7 Things You Don’t Owe Your Boss

Summary: Your boss may set unrealistic expectations for you at work, but that does not mean you have to be willing to give up everything to meet their demands.

The American Psychological Association warns that 50 percent of workers are checking their work email before and after work, during the weekend, and even when they are home sick. Sadly, 44 percent are checking their work email even while on vacation. Most of us are already working long hours at the office and now are putting in extra time when we are supposed to be home relaxing. In order to maintain a healthier work life balance, there are seven things you don’t need to feel like you have to give up in order to please your boss.

1. Health

Setting boundaries to keep your health strong may be hard to determine, because often our health declines gradually. Do what you need to keep up your health by eating healthy, taking walks during lunch, not working more than 60 hours a week (preferably only 40), and taking vacations. Letting things like stress, loss of sleep, and unhealthy eating build up will sabotage your happiness.
 

2. Family

Your family should not suffer because of your work. While your reasons to work as hard as you do may be for your family, quality time is the best thing you can give them.


 

3. Sanity

Everyone’s level of what they can handle varies, so you only need to take on what you can personally handle. Set your own limits to keep yourself healthy. If making sure you get enough time away from work helps you stay sane, be sure to unplug from work on the weekends. If your boss asks for more from you, politely say no.
 

4. Future

You do not owe your future to your boss. If a better opportunity for you comes along, your boss should understand that you are doing what is best for you and your family.
 

5. Identity

Work should not be how you identify yourself. Keep up hobbies and passions that allow you to describe yourself beyond your label at work. Having these passions and pursuits will help reduce burnout and stress from work.
 

6. Contacts

You don’t owe your boss the contacts that you have developed over years of working should you decide to move to a new position.
 

7. Integrity

Never be willing to sacrifice your values and beliefs for a job. The stress it will cause can damage you and your credibility.

See the following articles for more information:

• Getting Along with the Boss: Build the Relationship at Work That Matters Most to Your Career
• Strategies to Deal with Indecisive Bosses

Photo: localwork.ca