The question of whether employees should switch off from work once the day ends has become increasingly relevant in an always-connected world. With smartphones and remote access making it easy to stay online, the boundary between professional and personal life has blurred. Many discussions on the topic highlight concerns about burnout, mental health, and productivity, while also recognising that some roles demand flexibility beyond standard hours.

Opinions on the issue vary widely depending on job roles and expectations. Some people take a firm stance that personal time should remain protected. Georgina Stuart argues, “Nobody from work should be trying to connect with you after work hours anyway. Nobody should have to think of excuses as to why you don’t answer your phone if they ring.” This reflects a growing belief that boundaries are essential for wellbeing and should be respected by employers and colleagues alike.

Others link availability directly to compensation. Tracy Hui-szostek states, “After work hours, they have to pay the double or triple.” Similarly, Christina Lowe adds, “Yes unless paid 24/7!” These perspectives suggest that if employers expect staff to remain reachable outside normal hours, then financial recognition should follow. It highlights a transactional view of time, where availability is considered part of the job only if it is fairly rewarded.

However, not everyone sees the issue in black and white. Adda Macchich offers a more nuanced view: “It very much depends on the job and your objectives. Also whether there’s flexibility, i.e. if you deal with stuff on Sunday night you can then take time out on Monday morning to do something you can only do during the ‘working week’.” This approach emphasises balance and flexibility rather than strict disconnection, suggesting that autonomy can make after-hours work more acceptable.

Certain professions may require a different mindset altogether. Robert Fudge comments, “Not if they are involved in sales!” implying that some roles naturally extend beyond traditional schedules. Meanwhile, Gordon O’Keeffe simply remarks, “I wish!!”, capturing the frustration felt by those who feel unable to disconnect despite wanting to.

Overall, while there are exceptions depending on role and flexibility, most people agreed that disconnecting after work hours is important, especially unless there is fair compensation or a clear, balanced arrangement in place.

For many English expatriates living abroad, national celebrations can take on a different meaning. St George’s Day, England’s national day, often passes with relatively little fanfare compared to other countries’ patriotic events. A recent Euro Weekly News poll asked if St George’s Day inspired a sense of patriotism. While some see it as an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, others question whether a single day should carry the weight of national identity.

Some respondents expressed a strong and enduring connection to their English identity, regardless of where they now live. Alison Clarke Allen reflected this sentiment clearly: “Yes, I do! I may not live in Shepperton Surrey anymore, but it is still my home town. I moved abroad, I didn’t stop being English/British!” Similarly, David Egner shared a straightforward affirmation: “As an English immigrant, yes I do.” These perspectives suggest that distance can sometimes strengthen rather than weaken a sense of national belonging.

Others, however, take a more critical view. Marian Morgan Visockis questioned the premise altogether: “No. Should there be one day a year when you “feel patriotic”?” Caz Burnett echoed this scepticism from a broader perspective: “I’m an immigrant and I consider myself European. Never understood the “pride” of just happening to be born in a country”. Stephen Chatt Milne also emphasised the importance of adapting to life abroad: “No. I left UK over 40 years ago, still love having a British passport but have always classed whatever Country I was living in as my home. Cheers and on with the show”.

A few responses focused less on personal identity and more on how the day is marked. Stephen Cowdell commented: “St George’s day is St George’s day, I don’t need it to feel patriotic or proud of my country, it would just be nice to celebrate it better than we do, unfortunately lots of people (not POC, but other whites) appear to not like their own flag and feel that it’s somehow racist.” Mike Smith added a lighter observation: “To be fair the English seem more intent on celebrating St Patricks day than they do St Georges Day. May be that has something to do with being intent on quaffing large amounts of Guinness.”

While some expats feel a clear sense of patriotism linked to St George’s Day, many do not see it as particularly significant.