Podcast #53
Available 24/7? The Time Boundary That Saved My Career (& Sanity)
Why Slowing Down Could Be the Smartest Career Move You Ever Make
If you’re a high achiever who’s always online, always available, and constantly chasing that next win, I want to share something with you that might shift the entire way you work and lead:
Protecting your time and energy isn’t just self-care, it’s a strategic career decision.
Yes, you read that right.
In today’s fast-moving, always-on workplace culture, we often wear burnout like a badge of honor. We respond to emails at midnight, show up for meetings while sick, and feel guilty for taking a walk or logging off on time. But this “hustle mindset” especially for high performers, is doing more harm than good.
Let’s talk about what’s really going on, and how one small boundary can change everything.
The Hidden Cost of Being “Always On”
Early in our careers, we often get rewarded for being fast and available. We answer emails immediately. We jump on Slack at 11 PM. We pride ourselves on being “the go-to person.”
And yes, it works… for a while.
But eventually, something shifts. That superhuman responsiveness becomes the new normal. What once felt like dedication is now expected. You’re no longer getting praised for it, you’re just trying to keep up.
“If you’ve become the safety net for your team, ask yourself, who’s catching you?”
The worst part? Being constantly available doesn’t just burn you out, it also undermines your actual value. You start focusing on speed over substance. You default to quick fixes instead of deep solutions. You spend your time reacting instead of thinking strategically.
The Career-Defining Shift: From Fast to Focused
So what’s the alternative?
One small, powerful habit:
Stop responding immediately.
No, you don’t need to ignore your job or leave people hanging. But try this simple experiment:
✅ Block out a 2-hour window each day where you don’t check Slack, Teams, or email.
✅ Use that time for deep, high-value work.
✅ Let your boss or team know you’re focused and available for true emergencies via phone (not chat).
✅ Track what happens, how you feel, what you produce, and how others respond.
You’ll be surprised. You’ll feel more confident, more productive, and more like a leader than a responder.
“You don’t get promoted for being the fastest. You get promoted for being the clearest and most strategic.”
What If I’m in a Toxic Workplace?
This is a real fear, and you’re not alone.
You might be thinking, “If I stop replying instantly, my boss will flip out.” Or “This could backfire, and I’ll get punished.”
But here’s the thing:
If your workplace is truly toxic, that won’t be fixed by staying silent or compliant. It will only change when you set a new standard, or decide to move on.
This small boundary can be your first test.
If they respect it? Amazing, you just unlocked a healthier, more sustainable rhythm.
If they react poorly? You’ve just gained clarity on what needs to happen next: networking, job searching, or shifting teams.
“You have to be the CEO of your career, no one else will do it for you.”
Rewire Your Brain for Long-Term Growth
Here’s a bonus tip: Track everything.
Every time you set a boundary, write down:
- What you did (e.g. no Slack for 2 hours)
- How it made you feel
- What you accomplished
- What response you got (from your boss, your team, your clients)
Your brain needs evidence that this works. And when you gather it consistently, you’ll begin to trust yourself more, lead with more clarity, and stop relying on external praise for validation.
Final Thoughts: Calm Is a Career Advantage
Burnout isn’t noble. Always being available doesn’t mean you’re indispensable, it just means you’re training others to take your time for granted.
So what would it look like to lead with calm and clarity this week?
- Fewer distractions.
- More focus.
- Better decisions.
- Real value.
- Sustainable success.
“The version of you who sets time boundaries is the one who actually gets promoted.”
Let this be the week you stop running and start leading.
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