“They Usually Run Away at 5“

So, funny story.

It was ten minutes to five. With his phone pressed to his ear, my manager suddenly signaled for me to come into his room. I walked in just as he was about to end his call.

“Fine, fine. We’ll continue later,” he said, with his speaker on. “I need to discuss something with my team first since they usually run away at five.”

Upon hearing how he ended the call, I almost laughed—but only in my heart, of course. What he said is, in fact, true. If there’s nothing urgent to finish, my coworkers and I don’t usually stick around. When the clock strikes 5 p.m., we just magically disappear. You can call us Cinderellas (because we’re princesses with modern jobs—make that corporate-style).

Looking back, I realize I didn’t use to be this carefree. There were times when I was afraid to go home on time just because it seemed, well… too on time. Even if it was well past working hours, I didn’t dare leave the office unless I was going with my workmates. It might’ve made sense if we were working on the same project—who knew, they might need a hand? But in my case, we weren’t even on the same team—just under the same manager.

I realized my fear was fueled by my tendency to please people. It was what kept me glued to my seat almost every evening. I was torn between my strong desire to go home early (I was like, “BEEED! I want my BEEED!”) and my absurd worry about getting side-eyed if I left them behind (in my head, they were like, “Who does she think she is? The Queen of Genovia?!”—Princess Diaries, anyone?).

I know, I know—people-pleasing is never a good thing, and those imaginary accusations from my workmates were all in my head. I know myself well—my work ethic, and how I’ve given my best in every project. As long as I’m kind to my peers and responsible in my manager’s eyes, why shouldn’t I set a clear, respectable boundary in the office? I’m a worker second and a human first, after all.

It took me quite a while to learn how to stop going out of my way to please others, but I’m getting there.

And I’m proud of myself for coming this far.

Cheers to work-life balance and going home on time when I don’t have an urgent task to finish! (And also to my manager, who allows me to have a life outside work!)

If you like this post, you might also enjoy 10 Signs You’ve Officially Entered the Adulting Zone and The Warmest Lesson I Learned (Even if It Hurt a Little).