In a recent LinkedIn post, Maryann (MJ) Jamieson discusses the critical importance of setting professional boundaries, particularly in the face of what she terms ‘fake emergencies.’ Jamieson, a recognized voice in professional development, argues that consistently stepping in to solve last-minute, non-critical issues for others can lead to burnout and resentment, rather than demonstrating true helpfulness.
Jamieson highlights a common workplace scenario: the late Friday afternoon request that pulls professionals away from their personal time. She contends that these are often not genuine crises but rather the result of poor planning by others.
“Not having boundaries doesn’t make you helpful. It makes you a permanent safety net.”
As Maryann (MJ) Jamieson points out, true emergencies—such as a server outage or a critical client issue—warrant immediate attention and a willingness to step up. However, she differentiates these from situations where tasks have been neglected for weeks or months, only to be presented as urgent at the last minute.
The Cost of Endless Availability
Jamieson argues that repeatedly accommodating these manufactured crises sends a clear, albeit unintended, message to colleagues and superiors. According to her analysis, each instance teaches others that their disorganization takes precedence over your personal commitments and time.
- Their chaos comes first
- Your time is negotiable
- ‘Urgent’ is all it takes
This pattern, Jamieson explains, can lead to a significant personal toll. She describes the consequences as ‘cancelled plans,’ an ’emotional hangover all weekend,’ and ‘the quiet resentment of knowing you’ve become the dumping ground.’ In her view, this cycle is not a sign of dedication but a financial and emotional cost borne by the individual.
“Your endless availability isn’t proof of commitment. It’s a sign that says: I’ll pay for everyone else’s poor planning.”
Reclaiming Professional Time
The core of Jamieson’s message is a call to action for professionals to re-evaluate their willingness to consistently absorb the consequences of others’ lack of foresight. She advocates for a clear distinction between handling genuine emergencies and managing preventable ones.
The Role of Boundaries
Maryann (MJ) Jamieson emphasizes that setting boundaries is not about being unhelpful or uncooperative. Instead, it is about self-preservation and maintaining professional integrity. As she puts it:
“Real emergencies deserve your full attention. Fake ones deserve a boundary.”
She concludes by reframing the professional’s role, stating that individuals are not merely ‘office fire blankets’ but are ‘professionals with a life.’ This perspective encourages a shift from a reactive mode of constantly putting out fires to a proactive stance of managing one’s time and energy effectively, ensuring that genuine priorities are met without sacrificing personal well-being.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Maryann (MJ) Jamieson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 29, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →