I like the dual perspectives on this. One of the most frequent bits of coaching I give is to get people to challenge the "that's not my job" mindset. Many smart people can see what's holding back their organisation but don't step up to do anything about it because it's not in their role. And then change never happens.
But yes I completely agree it's also true that organisations can take advantage of people who always take on extra.
On that I also often advise people to ask for support for over delivering and if consistently doesn't come then find a company that does support and quit the current one.
When I first got into my role, at maybe about 6mos-1yr in, I remember having conversations with my manager about how I had identified areas where I could have grown/done more, but because there was overlap with someone else's role I did not do it out of respect.
I remember coming out of that conversation realizing that actually I should have done those things (respectfully), and it was a total mindset shift to me. Fast forward to this year and I have been praised by leadership for identifying gaps and going and fixing them - not waiting to be told what to do.
‘Not my circus, not my monkeys’ is one of my fave mantras haha, I need that mug.
I used to throw myself into everything too, esp in underpaid roles where saying no felt like risking my whole reputation/livelihood. Now I’m in a job that’s fine on paper, but the trifecta’s wobbly and I can feel my inner overachiever starting to tap out.
I love exploring this kind of stuff, so it's nice to see other people writing on it too. Loved this piece- thank you!
I like the dual perspectives on this. One of the most frequent bits of coaching I give is to get people to challenge the "that's not my job" mindset. Many smart people can see what's holding back their organisation but don't step up to do anything about it because it's not in their role. And then change never happens.
But yes I completely agree it's also true that organisations can take advantage of people who always take on extra.
On that I also often advise people to ask for support for over delivering and if consistently doesn't come then find a company that does support and quit the current one.
When I first got into my role, at maybe about 6mos-1yr in, I remember having conversations with my manager about how I had identified areas where I could have grown/done more, but because there was overlap with someone else's role I did not do it out of respect.
I remember coming out of that conversation realizing that actually I should have done those things (respectfully), and it was a total mindset shift to me. Fast forward to this year and I have been praised by leadership for identifying gaps and going and fixing them - not waiting to be told what to do.
‘Not my circus, not my monkeys’ is one of my fave mantras haha, I need that mug.
I used to throw myself into everything too, esp in underpaid roles where saying no felt like risking my whole reputation/livelihood. Now I’m in a job that’s fine on paper, but the trifecta’s wobbly and I can feel my inner overachiever starting to tap out.
I love exploring this kind of stuff, so it's nice to see other people writing on it too. Loved this piece- thank you!