Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt guilty at work. Now, this is an article, so I can’t actually see any hands, but I bet many of you have done just that. As Executive Assistants, we often carry guilt about our workload, setting boundaries, or even saying no to tasks that weren’t ours to begin with. Things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work remind us that these emotions are common, but they shouldn’t control how we navigate our roles.
It’s easy for us to get caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, especially guilt. But let’s be clear: guilt is a natural emotion, and it doesn’t have to dictate how we operate daily. Things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work give us the tools to better understand these feelings and move forward with confidence.
During a recent, EA Campus Virtual Summit, Transformative Leadership Coach Monique Jordan Cave shared why we shouldn’t feel guilty at work and how to tackle those guilt gremlins head-on. Her insights on things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work resonated deeply with many of us.
This template provides you with practical, ready-to-use dialogues tailored for various common scenarios where you might need to refuse a request at work. Equip yourself with the right words to handle difficult conversations gracefully.
Achieving success is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and perseverance, especially in the Assistant role, where success often requires overcoming significant challenges. For those of us who have experienced success, we know the journey can sometimes bring out the naysayers—friends, colleagues, or even family members who feel left behind or undervalued. Their insecurities might manifest as jealousy, leaving us feeling guilty about what we’ve achieved. Things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work encourage us to own our success and let go of that guilt.
So ,how do we handle success guilt?
Define your success: Take the time to understand what success means to you. Is it landing a dream role, achieving financial stability, or growing personally and professionally? Write it down and revisit it often.
Rise above negativity: When faced with jealousy or subtle sabotage, remember it’s their issue, not yours. Celebrate your achievements and be proud of your journey. As Executive Assistants, we know the effort and dedication it takes to succeed.
Mistakes happen to all of us. Whether it’s missing an email or making a logistical error, it’s essential to remember that we’re human. I know we often hear that making mistakes in the Assistant role is unacceptable, but let’s challenge that notion. If we’re not given the grace to make mistakes, how are we supposed to grow? Things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work remind us that mistakes are part of the process, and they don’t define us.
Acceptance: Allow yourself to feel disappointed, but don’t dwell on it. Acknowledge the mistake and move forward.
Perspective: Assess the situation. Most errors aren’t catastrophic, even if they feel that way in the moment.
Challenge the Worst-Case Scenario: Think through the potential consequences and rationalize them.
Apologize: If necessary, offer a sincere apology—but keep it brief and focus on solutions.
Learn: Reflect on what went wrong and take proactive steps to avoid similar mistakes in the future. As Assistants, we’re constantly evolving.
It might feel uncomfortable to admit, but it’s okay not to care about everything that happens at work. As Executive Assistants, our primary focus should be on our responsibilities, our relationships with our executives, and our career growth. If we’re indifferent to workplace drama or feel ready to disconnect at the end of the day, that’s perfectly fine. Things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and protecting our mental energy.
End-of-Day Routine: Create a routine to wind down. Organize your workspace, review tasks, and prepare for the next day so you can leave work behind with confidence.
Set a Finish Time: Establish clear work hours to help manage tasks effectively and prevent burnout.
Realistic Planning: Avoid overloading your plate. Plan your day with a clear understanding of your priorities and limits.
Reframe Your Mindset: Shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life outside of work. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being over workplace distractions.
It’s important to remember that while our jobs are significant, they don’t define who we are—not even as Executive Assistants! Things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work remind us that we are more than our roles.
Your organization might own the job, but you own your career.
So the next time guilt tries to creep in, remind yourself of your worth, your journey, and your goals. Always remember—you’re doing just fine. Things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work is a reminder that we’re on a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
If you want to elevate your skills and mindset as an Assistant, consider enrolling in the Assistant Mindset Online Course at The EA Campus. This course is designed to empower professionals like us to navigate the workplace with confidence and resilience. Don’t let guilt hold you back—take charge of your career today with Things you shouldn’t feel guilty for at work as your guide!
Share this article:
Join 30,000+ Assistants receiving our carefully crafted weekly newsletter packed with valuable tips, tricks, and insights tailored specifically for Assistants like you.
