General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: People leaving voicemail recordings that say, "I'll get back to you at MY earliest CONVENIENCE" [View all]TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)"At my earliest convenience" is just another way of saying "as soon as I can". I think it's a little snooty, but it seems to be a preferred default message on answering machines and voicemail.
I can't very well call at YOUR earliest convenience, can I? How would I know? Besides, you called me so unless you're in danger of death, or are warning me of dangers of death, or, (better yet) giving me money, why would I be in any particular rush to call you back to solve your problem? Complaining about my message offering to return your call at all, probably at my great inconvenience and possible expense and which I most likely didn't want anyway could be considered rude.
I've changed most of my default messages to the very simple "You know what to do at the beep." which quite a few people seem to think is rude enough.