I'm reading this book on boundaries. In the work section it says I should tell my boss that I can't work after 5 PM. Knowing that advertising work commonly goes past 5 PM...would my job be in danger if I said that?
There's not really a rule book that says I must work until the work is done even though it's an unsaid expectation. Thoughts?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I've never explicitly said it, but I've rarely worked past 6pm in the last year. There are other ways to set boundaries. If it's not an emergency, I'm not bothering with it. If I don't need to respond right away, I don't. If someone else was dragging their feet and threw it to me at 5 o clock, great. I'll pick it up in the morning.

However, if we're up against it, I'm the one they turn to to get it done. If we need a campaign in a weekend, I'm on it. CCO just blew up your pitch deck and we're pitching in 2 days? Hit me up.

My point being, there are times in this industry we need to work hours we don't want to. But those times don't include junior account panic or daily internal swirl.

likehelpful

So beautifully put and spot in. Set your own boundaries in a reasonable way.

like

6pm is more like the typical end of day when you’re not in a crunch. When you’re on a pitch or other tight deadline of course it’s different. I think saying you can’t work after 5 ever would probably make you sound a bit like you don’t understand the industry. That said it can help to get in the habit of answering emails that come in after 6:30ish only the next morning. I’ve also seen people schedule yoga, walk, etc at the end of the workday.

likefunny

Yes, you will limit your career and advancement oppty if you say that.

Is your job in danger? If you’re US based you are an “at will” employee. You can be fired for any reason* or no reason. So yes. If you aren’t very careful you will find yourself a less desirable employee.

* subject to protected classes race:religion:etc

likefunny

Maybe spend less time reading self help books and more time optimizing your work flow. Can’t be bothered to work past 5? Plenty of folks out there who can.

likefunny

I don’t think you need to tell your boss explicitly, but if your day ends at 5, then you act accordingly. Shut down, stop checking and responding to email, texts, pings and walk away until the day starts tomorrow. Of course, if you’re working on a project that’s running late and causing you to work late, adjust. But make that the exception and not the rule.

like

If you’re interested in trying the exercises for boundaries in the book, you could try doing this once (“I will not be available after 5 next Tuesday because of a prior commitment”) or taking time off for a recurring appointment (eg: “I will be unavailable between 11am and noon every Tuesday for a medical appointment”). Many books like these don’t necessarily tailor their advice to your specific needs, the way advice from a therapist would

like

Depends, are you working from 9-5? Or from 10-6? You should probably be meeting the 8 hours.

funny

That’s the reason I’m trying to get out of the field.

I don’t really work past 5 unless it’s my choice to. Sometimes I work into the 7pm range, but those days I take time off mid day to go to the gym to find balance. :)

@SAE1 I work in pharma, and on an account that has a variety of routine deliverables. I think we are well supported from a PM and Account standpoint in making plans, sticking to them, and saying no where we have to. Our biggest stresses usually come from not having enough junior creative staff for the work that is less intensive but voluminous. If we ever have long days it’s because our senior creatives are doing both busy work as much as they’re doing high level work and that can make the day languish. It’s important to find those 90-120m gaps in the day and take your time where you can.

like

At my first agency I was ignorant and really wanted everyone to think I was a team player.

At my second agency I immediately set boundaries by NOT responding to anything after 6 PM. I may have even still been working, but I’d use “send later” for any emails.

Once in a while you might get on a pitch or a launch or something even as simple as polishing a deck the night before a client presentation that you and your team will need to handle, but normal day-to-day is up to you.

Re do oh no thanks again we we are we

Related Posts

Hi friends,
How is wlb in CBA? In case anyone declines their offer, do they blacklist the candidate?

like

Which is the most laid back, good WLB big 4 and why is it not Deloitte?

likefunny

How is the working environment in GSK GCC . How is WLB & what is the pay scale for 8a job group. Appreciate your inputs...

like

What is PwC’s Salesforce practice like? Is the WLB any good at the Senior Associate level? Is their comp any different than other Big 4?

like

Has anyone taken mental growth leave from NY BL who is willing to please share about their experience? I would truly appreciate it.

27F, 2nd year associate (no ambitions of being partner) - I’m depressed, anxious, stressed and just need a break. I’m at the point where I’m willing to quit with no other options, but want to see if theirs any safer way of taking a breath of life and grinding a little longer (I have loans, I financially support my parents, etc. ).

like

Hey guys I have offer from cisco system and checkpoint cyber security . Checkpoint is offering x+5 in base where as cisco is offering similar amount in joining bonus. Overall per year ctc is also differs by 3 lac (y+3) in checkpoint .

So considering recession and mass layoff which one will be right option to select in terms wlb, job security and future growth .

FYI : checkpoint is starting r&d division in India I will be first person to be hired for the same role.

like

Anyone who has transitioned from M&A work to finance work, how has your experience been? I am considering a similar transition and would love to learn about any changes to your work/life balance, stress-levels, etc.

like

Hi Fishes, I have 6 YOE in financial reporting, if an opportunity in Morgan Stanley in fund accounting arises, should I go ahead with it or would it be a reverse step career wise, would appreciate insights on same and also of MSFS Fund accounting culture, WLB, if anyone can help with the same...
Should I take Financial Reportting @State Street or Fund Accounting at @Morgan Stanley
Thanks in advance, would appreciate your help

like

I am so tired of it all. I’ve barely eaten in the last 3 days and had to take a painkiller last night to fall asleep. I’m so overworked and I constantly feel like a piece of sh*t. I don’t even have the energy to move right now and feel like I will faint any minute.

like

Lots of talk about CohnReznick on here lately… let’s address a few points.

1) Yes, our salaries are in line with B4. Happy to discuss specifics with the skeptics.
2) We are one of the few firms still actively hiring people without FDD experience.
3) Our WLB is miles better than B4.
4) Yes, we are paying strong referral bonuses because our practice has literally doubled in the past year.
5) All of the above is due to a strong pipeline and significant growth within the practice.

like

How is BlackBox as a company?

Can One having last 10 years of his career join this company?

How is job security and satisfaction in this company?

like

How is Salesforce project in Coforge? WLB etc..

like

Hi Fishes, How much hike & % of Variable pay NOKIA provides for JG-8 level employee. How is the facilities & WLB,job security in NOKIA.

helpful
like

Hi Everyone,

I having below offers in hand. Please guide me for a wise decision in selecting a company

L&T - 10.5 LPA
INTELLECT DESIGN ARENA - 8 LPA
EMPOWER RETIREMENT- 10 LPA
FUJITSU- 11.5 LPA
TEKIZMA - 7 LPA

CTC is not a matter. I need good learning, WLB and good culture.

like

Let's talk money 💰

Why are there glass ceilings on salaries in NL?

Considering that cost of living has gone up significantly here, doesn't the market need some adjustment?

Is salary just a function of years of seniority?

I do understand the case of better WLB and social benefits than the US. Hence not a direct comparison.

Anyone who understands the market willing to share their take?

Thanks!

like

Hi Fishes, I am looking to switch. I have 6+ years of experience in Java, Spring boot, Microservices and AWS. Can you please suggest companies with a good work culture and wlb. I am currently working with Hitachi Vantara.

like

How’s your WFH workload, all? This week: Mon: 10 am - 2 am. Tues: 9 am-8 pm. Wed: 10 am-9 pm. Thurs: 10 am - 8 pm. Fri: 9:30 am-8 pm. Sat: 10 am - 7 pm. Sun: noon - 4 pm, then 7 pm - 11 pm.
This ... is ... not ... sustainable! I’m the sole earner and have a kid, so “just quit!” during a pandemic is not it - and “setting boundaries” ain’t easy when I’m always reachable by text/zoom/email. I’m fortunate to have a job, but damn. Working From Home = Working Forever From Everywhere. And it sucks.

likesmart

Hey fishes, Got an offer from Schneider Electric. Can someone please help me with below queries: How is work life balance at Schneider Electric ?
What all locations have their offices? And is it really possible to get internal relocation?

like

More Posts

allocated to a project in tcs....How can I get release from it. ..I want to join some other projects

like

amex platinum >>>> csr if you think about it

like

Any 🐠 here who have left ClearView? How is life? would you have done anything differently at ClearView to set yourself up for a great exit?

like

Currently unemployed, and looking at a job offer of around 62k base, small firm. Not my preferred choice but this is the first offer in three months. They also took a month to get me the offer with corona and internal restructuring. Two questions:
1) The contract doesn’t mention a notice period in the probation period. What’s a good way to ask? 2) If I manage to secure another offer between contract signing and start date, would this involve any financial liabilities?

like

What are all your firms doing to try and keep morale up? Mainly directed to senior/staff that were expecting raises/bonus/promos.

funnylike

Larsen & Toubro Infotech How to opt out for the self mediclaim facility in Larsen & Toubro Infotech for new joiners?

like

Just finished my workout and off to get some sushi. Happy Sunday everyone and hope you all have a good week!

likeuplifting

Any advice for a CD team who wants to move to pharma? We’ve freelanced in the space, but don’t have work in our books. Currently we’re running a large CPG brand, FT at a network agency in NYC.

likefunny

Who is going to Rising in person this year? I was just looking at the site and it appears attendance is already at capacity so you need a code from your CSM to register. Can we all admit we've been pent up too long and this is going to be a wild one?!?! 😜

like

Hello everyone. I have 9 years of experience in iOS development. I have worked in swift, react native, reactjs, blockchain. Was working a product lead. Got laid off last week. Looking for an opportunity.
Thanks in advance!

like

Only divorce services for uncontested and amicable divorces

Leaving Amazon saved my life. I spent over seven years at the company and after about 6 months I began experiencing a lot of stress-related things like hair falling out, tension in my marriage etc. All that is gone now. I feel so free.

like

I’m interested in becoming a product manager but I don’t think I have the right background. My background is in enablement/product training/L&D. I don’t have a technical background. I work closely with the PMs at my current company and would love to get to do what they do. Is it possible to be a product manager without a technical background? Are there any certification type programs that could boost my credentials and employers would actually care about? Or is this transition a pipe dream?

likesmart

Hello, any .net developer here? Need some info.
Thanks in advance.

Where do I need to send my tcs ID card. This is my last week in TCS and I do not have any other tcs asset.
@tcs

like

Looking for reccommendations on best books on strategy and planning. Would like to get re-inspired and learn something new.

like

Hey folks,

What’s the yearly hike percentage at Volvo and how are the perks/WLB?

Hi, How long can a person remain on bench at Infosys Infosys Infosys Limited, Basically what are the bench policies here, project allocation etc , Any Info will be appreciated

Does Coforge has office in Pune?

Does your firm see why you failed a clearance or trust?

like

Additional Posts in Advertising

Which agencies in NY do great strategy work and are actually valued? It feels like strategy is lacking at most agencies...

like

Any good/cool small agencies (50-100) in Chicago?

like

A peek of chest hair in the office or no?

Trigger Warning ⚠️

likefunny

So why do company merges result in mass layoffs?

like

Remember The Woo? Yeah, me neither. Well, they cut everyone’s pay (except mgmt of course) by 1/4 to get the small biz gov loan, and used it to hire a $500k/yr mgmt head. Agency still working barebones

like

Let’s all agree on some collective self care this week - NO early morning meetings or client deliverables the day after the election. Perhaps we extend these rules this whole week. K? Great. 😅

likeuplifting

What are the best brands with work life balance? Want to leave agency and work life balance is super important, thank u!!

likehelpful

In NYC going from Junior CW to Mid at same agency. Currently making 72k. How much to shoot for?

like

Calling all managers with junior, intern and mid teams: Who is taking (or is being given) the time to train their juniors on the necessary hard and soft skills? If not, what’s stopping you from providing that support?

like

Girl AD tired of the boys club at her current agency. Seeking best girl CD in the biz to learn from...

like

Thanks to the robots, there’s just not a lot left to do.

So why do we still have to spend all our waking time playing office?

likefunny

Is anyone else having trouble just BEING back at the office… for a full day? Even if it’s hybrid. It’s like driving me insane just sitting here in silence and making small talk from 9-5:30. I feel so trapped.

like

New to IT B2B marketing. Any advice on how to educate myself with IT? Any classes, books, etc. that you recommend?

like

Brands closing for climate change? Wouldn’t that lost income be more effective/useful if they donated it to clean energy alternatives instead? Do a spot about it to promote it & it’s content. Win. Win

like

Any thoughts on Analog Folk?

like

How many times have you reconsidered your career in advertising? When was the first time? How far into your career are you? Are you still considering switching? I need to not feel alone.

like

What was your most amazing day in advertising?

likeuplifting

Wondering if Jeep had to pitch Bill Murray the idea by leaving him a message on his 800 number...

likefunny

Anyone have a recommendation for books or resources on upping my sales game? Open to in person class, online class, books, etc!

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal