Setting Boundaries at Work Can Make You a Target and That's a Shame

At a time when the myth of "quiet quitting" is dominating conversation around the workplace, setting healthy boundaries can make you a target with your coworkers

Early on in my career, I worked at an independent public relations firm in Las Vegas. It was a great job with a great owner who supported and encouraged professional development and healthy boundaries for work. Being the only young and married staffer with kids, I was motivated to get my job done and get home as fast as possible.

I worked early on to be efficient and focused. That didn’t mean I sacrificed building relationships or spending time with my coworkers, but I didn’t waste much time during my day. The owner of our firm loved it as I spent most days focusing on billable hours and delivering for him and our clients.

Despite this focus, efficiency, and good behavior, a few staffers didn’t take kindly to my work ethic. Because many of them required 12-14 hour days to bill the same work I did in eight hours, they resented that efficiency. When some people struggle to put it all together, they look to strike out at anyone. Instead of looking inward for answers, they attempt to cast dispersions on those who have figured it out.

This type of behavior has been with us since the beginning of time. Now, with the absurd idea that people are quietly quitting and accused of not being committed because they won’t do free work, it’s a reminder you will face a jealous coworker who can’t be as efficient or focused as you. They’re the same coworker who won’t say no or have difficult conversations when they’re already feeling overwhelmed.

You may also have a boss that believes your job is a 24-hour-a-day responsibility even though the math would put you a minimum wage considering the nights and weekends you slave away due to organizational dysfunction.

Either way, being told to create and maintain healthy boundaries is a piece of good advice, but it often comes at a price and a reasonable amount of scorn nowadays.

Of course, it is worth it. Having boundaries at work should be the norm. Putting everything you have into your work while you’re there is what it’s all about. Work hard for you and your family, but that doesn’t mean becoming a servant to your job or coworkers.

You will be resented and targeted for these boundaries in today’s work environment. Hopefully, that will change soon.

But be aware and vigilant.

You’re in the right on this.