With Apple Mail I was able to send emails out automatically, but could choose to receive mail when I wanted it. That way I'm able to batch process my email, knowing it was being sent out throughout the day for others to respond, but I could choose when the replies and other emails came in for me to deal with. 

I've been messing with the schedules but it seems to one or the other: either automatic send/receive, or manual send/receive (won't send until I tell it to). 

I assume there is a way, but I'm just not getting the settings right. Does anyone else have a similar set up that you could advise me on? Thanks in advance for your help.