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This is my first dive into writing what I want to write about because it makes me happy.
In recent weeks, months, and years, I’ve learned a very hard lesson: I work too damn hard. And as a result, I’ve made myself indispensable and in my opinion ignored.
I started my career as a data operator, moved to a call centre role, and eventually found my way into data analysis. My mentor at the time moved from being the lead data analyst to a project management role. Hungry (or impatient, or greedy (call it what you want)) to advance my career, I asked her to teach me SQL and take her old job. Before I knew it, Lucille moved into her new role, and I was stepping into her old role (unofficially). I was working from 5am - 8am doing her tasks, then 8am - 5pm doing my call centre job, and then 5pm - 9pm covering her responsibilities again.
I was 19 years old at the time. Call me innocent or young or naive and you'll soon see why. I kept this up for a few months until management finally noticed that, despite Lucille’s promotion, her work was still getting done. Lucille, my hero, explained to them what had happened, and I ended up moving from a call centre agent to a senior data analyst at a major financial company. But looking back, this is where my struggle really started (and it was my own fault).
Lucille once gave me the best career advice I’d ever received, but it’s only recently hit home—12 years later. Her words were:
I’ve wanted to write and talk about topics like this for the longest time, but because of the “indispensable” trap, I never had the time. So here it is—my epiphany, and how I’m planning to change my path and manage things differently moving forward.
Looking back, I realise that being “indispensable” has cost me more than I ever thought it would. It’s kept me in a cycle of constant work, with few moments to step back and enjoy the rewards. I’ve missed opportunities to connect, grow, and experience things I worked hard to bring to life—all because I couldn’t be “spared.”
But it’s never too late to change, right? Going forward, I’m focusing on letting go of that need to do it all and instead creating space for balance and growth. I want to be a leader, not just a “go-to” person, so that my career—and my life—aren’t built on burnout but on real progress and fulfillment.
So here’s my plan: to work smarter, to trust my team, and to remind myself that sometimes, taking a step back is the best way to move forward. After all, what’s the point of putting in all that effort if I never get to enjoy where it leads?
In recent weeks, months, and years, I’ve learned a very hard lesson: I work too damn hard. And as a result, I’ve made myself indispensable and in my opinion ignored.
I started my career as a data operator, moved to a call centre role, and eventually found my way into data analysis. My mentor at the time moved from being the lead data analyst to a project management role. Hungry (or impatient, or greedy (call it what you want)) to advance my career, I asked her to teach me SQL and take her old job. Before I knew it, Lucille moved into her new role, and I was stepping into her old role (unofficially). I was working from 5am - 8am doing her tasks, then 8am - 5pm doing my call centre job, and then 5pm - 9pm covering her responsibilities again.
I was 19 years old at the time. Call me innocent or young or naive and you'll soon see why. I kept this up for a few months until management finally noticed that, despite Lucille’s promotion, her work was still getting done. Lucille, my hero, explained to them what had happened, and I ended up moving from a call centre agent to a senior data analyst at a major financial company. But looking back, this is where my struggle really started (and it was my own fault).
Lucille once gave me the best career advice I’d ever received, but it’s only recently hit home—12 years later. Her words were:
For 12 years, I ignored this advice (young, innocent, naive). I worked my a** off, doing more than everyone else, helping my peers, and covering for them whenever they needed it. But over time, this "indispensable" label became a trap that kept me in place, unable to step away, even for things that mattered to me personally.
I’ve wanted to write and talk about topics like this for the longest time, but because of the “indispensable” trap, I never had the time. So here it is—my epiphany, and how I’m planning to change my path and manage things differently moving forward.
Here are some key lessons on how to create value and avoid the “indispensable” trap:
Delegate Wisely: Identify tasks that others can handle and gradually pass these responsibilities along. This helps team members grow while reducing your own workload.
Mentor Your Team: Shift from doing everything to empowering others. Spend time teaching skills and best practices, creating a more capable and self-sufficient team.
Set Boundaries for Work Hours: Avoid the trap of constantly overextending. Set clear work hours and stick to them to prevent burnout.
Focus on Strategic Contributions: Prioritise work that adds high strategic value instead of tasks that others could handle. This allows you to make a meaningful impact without overloading yourself.
Communicate Your Limits: Be open about your workload and limits with managers and peers. This helps in building realistic expectations and ensures others understand when you're at capacity. !!Burnout is not fun and will screw any team dynamic
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with a network of trusted colleagues. Rely on them when needed and support them in turn, creating a balanced workload for all. (If I didn't have the support system I have at work now I would have quit ages ago)
Learn to Say No Gracefully: Practice turning down extra tasks or projects just to please people. (and when "gracefully" doesn't work don't be too scared to put your foot down at times...)
Plan for Success without You: Develop a succession plan for your role. This shows leadership and maturity while ensuring that if you do decide to move on, the transition will be smooth.
Looking back, I realise that being “indispensable” has cost me more than I ever thought it would. It’s kept me in a cycle of constant work, with few moments to step back and enjoy the rewards. I’ve missed opportunities to connect, grow, and experience things I worked hard to bring to life—all because I couldn’t be “spared.”
But it’s never too late to change, right? Going forward, I’m focusing on letting go of that need to do it all and instead creating space for balance and growth. I want to be a leader, not just a “go-to” person, so that my career—and my life—aren’t built on burnout but on real progress and fulfillment.
So here’s my plan: to work smarter, to trust my team, and to remind myself that sometimes, taking a step back is the best way to move forward. After all, what’s the point of putting in all that effort if I never get to enjoy where it leads?