When you have been working in the company for many years, and you see no improvement but only complications, it means you need to learn how to set better boundaries in your workplace. Everyone in the office has the same basic needs and wants.
However, one thing becomes crystal clear – you are not them. You have your own needs and wants, and just because your boss wants you to do that extra task does not mean you want it. Here are five ways to help you set boundaries at work:
1. No hesitation
Your personal life must be a priority. Working those extra hours after the work day is over will not make you rich unless you are working for yourself. Don be afraid to say ‘no,’ when you have your own plans, or you do not feel like doing that task. Your health is much more precious than your boss’s respect. If they do not accept your ‘no,’ it is their own business. Do your job well during the working hours and say your office goodbye once it is time to go home.
2. Never accept more work than you can handle
This one goes hand in hand with saying ‘no.’ Stop trying to impress your boss, especially if they are one of those who do not care about their employees and their salaries. Impress your boss with quality rather than quantity, and let them know that you work only withing your working hours.
More: 7 Signs You’re Sabotaging Your Career
3. Practice self-care at work
No kidding, relying on vending machine stuff to satisfy your hunger is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Stop skipping lunch and bring healthy meals to work. Your body needs nutrients to work properly so make sure you eat healthy food during your lunchtime.
Moreover, try to take short breaks between your tasks and avoid negative talks, including gossiping. Practice positive thinking and do a few office-friendly exercises, if possible.
4. Do not set high expectations
It is easy to trick yourself into thinking that that extra task will bring you extra money. Do not set high expectations. While hard work is often rewarded, it all depends on your boss’s conscience.
Staying at the office until 9 pm to help your coworker to accomplish a project or do that extra task will not be rewarded. Focus on your family and strive to spend more time with them rather than with your projects.
5. Leave work at the office
This means no checking email after 6 pm, no bringing projects home, and no work over the weekends. Get it? Enjoy your time away from work and do things that bring you joy. Volunteering may bring you more pleasure than doing an extra project that only will make your boss richer, not you. Spending time with your nearest and dearest is a great activity that is much better than your work.
More: 8 Daily Habits of Ultra-Productive People
I know, working hard is great, but do not forget that we are on this earth for a short time, and we never know what tomorrow will bring, so stop making your job a priority, and start doing things that will add meaningfulness to your life.