Why "Always On" is a Recipe for Burnout
The weekend is finally here. You've just finished dinner, and you're ready to relax and finally catch up on that new show everyone is talking about. Your phone buzzes. It's a work email from your boss. The subject line is urgent. Do you open it?
For many of us, that's not even a question. We open it, we respond, and just like that, the promise of a peaceful weekend is gone. You're "always on," and it's a recipe for burnout.
In today's fast-paced world, the lines between our work and personal lives have become blurred. We're connected 24/7, and many of us feel a constant pressure to be available, to respond immediately, and to take on every new task that comes our way. We've been told that hustle culture is the key to success. We've been taught that being "always on" is what separates the average from the elite.
But what if I told you that's wrong?
True success in the modern workplace isn't about being available 24/7. It's about working smarter, not harder. It's about protecting your time, prioritizing your mental health, and understanding that your value as an employee isn't measured by how late you respond to an email.
This is where boundaries come in.
Setting boundaries is not a weakness; it's a strategic skill that leads to greater productivity, job satisfaction, and long-term career growth. By creating clear boundaries, you're not just protecting your personal time; you're also communicating your value and setting clear expectations for how others should treat your time and energy.
Boundaries allow you to:
Improve your focus. When you're not constantly multitasking or worrying about an urgent email, you can dedicate your full attention to the task at hand. This leads to higher-quality work and better results.
Prevent burnout. Constant availability is a one-way ticket to exhaustion and a loss of passion for your work. Boundaries help you recharge, so you can come back to work refreshed and ready to contribute.
Increase job satisfaction. When you feel in control of your work, you're happier. You feel more respected and less stressed, which makes you more likely to enjoy what you do.
Over the course of this blog series, I’m going to dive deep into the art of setting boundaries.This isn't about being lazy or uncooperative. It's about building a sustainable and successful career that you love.
Next time I’ll start with the most important step: identifying your non-negotiables.