I'm constantly getting "just this once" tasks outside my scope. How do you all decide when to step up and when to firmly say no to extra, out-of-JD work?

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I take every opportunity that comes my way. Admin work is a dying breed and the more diverse my experience, the more fluid I am to move into new roles and new positions. Unless you are completely overwhelmed with work and have hard deadlines, I would find time to fit it in. You never know what opportunities can come from saying yes.

I worked myself into a 6-figure job just by “almost” always saying yes to whatever anyone brought me. You have to keep in mind that you still need to meet deadlines and commitments, but learn the art of negotiation and how to really, really prioritize work. It’s amazing how many people will push back a deadline when you ask the simple question of “when do you need this” at the onset of the request. Everyone “needs it ASAP”. But if you ask more questions after the first, you’ll find out it’s a want more than a need.

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I second this!!! I could’ve written this myself — reframing the asks as opportunities will shift the experience for anyone.

Beyond preparing you for other roles it’s also an excellent opportunity to identify other focus areas that play on your strengths and pique your interest!

I just consider things like that on a case by case basis and consider the practicality of it. If it's some task I can easily complete I'm not going to make an issue of it. I'm being paid for my time, so if it falls within regular work hours and it's some I can accomplish without disrupting my regular work my inclination is to be accommodating. It's not like I'm being asked to work on the weekend or something.

If I have the time and bandwidth, I'll do what I can. But if I don't, I will let them know that I do not have the flexibility in my schedule to accommodate things outside of my job description. It doesn't have to be a confrontational conversation; you can just let them know that you just don't have the time. Normally they handle this pretty well.

I’ve tried this and have been told our job descriptions also mention “additional duties as assigned” how would you respond to that ? 😕

If it's business related and I have the capacity and capability to do it, then I will.

But if it personal that is a path I don't want to go down and that will be a no for me.

I'm of the mindset now that I dont do anything outside my job description. If you do something "just once", it becomes expected of you. I've been in this situation myself like. Only in my case the company in question expected more without wanting to pay for it. And they didnt like it when I clamped down.

I would say no, I’ve fallen into the we need your help this year trap- and then been asked to help with the same project every year after 🙄

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