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About to start a new job? Set your boundaries early
The 3 habits that will define your reputation
stephanie laurent
November 30, 2025
I was super pumped when I saw the metrics from last week’s article: almost 80% open rate. Yes, that’s almost 1,000 readers 🎉🎉
Clearly, many of you are curious about the habits that make a strong start in a new role.
That’s exciting : the job market is moving fast, and many of you want to begin on the right foot, whether you’re starting a new job or preparing for the next step.
Last week, we covered the 3 strategies to shape a strong onboarding.
Today, we go one step further: setting boundaries from day 1.
Why?
Because no matter where you work, people form opinions about you very fast.
They’re paying attention to:
• how you organize yourself
• how you communicate
• what you tolerate
Here’s what could happen to you:
I worked with Dean, who had just started an executive role. At 46, after years of dedicating 100% of his time to work, he didn’t want this job to follow the same pattern.
But within 2 weeks, he was saying yes to everything, being a people-pleaser, working late every night, and already feeling the pressure build up.
He reached out because he was scared to repeat the same cycle, and burn out before hitting the 90-day mark.
We had to move fast. A challenge that ended up being a game-changer in his own words.
Here’s exactly what we worked on (and what you can do too):
1️- First, understand the upside
High achievers resist boundaries because they fear looking less committed.
But setting limits is actually a sign of strong self-management : your ability to control your time, energy, and behaviour.
It positions you as the leader who:
• understands their capacity
• protects their focus
• communicates clearly
People can’t guess what you need, so tell them!
Be proactive and clarify:
• your working hours
• your response time
• anything you require to do your best work
Share this early with your manager or team.
You’d be surprised: most people see it as perfectly reasonable.
3️. Protect your calendar
Your calendar is the first place boundaries vanish.
In the first 30 days, try:
• blocking 2 focus periods per week → non-negotiable
• grouping meetings to avoid constant switching
• using “Let me check my schedule” to avoid automatic yeses
🎯Are you starting a new role soon?
You want to set the right foundations but struggle to stay accountable?
I have 2 spots left (3 already taken) for a January start.
A discovery call is free : don’t miss the chance to take your career one step further. Click here: https://calendly.com/steph-laurent-coaching/book-a-60-min-discovery-call