Many coaching clients come to me because they struggle with boundaries around their career.  Sometimes they recognize this, and sometimes they don’t.  What they DO know is they feel dissatisfied with work, at best; and burnt out, disrespected, or passed over at worst. Maybe they’re struggling with their relationships with colleagues, or they are working too many hours with little time for friends, family and self.

Here’s the thing:  It’s not that they don’t know what boundaries are. They just don’t always know how to set them and - more importantly - how to keep them.

Boundaries define what behaviors you find acceptable (or not.)  In general - but especially at work - our boundaries protect our integrity and set realistic expectations around our interactions and collaboration with others. When you allow someone to cross your boundaries at work, that’s an open invitation for it to happen again. But calling someone out every time they cross a boundary can be uncomfortable.

As challenging as maintaining boundaries with work might be, breaking or ignoring them can be even more difficult. Boundaries don’t exist just for others to abide by; you need to actively do so too. That part is up to you and figuring it out requires knowing your priorities.

That’s where coaching comes in.  Working with my clients to help get them clear on:

●   what’s really creating the need for boundaries,

●   what it would mean to them to set and keep them,

●   determining the level of commitment they are willing to make, and

●   how they want to be held accountable.

Once they work through this, my clients feel more in control of how they are spending their time and energy, minimize conflicts with colleagues caused by gray areas in the relationships, and have a clearer sense of when to pick their battles and define the line between what is tolerable and what is unacceptable.

Here are a few ideas on how to set and manage your boundaries when it comes to your work.

Change Your Mindset

Reframe the way you look at boundaries.  Think of them as a necessary strategy to protect your energy and ultimately gain greater control over your career. Setting what you consider to be healthy limits lets everyone know that your time and well-being are valuable.

Communicate With Transparency

It’s important to make your boundaries clear and understandable to others. Explain why you need them as well as what they are. Define your terms honestly and respectfully so there’s no confusion.

Get to Know Your Boundaries

Take some time to get clear on your values. What are your non-negotiables? Where can you be flexible? Consider your feelings with and without boundaries.  Commit to assessing your boundaries once a quarter to see if you need to shift them at all.

Saying No

No, thank you; not yet; not now; not at all. There are many ways to say no. Just remember that when you say no to something, it allows you to say yes to something else.

Working Remotely

Working from home does not mean your availability and capacity are a free-for-all. Make sure you have dedicated office space and that you take breaks. Let your family know when you don’t want to be disturbed.

Back in the Office

Right away this adds commuting time to your schedule, so managing your time at the office is crucial. Keeping your door shut when you are working, and arriving and leaving on time will support your commitment to respect your boundaries.

Ask for Help

Don’t keep the overwhelm to yourself. Find someone else who is not feeling the same way and delegate a few tasks to lighten your load.

Here is a link to a February 2024 Forbes article around setting boundaries with work, while also proactively managing your career success:

Coaching can help you better manage your career by practicing setting healthy boundaries and helping you stay accountable for maintaining them. I’d love to chat to see if I can help you get clear on your boundaries. Find a spot on my calendar here.