I used to think being reliable at work meant always picking up the phone. I thought if I proved I was a team player, my manager would respect me more. Instead, it slowly turned into something I never agreed to, being on call 24/7 without pay, without appreciation, and without boundaries.
I did not realize how bad it had gotten until one small decision changed everything.
When I first joined the company, my boss seemed friendly. He said he valued dedication. I wanted to make a good impression, so when he called after work hours, I answered.
At first it was harmless. He would ask simple questions like where a file was or if I could confirm something. Then it became normal.