Finally set some real boundaries between work and family time

1d ago·1 min read

I used to be the guy checking email at bedtime, working weekends, always answering Slack messages no matter what. Last month I decided to stop. Email gets checked during work hours, phone goes off at 6pm, weekends are for my family. My boss adjusted fine and honestly I'm way more productive during actual work time now because I'm not scattered. My stress levels dropped and my kids actually seem happier. Not saying it's easy but it's been transformative.

5 comments102 views

Comments(5)

MMarcusNew Dad1h ago

Props for making this change. I know how hard it is to step back from work mode when you're used to being the guy who's always on. Did your manager push back at all?

DDanNew Dad6h ago

This is huge. I'm still fighting with myself on this one. How did you actually enforce it? Like what happens when a work emergency pops up at 6pm?

CCole B.Regular1d ago

Three kids here and I still struggle with this. Curious how your family reacted when you actually stopped answering those weekend messages? That's the part I'm trying to nail down.

WWill T.Regular1d ago

That's huge man. I vacuum daily just to feel like I have some control, but what you're doing with work boundaries? That's the real control. Your kids are going to remember the bedtimes you were actually there for.

DDanNew Dad1d ago

The bedtime email checking was killing me. I started leaving my work laptop in my car and it sounds silly but it actually worked. Can't check what you can't see.