“Your Emergency Is Not My Priority” — And Other Boundaries That Keep Me Employed

When someone demands a same-day turnaround on something that isn’t even your job.

There’s a certain sound in corporate.

Frantic footsteps.

A raspy, stressed voice.

The unmistakable energy of someone who just realised they forgot something important… and now it’s your problem.

“Hey—I know it’s last minute… but can you do [insert two days of work here] by EOD today? It’s for a meeting I have in, like, two hours.”

Cue the wide eyes. The breathless urgency. The guilt-trip tone.

And once upon a time? I fell for it. Every. Single. Time.

I said yes. I bent over backwards.

I worked late to save someone from a disaster they saw coming but conveniently ignored.

But older me?

Wiser me?

Boundary-having me?

Now realises…

✨ That is a you problem. ✨

The Corporate Trap: People-Pleasing in a Crisis That Isn’t Yours

Young me thought being helpful = being valuable.

I said yes out of fear—of being disliked, of being seen as uncooperative, of being “that person.”

But here’s the truth:

“Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.”

— Bob Carter

I’ve wanted to frame that quote and hang it above my desk. Because honestly? Some people don’t need help. They need a calendar. And consequences.

Elegant Ways to Say: “This Sounds Like a You Problem”

If you’re a recovering people-pleaser (hi, welcome), here are some politely corporate ways to not absorb other people’s chaos:

• “That seems to fall within your scope of work, but happy to support where appropriate.”

• “Given the tight turnaround, I would’ve appreciated being looped in earlier.”

• “My current priorities are locked in, but I can help review it after [insert date here].”

• “I understand it’s urgent, but I won’t be able to prioritise this today.”

• “Unfortunately, I’m at capacity. Is there someone else better placed to assist?”

And if you're feeling ✨ bold ✨ (a.k.a. too tired to care):

• “This isn’t a mutual issue.”

• “I refuse to be troubled by your trouble.”

• “Your predicament isn’t mine to solve.”

Just kidding. (Sort of.)

Real Talk: Corporate Is Not What TV Promised

It’s not power suits, glass offices, or motivational speeches.

It’s mostly Slack pings, vague emails, and trying to survive without crying in the work bathroom.

And in this world?

Boundaries are not rude. They are essential.

Because here’s the thing:

• If you say yes to everything, people will expect everything.

• If you always help at your own expense, you’ll burn out.

• And if you become the fallback for everyone else’s chaos… you won’t have time for your actual job.

The Final Cookie Crumb: The Only Language Corporate Responds To

Being kind ≠ being available 24/7.

Being a team player ≠ being everyone’s backup plan.

So next time someone brings a last-minute fire to your desk, don’t panic.

Take a breath.

Remember: their lack of planning is not your moral failing.

You are not their safety net.

You are not the fix-it fairy.

You’re just a person trying to keep your head above water in the corporate outback.

And sometimes?

The most professional thing you can say is: “This is not my emergency.” 🧯