64: Hannah Hotline: "My Boss Calls Me Every Night at 7PM. Help!"

In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Hannah responds to a listener who feels trapped in nightly 7PM work calls that aren't true emergencies — and are starting to take a real toll on her health, energy, and self-respect. On paper, everything looks great: a senior role, great pay, strong performance reviews. But behind the scenes, constant availability has become the expectation — and setting boundaries feels terrifying. This episode dives into how to tell the difference between what's truly required in your role and what's become an unhealthy pattern — plus how to stop apologizing for wanting basic boundaries like rest, health, and an evening to yourself. Key Takeaways: - Not every late-night work demand is a true job requirement — many are learned dynamics - Chronic stress and "always on" availability have real health consequences - You don't need to justify or apologize for reasonable boundaries - Start small: clear availability, long explanations - People-pleasing often reduces respect, not increases it - If your values and your job are in conflict, something needs to change Want Support With This? If this episode hit close to home and you're ready to stop over-functioning, people-pleasing, and burning out, Hannah's Life & Work Transformation program dives deep into exactly this work. #WorkBoundaries #PeoplePleasing #ToxicWorkCulture #WorkLifeBalance #BoundarySetting #HighPerformers #HannahKissel Timestamps: 00:00 – The listener's dilemma: nightly 7 PM calls 01:45 – Why this pattern feels so hard to change 03:00 – Is this a gravity problem or a boundary problem? 05:10 – When long hours are actually expected vs. optional 07:00 – The health cost of constant availability 09:00 – What happens if you do nothing 11:30 – People-pleasing, fear, and over-apologizing 13:45 – How to start setting boundaries (without overexplaining) 17:30 – What to do if your boss pushes back 20:30 – Identity shift: becoming someone who is calm and confident 23:00 – When it might be time to reassess the role itself 🚨 Got a career challenge? Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline! Email: [email protected] Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/ Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/ Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com