Is it rude to not answer a text message at work?

Question

Is it rude to wait until the end of a work shift to answer a txt message that was sent to you during a work shift? I have a friend who often sends me messages, asking for details on hanging out in the later afternoon, while I am working morning shifts that typically last until 3. She has suggested that I am a "bad communicator" because I wait until the end of my shifts to answer questions.

I have various summer jobs. Two of them involve working in a fast-paced kitchen environment where my hands are constantly handling food and I have to remember orders. The other job is in housekeeping, where I am usually wearing gloves or have been handling soiled linens/cleaning chemicals etc. I do not have time to wash my hands/stop my work to take out my phone and txt her back. Only one of the jobs expressly states that personal phone usage is not allowed, but I also feel that it is very unprofessional to txt while working.

Just a note, I am aware of the fact that this friend has gotten in fights with her boyfriend because he did not return her messages while he was working. I know he works as a car washer and is probably having to stop his work, dry off, and answer her messages. She has complained to me about this and I don't really know how to respond (although, I feel like she is being a bit clingy considering they are in constant communication otherwise).

So, I guess my question is, does she have a right to be mad at me and her boyfriend for waiting until after work shifts to answer her messages?

Answer 1

No she doesn't have a right.

Good on you for respecting your job and work.

I think she needs to get a job too.

Answer 2

Yeah i think of its rude to overlook approximately a txt. yet eh if someones continually ignoring me, ultimately i'm going to do a similar returned if its been particularly some replies the persons been ignoring me.

Answer 3

you respond to her that you are at work and do not get paid to text and that you will contact her when you are able.. if she has a problem with it,, than you really don't need her as a friend..v

Answer 4

nope!