How To Pull Back At Work Without Burning Bridges

The other day, a someone in the Career Civility community asked me:

“I want to pull back at work… how should I go about this?”

First, let me say this: if you’re feeling the need to pull back, that’s worth listening to.

Whether it’s because of burnout, a shift in priorities, personal obligations, or simply recognizing you’ve been overextending yourself for too long – it’s okay to want to slow down. But how do you actually do it… without jeopardizing your reputation, relationships, or responsibilities?

For what it’s worth, here’s where I would start:

1. Evaluate your workload vs. priorities

Before making changes, get clear on what matters most in your role right now. Ask yourself:

• What are my core responsibilities?

• What projects or tasks could be paused or delegated?

• Where am I spending time that isn’t aligned with my role’s priorities?
  

Try starting with my Revenue Generating Priorities Method to help you start this exercise. This clarity allows you to approach any conversations or decisions with confidence.

2. Consider delegating

If you manage a team or collaborate with others, look for opportunities to delegate. If I had to bet, I would bet that a percentage of work you’re taking on doesn’t need to be completed by you specifically. Do you actually need to do that task because your job depends on it or do you need to trust and empower others to do the task instead? 

3. Have an honest conversation about expectations

This is the tough one. It may mean talking to your boss about what’s on your plate and what you’re able to give right now. Be clear about:

• What you’re prioritizing

• Where you need support

• What you are willing to take on versus what’s unsustainable
  

These conversations can feel intimidating, but often, leaders want to know when their team is stretched too thin. No one has a crystal ball and it is up to you to communicate what you need. 

4. Set boundaries that protect your energy

Finally, decide what boundaries feel most comfortable for you. This could look like:

• Saying no to additional projects

• Declining non-essential meetings

• Protecting calendar blocks for focused work

• Logging off at a reasonable hour
  

Remember: pulling back doesn’t mean you’re doing less valuable work. It often means you’re doing more intentional work that aligns with your role, your goals, and your wellbeing.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear: Do you think this is feasible? Why or why now? Share in the comments below or email me! Your insights help shape the resources I create here for you.