Saying ‘Yes’ at Work is Killing Your Career (And Your Sanity)
- dionewatson
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Let’s talk about that little word you can’t stop saying: YES.
Yes, I can take on that extra project.Yes, I’ll stay late, again.Yes, I’ll pick up the slack for someone else’s mistake.
Sound familiar?
You think saying yes makes you a team player, a hard worker, a reliable leader. But let’s be real: it’s actually ruining your career, and your mental health.
Because here’s the hard truth: Every time you say yes to something you shouldn’t, you say NO to your own success.
You’re overcommitted, overworked, and overwhelmed. And while you think saying yes is proving your worth, it’s actually keeping you stuck, burned out, and undervalued.
So, let’s get into it, why your “yes” habit is holding you back, and how to finally break free.
Saying Yes at Work is Making You Replaceable (Not Valuable)
You think that being the person who “does it all” makes you indispensable. It doesn’t.
It makes you the default dumping ground for extra work.
Your boss isn’t giving you more work because you’re the most capable, they’re giving it to you because you’re the easiest option. You don’t push back. You don’t ask questions. You just say yes.
Reality Check: If you’re always the one taking on extra work, you’re not seen as a leader, you’re seen as an assistant to everyone else’s success.
How to Fix It:
Instead of saying yes automatically, ask: “Is this a priority? Does this align with my actual role?”
Stop volunteering for tasks that don’t grow your skills or career.
Understand that being selective makes you more valuable, not less.
Your Yes is Making You a Bottleneck (And Hurting Your Team)
You probably think saying yes helps the team. But have you considered that it might actually be hurting them?
When you take on everything, a few things happen:
Others don’t learn how to handle their own work.
People assume you’ll “fix” things, so they stop trying.
You become a bottleneck, holding up progress because everything goes through you.
Reality Check: If you’re doing everyone’s work, you’re not leading, you’re enabling.
How to Fix It:
Instead of saying yes, delegate, let others step up and learn.
Shift from doing everything to coaching others on how to handle their responsibilities.
Realise that real leaders don’t hoard work, they empower others.
You’re Saying Yes Because You’re Afraid of the Consequences
Let’s be real, you’re not saying yes because you want to.
You’re saying yes because you’re afraid of what will happen if you don’t.
Afraid your boss will think you’re lazy.
Afraid your coworkers will be disappointed.
Afraid of conflict, of not being liked, of looking “difficult.”
But here’s the thing: Saying yes out of fear doesn’t make you respected. It makes you exploited.
Reality Check: If your value at work is based on how much you take on, not how well you do your job, something is broken.
How to Fix It:
Stop assuming the worst, saying no does not mean you’ll get fired.
Replace fear with facts: What will actually happen if you push back? (Spoiler: probably nothing.)
Practice saying “I’d love to help, but I don’t have capacity right now.”
Your Yes is Stealing Time From What Actually Matters
Every yes has a cost.
Saying yes to unnecessary meetings? You’re saying no to focused work.Saying yes to extra projects? You’re saying no to your personal time.Saying yes to staying late? You’re saying no to your family, your health, your sanity.
Reality Check: If you don’t control your yes, your time will never be your own.
How to Fix It:
Before saying yes, ask: What am I giving up by agreeing to this?
Schedule time for your most important tasks first, then fit in the extras (not the other way around).
Get comfortable with protecting your time, because no one else will.
No One Respects a ‘Yes Person’
You think saying yes makes people respect you. It actually does the opposite.
People don’t respect those who say yes to everything. They respect those who know their worth, protect their time, and set clear boundaries.
Think about the people you admire at work. Are they the ones who take on every task, never say no, and constantly burn themselves out?
Or are they the ones who command respect by being strategic with their time and energy?
Reality Check: If you want to be respected, you have to stop acting like your time is free.
How to Fix It:
Set clear boundaries, and stick to them.
Learn the power of strategic no’s, because every no makes room for a bigger yes.
Remember: People respect those who respect themselves.
The Bottom Line: Your Career Depends on Your No
Saying yes isn’t getting you ahead. It’s keeping you stuck.
If you want to be seen as a leader, an expert, someone who actually makes an impact, you need to stop saying yes to everything—and start owning your time, your priorities, and your career.
So, here’s the challenge:
The next time you’re about to say yes, pause.Ask yourself, “Does this serve me? Is this worth my time?”And if the answer is no? Say NO.
Need help setting boundaries, protecting your time, and finally taking control of your career?
Get The Workplace Boundaries Toolkit for just £17 and start setting boundaries today.
Because your future success depends on the boundaries you set now.
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