Let’s talk about something that so many of us struggle with: setting boundaries at work.
We know we should leave on time, take an actual lunch break, and stop checking emails when we’re home with our families.
But when the moment comes? Cue the guilt.
- If I log off at 5, will people think I don’t care about my job?
- If I say no to this extra project, will I look ungrateful?
- If I don’t answer emails at night, will my boss think I’m not a team player?
And before we know it, we’re saying yes to things we don’t have time for, answering emails while making dinner, and feeling exhausted before the day even begins.
But here’s what I want you to know:
God did not create you to be exhausted all the time.
He calls us to work, yes—but not at the expense of our families, our health, or our peace. If God Himself rested on the seventh day, I think it’s safe to say you can log off at a reasonable hour without the world falling apart.
So let’s talk about how to set boundaries at work—without guilt, without stress, and without feeling like you’re failing everyone.
1. God Created You for More Than Work
As Catholic moms, we want to do good work. We want to be excellent at what we do, honor our commitments, and serve well. And that’s beautiful.
But here’s where we get tripped up: work is not our primary vocation.
Our first call—the one God has placed on our hearts—is to love and serve our families. Everything else is secondary.
Jesus Himself reminds us of this in Matthew 6:33:
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Work is good. Contributing is good. But it should never come before our faith, our family, or our well-being.
And if we’re honest? Most of us aren’t struggling with laziness—we’re struggling with doing too much and feeling like we can’t say no.
So let’s shift our mindset. Instead of seeing boundaries as a selfish act, let’s see them as an act of obedience.
Because when we put God first, our families second, and work in its rightful place, everything else falls into balance.
2. If Jesus Took Breaks, So Can You
Luke 5:16 says:
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Let’s sit with that for a second.
Jesus—the literal Son of God, with the most important mission in the history of the world—stepped away from people, from demands, from work, and rested.
And you know what happened? The world kept spinning.
If Jesus Himself needed time to step back, pray, and reset, why do we think we can go non-stop without burning out?
You don’t need to justify taking a lunch break. You don’t need to explain why you log off on time. You don’t need to feel guilty for protecting your weekends.
Rest isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a commandment. God didn’t just suggest the Sabbath, He commanded it. Because He knows us. He knows we will work ourselves into exhaustion if we’re not careful.
So if you struggle with guilt about stepping away from work, remind yourself:
“Even Jesus rested. Even God rested. I am not stronger than God.”
Then close the laptop and take your break.
3. Your Job is Important—But It’s Not Your Identity
The world will tell you that your worth comes from how much you produce. How many tasks you check off, how late you stay at work, how quickly you respond to emails.
But here’s the truth:
Your worth is already set. You are a daughter of God. You are valuable because He made you, not because of what you accomplish.
And one day? You’re not going to look back and think, Wow, I’m so glad I worked overtime every night.
You’re going to remember:
- The bedtime stories.
- The family dinners.
- The moments when you were fully present with the people you love.
So before you say yes to one more thing, ask yourself:
- Am I saying yes because I truly want to? Or because I feel obligated?
- If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?
- Will my family feel the impact of this decision?
Because at the end of the day? Your job can replace you. Your family cannot.
4. The Magic Boundary Phrase That Works Every Time
If you struggle with how to say no without feeling guilty, here’s a simple one-liner that works every time:
“I don’t have the bandwidth for that right now.”
It’s polite, it’s firm, and it shuts down guilt trips before they start.
Try it:
- “Can you take this on?” → “I don’t have the bandwidth for that right now.”
- “Can you stay late tonight?” → “I don’t have the bandwidth, but I’ll be happy to look at this first thing tomorrow.”
- “Can you squeeze in one more thing?” → “I don’t have the bandwidth, but thanks for thinking of me.”
No drama. No over-explaining. Just a simple, respectful boundary.
5. How to Actually Do This (Practical Steps to Start Today)
If setting boundaries feels awkward or impossible, start here:
✅ Pick one boundary. Maybe it’s a real lunch break. Maybe it’s logging off at 5. Start small.
✅ Communicate early. Give your team a heads-up: “Going forward, I’ll be offline after 5 PM, but I’ll be sure to check in first thing in the morning.”
✅ Use your calendar. Block off breaks and focus time so people see you as unavailable.
✅ Practice saying it. If “no” is hard for you, practice out loud! Get comfortable with phrases like “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now.”
✅ Pray for confidence. God doesn’t want you in burnout. Ask Him for the strength to hold your boundaries.
Final Thoughts: Boundaries Make You Better at Everything
Setting boundaries at work doesn’t make you a bad employee. It makes you a better one.
Because when you protect your peace:
- You’re a better employee because you’re not constantly exhausted.
- You’re a better mom because you’re actually present.
- You’re a happier human because you’re not stretched too thin.
Commit to setting one small boundary this week?