In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Hannah responds to a listener who feels trapped in nightly 7PM work calls that aren't true emergencies — and are starting to take a real toll on her health, energy, and self-respect.

On paper, everything looks great: a senior role, great pay, strong performance reviews. But behind the scenes, constant availability has become the expectation — and setting boundaries feels terrifying.

This episode dives into how to tell the difference between what's truly required in your role and what's become an unhealthy pattern — plus how to stop apologizing for wanting basic boundaries like rest, health, and an evening to yourself.

Key Takeaways:

- Not every late-night work demand is a true job requirement — many are learned dynamics
- Chronic stress and "always on" availability have real health consequences
- You don't need to justify or apologize for reasonable boundaries
- Start small: clear availability, long explanations
- People-pleasing often reduces respect, not increases it
- If your values and your job are in conflict, something needs to change

Want Support With This?

If this episode hit close to home and you're ready to stop over-functioning, people-pleasing, and burning out, Hannah's Life & Work Transformation program dives deep into exactly this work.

#WorkBoundaries #PeoplePleasing #ToxicWorkCulture #WorkLifeBalance #BoundarySetting #HighPerformers #HannahKissel

Timestamps:

00:00 – The listener's dilemma: nightly 7 PM calls
01:45 – Why this pattern feels so hard to change
03:00 – Is this a gravity problem or a boundary problem?
05:10 – When long hours are actually expected vs. optional
07:00 – The health cost of constant availability
09:00 – What happens if you do nothing
11:30 – People-pleasing, fear, and over-apologizing
13:45 – How to start setting boundaries (without overexplaining)
17:30 – What to do if your boss pushes back
20:30 – Identity shift: becoming someone who is calm and confident
23:00 – When it might be time to reassess the role itself

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: hello@hannahkissel.com

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com