Jessica always delivers. She works long hours, puts out fires, goes the extra mile, trains new employees, and handles last minute requests, even if they seem impossible at first – all without complaint. Everyone relies on Jessica. Everyone loves Jessica. But time and time again, when a promotion is available, Jessica is told to wait.
The timing’s not right. We have plans, but we can share them with you yet. Just a few more puzzle pieces have to fall into place… It’s been three years, and still nothing has happened.
Jessica is the office workhorse. And that ain’t good.
Being seen as the go-to person in the office, the one who always delivers, can seem like a badge of honor. But beneath the surface, this reputation can lead to a dangerous path: career stagnation.
Here are the dangers of being an office workhorse:
Unrelenting Pressure to Perform
Being the office workhorse can put immense pressure on you. Many workhorses are people pleasers and/or perfectionists. The fear of disappointing others or being perceived as lazy can drive you to work longer, take on more tasks, and neglect your own needs. Bosses may exploit this by demanding long hours, weekend work, or creating last-minute projects, disrupting your personal time. It becomes a habit for both you and your boss. Exhaustion and burnout become real possibilities.
Lack of Recognition
Despite your work and dedication, you may not receive adequate recognition or rewards. It's just taken for granted that you will always be there to pick up the slack. Bosses might take advantage of your desire to contribute to the team by underpaying you or failing to acknowledge your accomplishments. And they expect you to tolerate this unfair treatment without complaint.
Limited Skill Development
Being the go-to person can suck up every second of your time leaving nothing left for upskilling, training sessions, or industry conferences and networking events. This can limit exposure to new challenges and new people. Without opportunities to learn and grow, skill development can stagnate.
Missed Opportunities
Here’s the dirty little secret your boss is not telling you. They need you to stay put. You’re critical to their success. You’re telling yourself that you’re so valuable, they should want to reward you with a promotion, money, and recognition. But they see you as a lynch pin. If you move on, there’s a good chance things will crumble in your absence.
How to Stop being the office workhorse
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to additional work when you're already overwhelmed. It's okay to prioritize your own well-being.
Delegate Tasks: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This can help lighten your workload and empower your team members.
Communicate Openly: Talk to your manager or colleagues about your workload and any concerns you may have. Open communication can help you find solutions and prevent burnout.
Seek New Challenges and Education: Investigate courses and training programs that will help you be seen as someone who is capable and ready to move up.
Network and Build Relationships: If a promotion doesn't happen within your current organization, you might find a higher level position in a different department or another company. Relationships key to growing your career. Make this a priority.
Need help asserting your true value? Check out our Finding Your North Star course.
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