I also see this on the staff side of higher ed. Setting boundaries is perceived as not leaning in. It is not a winning combo for anyone; burnout, resentment and stifled creativity occur.
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Yes, I’ve definitely heard this too. The problem is higher ed in general.
Say you want to set limits and work only 40 hours a week.
If you’re a junior scholar, people will judge you for not “wanting it” enough.
If you’re a faculty member, people will judge you as selfish for not carrying your own weight.
The problem is that the system itself thrives off overwork. And then individuals come to think that they do, too.
Don’t get me wrong—some people are workaholics and the environment suits them well.
But most academics I know want to have healthier boundaries with work.
Unfortunately, no amount of individual self-care can counter the fact that higher education runs by exploiting passion.
Academics—what are your experiences with setting boundaries with work?
#work #environment #academia #highereducation #overwork #boundaries