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How do you set boundaries at work?
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Any contract family law attorneys in Kentucky?
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I’ve seen people add upcoming vacation days to their signature block, and then remind clients out loud so that they can plan ahead or adjust expectations accordingly.
Do you have a virtual receptionist? A VA? I would think with some protocols you’d be able to narrow this down. My clients are trained largely to only email me unless it’s exigent, so some redrawing of boundaries may be appropriate
I completely agree with training clients. If you don’t set those boundaries, you wind up working 24/7 and burning out. If you burn out, they’ll simply find someone else who’s too accessible and repeat the pattern. It can be hard to stick to your guns, especially when you’re starting a new business, but the clients who are overly demanding of your time often wind up being problems anyway.
I think you need to just put a line in the sand and train your clients to respect that boundary.
One idea to consider is instituting a policy of "weekend rates". Express your intention to make Sunday (for instance) your day off, but you understand things happen so you are willing to make yourself available on an as needed basis for 1.5 to 2x your standard rate.
You'd be amazed how often Sunday emergencies can wait until Monday if it costs an extra $500.
The last four family vacations, my wife and son went on vacation and I stayed home and enjoyed later seeing the photos they took. It wasn’t quite as fun as being there, but on the other hand, having them out of the house was almost like a vacation in itself.
Coach
You can’t get someone “of counsel” to coordinate and take on some of your off days? Maybe it may mean paying the counsel a little extra?