Navigating the complexities of multiple job schedules can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing conflicting meetings.
Proactive Scheduling
Prevention is better than cure. When you have control over your schedule, try to avoid conflicts in the first place. Be proactive in setting your availability, considering the different time demands of your jobs. Use scheduling tools and calendars effectively to block out times and prevent overlaps.
Propose Alternative Times: If a meeting schedule conflicts, don’t hesitate to propose an alternative time that suits your schedule.
Dedicated Focus Hours: Set aside specific hours of your day as ‘focus time’ to block off time slots that could be a source of scheduling conflicts. I have recurring meetings scheduled for one of my jobs. During these times, I mark the same time slots as ‘focus time’ on the calendar for my other job.
Reasons for Unavailability
There will be occasions when avoiding a meeting conflict is not possible. In such cases, it’s reasonable to use excuses similar to those used by other employees. These include:
Family Commitments: Picking or dropping kids off at school or daycare is a common and valid reason for unavailability.
Recurring Medical Appointments: Regular doctor or therapy appointments are not just acceptable reasons but also important for your well-being.
Personal Development Activities: Engaging in activities that contribute to your personal growth, such as attending a class or a workshop, can be a valid reason for scheduling conflicts.
One off excuses
If standard excuses don’t fit, it might be necessary to be a bit more creative:
Home Maintenance: Scheduling a repair or maintenance service for your home can be a plausible reason for not being available.
Volunteer Work: Participating in community service or charity work can be both fulfilling and a legitimate reason for schedule conflicts.