She told me her job is very busy and she was working ALL the hours. Getting to the office first. Still there while everyone has left. Takes work home every night, and works on the weekend. And guess what? She’s exhausted. And her husband ain’t happy.  

Who is asking you to do all the work, I said. She thought hard on that one, but couldn’t come up with a good answer. Well…..no one as it turns out. In fact her manager is telling her to stop working all the hours.

Do you need a more junior person, I asked. No she said. It’s work she has to do. A more junior person couldn’t do it.

What else have you tried, I asked. Just working more hours was the answer.

I have been here myself, and maybe in reading this you see yourself too? I have also had lots of experience coaching women in this situation, and here’s what I have learnt….