WHAT TO DO WHEN WORK IS ASKing YOU TO DO things outside YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION …

In many workplaces job descriptions act as a rough guide only, and you may find yourself being veered way off course, taking on tasks that are not in your job description. While being flexible and adaptable is a winning move, it's equally important to prioritize your well-being and values and to decide if you are OK with this. Here are my top tips for gracefully navigating this tricky territory without compromising your sense of self and mental health.

Listen to Your Intuition

Take the time to be still and listen to your intuition. Our gut feelings are often more attuned to our well-being and values than we realize. Reflect on how these tasks align with your core values and long-term goals. If something doesn't sit right, trust your gut and explore why. Is there a core value that is in conflict here? For example, shifting goal posts at work might challenge your core values of honesty and respect.

Embrace Growth

Stepping outside your job description can offer a chance to learn new skills and gain valuable experience. Evaluate whether these tasks align with your personal and professional growth goals (if you don’t know what they are, is now a good time to get clear on them?). Consider how gaining new skills and experiences could benefit you in the long run, and whether the gains outweigh the losses.

Communicate Honestly

If the additional work is starting to feel overwhelming, have an open conversation with your manager. Explain your concerns about how the tasks are impacting you. Emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced workload for your wellbeing and the quality of your work (you cannot do your best work if you are being pulled in 100 directions).

Set Boundaries

You can be a team player and still set boundaries to protect your mental health. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and reduce your ability to perform. Respectfully communicate your availability and capacity to take on additional tasks and have regular discussions with your manager about your current priorities.

Take care of you

Uncertainty in the workplace and fear of not fitting in if you bring this up can cause you to be in a threatened or stressed state. The longer you spend here the greater the toll it will take on your wellbeing. You need to prioritise you! Do things that rejuvenate your mind and body, whether it's practicing mindfulness, singing out loud or hanging with your friends – things that feel good and that shift you to a happier, safer state mentally.