LOGGING OFF A CALL

How are you supposed to log off a video call these days? I mean, yes, hover over the Leave button until the exact right moment - the microsecond that doesn’t seem rude (too soon, other person just about has chance to say ‘ok thanks b..’) or too late (eyes flick sideways around the room, everyone else disappears until you’re left awkwardly with one person)… naturally. But what do you do? Especially at work?

I’ve taken to raising one hand palm outwards and logging off with the other. I’m not sure it’s all that professional to be honest - sometimes I think my chair spins just enough for the other person to see me dashing for the kitchen or the loo - or just anywhere but this call. Other times I think waving goodbye like you’re on a Primary School bus seems a little too silly. And don’t even talk about what happens if you raise that hand too high.

I thought about a salute. I like a salute (occasionally) in real life; seems sort of respectful and yet informal, but somehow at work that combination feels ultra sarcastic. Like saying ‘You da boss’ to your actual boss. 

I’ll probably stick with the raised (non-waving) hand. Or, I could do what everyone else seems to do and awkwardly look around my screens for the exit button before disappearing. I’ve noticed too that I tend to say ‘cheers’ a lot before I go. The more I think about it, the less sure I am about what it means.

Modern life eh. I’m sure it used to be simpler somehow. That little shift in body language that tells everybody it’s the end of the meeting, that clasping of hands and the determined ‘right!’ or perhaps an exhalation and drumming rhythmically on the meeting room table. Crumbs, we used to fiddle with laptops and connections and HDMI cables too. Remember that? Unplug, keep talking while you switch off the projector, then finally, snap your laptop shut. I miss those days. Got more steps in in those days.

Speaking of which, I need a very non-sedentary, break-the-routine, fresh air walk. The air is cool and the stress has temporarily abated, so I’ll be off for a few minutes. You know, best foot forward and all that. Have a great day. Cheers.