<p>There is no point in continuing a discussion with someone who is bound and determined to consider a 5-minute check of email that can be done at one’s leisure over the weekend to be equivalent to “24/7 on call” or to the “respond in seconds” scenario that you described. No one is asking for a response in seconds. </p>
<p>If you want to be considered a professional, you adhere to professional norms. I cannot think of a single professional who doesn’t routinely check email during off-times and respond / advance / move things forward.</p>
<p>And your girlfriend’s 12 hour days for 2 weeks straight – doesn’t impress me much. It’s just not all that notable, really. I’m writing this at 3 am my time after staying up late to finish something for a client. It’s not that big of a deal for anyone with a work ethic.</p>