I never thought about writing on this topic, but because it’s been showing up a lot in my life, I realized it might be relevant for our readers too. I don’t know about you, but I am a complete and total push over when it comes to work. No matter what my boss asks of me, I find a way to do it (even if it’s not really my job). Staying after hours, working on my day off, working when family is in town, etc. I just don’t know when to say no, and in the past, bosses have certainly taken advantage of this.
In a U.S. News and World report article, Marcelle Yeager says it’s OK to say no to your boss. “During your initial tenure you should always put in extra effort and dive into your work, but you need to start setting limits,” he writes. “If you work 80 hours a week the first six months, your boss will always expect this of you. Naturally, the amount you’re expected to work depends on your industry and company, so take that into consideration when establishing boundaries.”
Because the word “no” can be difficult to both say and receive, Yeager gives some suggestions on how to say no to additional work, but also some things to consider before saying no that might work in your favor if you accept the task. I hate to say no. I really do. So whenever I have the opportunity to say yes and rework existing things in my schedule, I’ll do it.
Next time your boss asks you to take on more work you don’t want or need, Yeager said you could:
Consider other colleagues who might have backgrounds more suited to the task at hand and make a suggestion to your boss.
Redefine responsibilities by taking on the assignment, but also relinquishing other responsibilities that might be bogging you down.
Suggest a new work arrangement to see if there is any flexibility in your current schedule if the work will be taking up more than your normal amount of regular hours.
But remember, at the end of the day, if taking on more hours or taking another temp job on the side is too much for you, don’t do it. It’s OK to be selfish every once in a while, and that is a lesson I am learning.
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