133: How to Handle a Demanding Boss Without Burning Out

A previous client asks for help navigating their own burn out while dealing with a demanding boss. Here’s my advice on managing stress, dealing with demanding bosses, and finding sustainable ways to recharge. I look at the importance of questioning assumptions, setting boundaries, and experimenting with new approaches to reclaim control over one’s work-life balance. Considerations You can’t keep pumping air into the metaphorical balloon; it will eventually pop Does constant pressure need to be “managed?” Stop comparing your limits to others; everyone has different constraints Saying no is a powerful tool for reducing stress and workload Team agreements can clarify communication norms and reduce ambiguity Test small changes like turning off your phone for short periods to gauge the impact Meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; explore other recharging methods Write down all of the assumptions you have about your situation and question their validity Experiment with scenarios that challenge your fears (e.g., being unavailable and seeing what happens) Ask yourself what your current situation is doing to your body, soul, and relationships Consider whether your job aligns with what you want in life long-term Challenge the belief that you must always be available or risk losing your job Agreements are better than expectations—collaborate with others on clear terms Test turning off Slack or disabling presence indicators to reduce pressure Sustainable productivity requires intentional boundaries, not cheat codes Physical symptoms of stress often signal deeper issues; don’t ignore them If nothing changes in your current situation, consider the long-term consequences on your health and happiness Reach out for help or coaching if you’re stuck—there’s always something new to try Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 133: How to Handle a Demanding Boss Without Burning Out appeared first on John Poelstra.