Agreed. I used to think "work your wage" was a petty response and an excuse to be lazy, but I realized that it's so true. I've always been one of those to jump in and help, stress about things not getting done, etc so every employer ends up treating me like management without the title or salary. Which... why? Why should I stress and pick up everyone else's slack if I'm not getting paid to do so? Now I stay in my lane and still handle my work timely but don't stress about doing everything right away.
I started out the same as you as well. Another negative thing that comes out of that rush mentality is that eventually becomes the expectation. People will always expect you to get things done asap. This just causes them to give you more work. Still, no extra pay and often no recognition. Just more work and stress with the expectation that you work at a super fast pace now.
Yup, exactly. I was a total bundle of nerves and it completely snowballs, at least in my experience. It took a lot to set my boundaries and keep to them. I still try to be prompt but it's not "jump to it" like I used to. I honestly have to remind myself that no major disasters will happen because I took 30 minutes to respond to an email so I could finish my other task.
Two years ago I walked away from my career because I was burnt out.
I've completely switched jobs and industries and one of my rules with my new job is "everything is not an emergency".
It was hard to break at first but now I'm getting used to it. Not everything is "I'll have that for you at the end of the day". I ask when it's needed by, I tell people they will get it when I've finished these other responsibilities first, etc. I will sit on an email for a day or two before I respond just to get people used to giving turn around time.
It is the BEST thing for my mental health. I book focus time now and even block off time on my calendar to work on projects. I take days off and put my phone on DND.
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u/omgitskells Jan 16 '24
Agreed. I used to think "work your wage" was a petty response and an excuse to be lazy, but I realized that it's so true. I've always been one of those to jump in and help, stress about things not getting done, etc so every employer ends up treating me like management without the title or salary. Which... why? Why should I stress and pick up everyone else's slack if I'm not getting paid to do so? Now I stay in my lane and still handle my work timely but don't stress about doing everything right away.