The Persistent Guilt of ‘Overcommunicating’: Ashleigh Early Reflects on OOO Messages

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ashleigh Early explores the common, yet often overlooked, challenge of setting Out-of-Office (OOO) messages, even for brief periods of absence. Early highlights a personal struggle with the perceived ‘guilt’ associated with overcommunicating, particularly when taking time off due to illness or short breaks.

The Internal Conflict of OOO Messages

Ashleigh Early opens by posing a relatable question to her network: “Does anyone else avoid doing OOO messages when you’re out sick or offline for ‘just a day or so’?” This immediately sets the stage for a discussion about the internal hesitation many professionals feel when it comes to formally announcing their absence.

“Half the time I just forget (especially if I’m sick… because if I’m not working…I’m 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬)”

Early elaborates on this point, explaining that for short durations, the effort to set up an OOO message can feel disproportionate to the time away. “For short periods of time it always ‘feels’ like it’ll cause more confusion/friction,” she writes. This sentiment suggests a concern that announcing a brief absence might draw undue attention or be perceived negatively by colleagues or clients.

The Repercussions of Undercommunication

Despite these hesitations, Early points out the recurring negative consequences of not setting an OOO message. “And yet… Every time I don’t put something on…it bites me in the butt,” she confesses. This admission underscores a fundamental principle that often gets ignored in the day-to-day hustle: the importance of clear and consistent communication.

The Value of Overcommunication

The core message Ashleigh Early advocates for is the power of overcommunication. She argues that proactive communication, even if it feels excessive, builds trust and fosters better working relationships. “Good partners/coworkers won’t judge or get confused or get mad. They appreciate the communication,” Early states. This perspective reframes OOO messages not as an imposition, but as a courtesy that benefits everyone involved, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring continuity.

“We’re all growing.”

Even as a self-employed professional, Early reflects on a lingering sense of guilt, asking, “I work for myself…how do I still, 8 years after ‘leaving’ corporate, feel guilty about this?” This introspective question resonates with many who may have internalized workplace norms around constant availability. However, her overall message is one of self-compassion and continuous learning, concluding with the simple yet profound statement, “We’re all growing.” Early’s post serves as a valuable reminder for professionals at all levels to prioritize clear communication and overcome the often-unnecessary guilt associated with setting boundaries.