal stories?