In this episode, Tara discusses the toxic “always on” culture requiring constant availability, which impacts mental and physical health. She examines its origins, driven by technology, hustle culture, the pandemic, and capitalism, and provides practical steps for setting boundaries and challenging urgency without guilt.
Tara also addresses the exaggerated narratives about success and the importance of reclaiming personal time. She encourages listeners to remember their “why” and visualize a balanced life, emphasizing that stepping back can lead to both personal and professional fulfillment.
You know the feeling. That little hit of anxiety when your phone pings after hours. The impulse to check your inbox “just in case.” The weight of knowing that even when you’re technically off the clock, you’re never really off.
We’ve been conditioned to think this is normal. That being constantly available makes us valuable. That success requires sacrificing our time, energy, and well-being.
But let’s get real—this isn’t just a productivity problem. It’s a burnout problem.
The Hidden Toll of “Always On”
When work follows you home, it does more than eat up your time—it rewires your brain.
Chronic stress from constant availability keeps your body in a state of high alert, flooding your system with cortisol. Over time, that stress wears you down, affecting your focus, decision-making, and even your physical health.
💡 Studies show that long-term stress actually shrinks the part of your brain responsible for critical thinking and problem-solving.
That’s right—the very thing your job needs from you is the first thing to go when burnout takes over.
And yet, the system pushes forward. Work creeps into our nights, weekends, and vacations, all under the illusion of convenience. Because if a reply only takes a second, why wouldn’t you send it?
Because those seconds add up.
Because that late-night email keeps your brain tethered to work.
Because the expectation to be “always on” is quietly robbing you of your peace, your energy, and your ability to actually enjoy life.
How We Got Here
It wasn’t always like this.
There was a time when work had built-in boundaries. If someone needed you after hours, they had to call your home phone—and they usually didn’t unless it was urgent.
Then technology changed the game. Slack, Teams, email, and project management tools blurred the lines between work and home. Hustle culture made overwork a badge of honor. Then, the pandemic blew up whatever boundaries were left.
Now? We live in a world where constant availability is expected, and saying “no” feels like we’re throwing our career in the dumpster.
Breaking Free (Without Burning Bridges)
So, how do you start reclaiming your time without looking like you don’t care?
- Challenge urgency. Before dropping everything for a request, ask yourself: Is this truly urgent? Or just framed that way? Most things can wait.
- Rework your mental scripts. If your first thought is “They’ll think I’m lazy if I don’t respond right away,” pause. Is there actual evidence of that? Or are you assuming?
- Define your non-negotiables. What must be protected in your life? Whether it’s family dinner, gym time, or weekends unplugged, set those boundaries without apology.
- Normalize saying no. You don’t need an essay-length excuse. A simple, “I’m at capacity right now,” is enough.
- Remember your why. You’re not pushing back to be difficult—you’re doing it because you deserve a life outside of work.
Work Can Wait. Your Life Can’t.
The world will not stop spinning if you log off. The email will still be there in the morning. And your worth isn’t tied to how much of yourself you sacrifice for your job.
So ask yourself: What would your life look like if you weren’t constantly tethered to work?
More energy? More presence? Less stress?
That life is possible. But you have to choose it.
Set the boundary. Log off. And take back your time. You deserve it.
Got thoughts or questions from this week’s episode? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you! 🫶
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00:00 The Pressure to Be Always Available
00:40 Understanding “Always On” Culture
01:35 The Mental and Physical Toll
03:04 The Sneaky Traps of Overwork
04:33 The Role of Technology
06:07 Hustle Culture and Its Impact
06:52 The Pandemic’s Influence
08:02 Capitalism and Constant Availability
09:22 Strategies to Push Back
13:17 Envisioning a Balanced Life
I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach specializing in burnout prevention and work-life integration. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re holding it all together with duct tape and coffee. But success doesn’t have to mean running yourself ragged. I help high achievers find work-life balance and shine as badass leaders.
👉 Take my quick quiz to find out where you stand on the burnout spectrum, plus get tailored tips to help you turn things around before it’s too late. Visit: https://tarakermiet.com/free-resources/
😍 If we’re not friends yet on social media, why the heck not? Follow me on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or LinkedIn (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected!
🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email.
Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices!
Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.
