Dear Bob ... Like a lot of companies, ours provides Blackberries, which we use both for portable e-mail and as cell phones. My boss seems to think this means I'm on the clock 24 hours a day, seven days a week - he thinks nothing of sending me e-mails or calling me on evenings and weekends. If it were just an occasional thing I wouldn't mind, but it's all the time. I have a family, and resent having my personal t Dear Bob …Like a lot of companies, ours provides Blackberries, which we use both for portable e-mail and as cell phones. My boss seems to think this means I’m on the clock 24 hours a day, seven days a week – he thinks nothing of sending me e-mails or calling me on evenings and weekends. If it were just an occasional thing I wouldn’t mind, but it’s all the time. I have a family, and resent having my personal time interrupted.What do you think I should do? – Unwilling 24×7Dear Unwilling …I think you need to get a copy of the Blackberry’s user manual. While I don’t carry one (I use a competing device) I’m pretty sure it has a user-interface widget called an “off switch.” It’s like this: Your boss works long hours and weekends, and when something occurs to him he thinks you should know about or do something about, he does what comes naturally. Be grateful – the alternative would be for him to keep you out of the loop.Your problem just isn’t that difficult – turn it off. If your boss complains, tell him, nicely, that there are times when you don’t want to be interrupted with work issues. Most managers will respect this. If you’re working for one of the few who doesn’t you might need to have a tougher conversation about boundaries – specifically, a more clear definition of what he considers to be reasonable work hours.There are even a few who actually insist that their direct reports be available at all times. If yours is one you might need to find a different boss – but these characters are still the exception. The first step is up to you.– BobSpeaking of personal time, I’m taking the week off for a well-deserved vacation. No, I don’t deserve it, but my lovely wife does, and she’s letting me tag along. So you’ll have to do without Advice Line for a week. Just don’t make a habit of it! – Bob Technology Industry