Managing Your Availability

Setting up your availability is essential for efficient scheduling and helps potential mentors or mentees know when you're available to exchange messages. A well-configured availability schedule leads to more successful connections and better communication timing.

Step 1: Access Availability Settings

Navigate to your availability settings:

Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner
Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu
Click on the "Availability" or "Schedule" tab
Alternatively, access from your dashboard's quick settings

Step 2: Set Your Timezone

First, configure your timezone to ensure accurate scheduling:

Select your current timezone from the dropdown
The system will auto-detect but verify it's correct
Update this setting when traveling to different time zones
All scheduled messaging times will be displayed in your selected timezone

Tip: If you frequently work across time zones, consider adding a note in your profile about your flexibility.

Step 3: Configure Weekly Schedule

Set up your standard weekly availability for message exchanges:

Select Days: Choose which days you're available to exchange messages
Set Time Blocks: Add available time slots for each day when you'll be responsive
Add Multiple Blocks: Create separate morning/afternoon/evening slots
Response Times: Set expectations for how quickly you'll respond to messages
Copy Days: Duplicate settings across similar days for efficiency

Step 4: Set Messaging Preferences

Configure your messaging-specific preferences:

Response Time: Set expectations for how quickly you'll respond (within hours, same day, 24-48 hours)
Messaging Windows: Specify preferred times for exchanging messages
Advance Notice: How far in advance should scheduled message exchanges be arranged?
Rolling Availability: How many weeks ahead to show availability (2-8 weeks typical)
Daily Message Limit: Set a comfortable limit for message exchanges per day
Weekly Message Limit: Set an overall weekly cap to maintain work-life balance

Pro Tip: Start with conservative availability and increase as you get comfortable. It's easier to add messaging time than to reduce commitments.

Step 5: Block Out Unavailable Times

Mark specific dates or times when you're unavailable:

Vacation Mode: Block out entire date ranges for time off
One-Time Blocks: Mark specific days as unavailable
Recurring Blocks: Set up weekly recurring unavailable times
Emergency Override: Quickly mark yourself unavailable when needed

Step 6: Connect Calendar Integration

Sync with external calendars to manage your messaging availability:

Connect Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar
Platform will automatically check for conflicts with your schedule
Busy times are automatically blocked from your messaging availability
Scheduled message exchange times are added to your connected calendar
Updates and changes sync automatically

Privacy Note: We only check for conflicts, not event details. Your calendar data remains private.

Step 7: Set Messaging Preferences

Configure who can schedule messaging times with you:

Auto: Allow instant scheduling without confirmation
Manual Approval: Review and approve each messaging request
Connections Only: Restrict to established connections
Public Scheduling: Allow anyone to request messaging times
Scheduling Link: Generate a shareable link for arranging message exchanges

Best Practices for Availability

Be Realistic

Don't overcommit. Consider your energy levels, other commitments, and preparation time needed. Quality mentorship requires mental presence and energy.

Stay Consistent

Regular, predictable availability makes it easier for others to schedule and builds reliability. Try to maintain the same weekly pattern.

Update Regularly

Review and update your availability weekly. Mark time off in advance, and adjust for seasonal changes in your schedule.

Communicate Changes

If your availability changes significantly, notify your regular connections in advance. This shows respect for their time and planning.

Recommended Availability Settings

For New Mentors:

Start with 2-4 hours per week for message exchanges, spread across 2-3 days. Set response time to 24-48 hours. Manual approval recommended until you establish a routine.

For Active Mentors:

4-8 hours per week for messaging, 3-4 days. Mix of morning and afternoon availability. Faster response times (same day). Auto-approve for established connections.

For Mentees:

Offer flexible messaging availability, 5-10 hours across multiple days. Show you're committed and responsive. Daily check-ins demonstrate engagement.

For Casual Users:

1-2 hours per week for messaging, one consistent day. 48-hour response time. Manual approval. Perfect for exploring mentorship at your pace.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Timezone Issues: Verify your timezone setting matches your location
Schedule Conflicts: Ensure calendar integration is connected and syncing
No Messaging Requests: Check that your availability is visible and you have enough time slots
Too Many Requests: Reduce available messaging slots or switch to manual approval
Calendar Not Syncing: Disconnect and reconnect your calendar integration

Setting Up Your Availability