AITA for sending a “404 Error: Not Available” auto-reply to my boss after work hours?

Work-life balance is a hot topic in today’s always-connected world, and one employee’s creative approach to setting boundaries has sparked a lively debate. When his boss started sending work messages at odd hours—like late at night or early on weekends—this employee decided to take matters into his own hands. He set up an auto-reply on both email and Slack that read:

“404 Error: Employee Not Found. Please try again during business hours. If this is an emergency, please reconsider your definition of ‘emergency’.” While some found his response refreshingly honest, his boss wasn’t amused, labeling it unprofessional and questioning his dedication. Now, the question remains: Is he in the wrong for sending such an auto-reply, or is his boss the one who needs to respect boundaries?

‘AITA for sending a “404 Error: Not Available” auto-reply to my boss after work hours?’

In today’s work environment, setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is essential for protecting one’s mental health and maintaining a balanced life. Workplace psychologists stress that employees have every right to disconnect after hours, but the manner in which these boundaries are communicated is crucial.

In this case, the boss repeatedly sends messages outside of normal working hours—such as at 11 PM on a Tuesday or 7 AM on a Sunday—even when there is no real emergency. Instead of simply ignoring these messages, the employee chose to set up an auto-reply that humorously states, “404 Error: Employee Not Found. Please try again during business hours. If this is an emergency, please reconsider your definition of ‘emergency’.”

While this response underscores the employee’s desire to maintain a work-life balance, it can also be perceived as unprofessional or dismissive. Experts recommend that if you want to establish such boundaries, it is best to first have a direct conversation with your supervisor. Explaining that you only address urgent matters outside of regular hours helps set clear expectations and prevents misunderstandings.

By emphasizing that only genuine emergencies warrant immediate attention, the employee sends a clear message about the importance of respecting personal time. In summary, while a humorous auto-reply can serve as a subtle reminder of your boundaries, it should ideally be supported by direct communication. This dual approach not only helps in maintaining professionalism but also fosters a healthier work environment where both personal time and work responsibilities are mutually respected.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit users are divided on the issue. Some argue that the boss should simply respect the employee’s personal time, suggesting that messages received outside work hours are non-urgent and can wait. Others believe that the auto-reply was a step too far, calling it a snarky, unnecessary provocation that risks damaging professional relationships.

A common thread in the discussion is the idea that if an employee’s boundaries aren’t respected, it’s acceptable to assert them—but ideally through direct conversation rather than passive responses that could be misinterpreted.

At the heart of this debate lies a broader question: How should modern workplaces balance respect for personal time with the demands of the job? Is a snarky auto-reply a justified response to constant after-hours messages, or does it simply create more friction in professional relationships?

What would you do if you found your boundaries being repeatedly ignored by a superior? Share your thoughts and experiences—let’s discuss how best to navigate the delicate interplay between professionalism and personal well-being.