How Tampa Leaders Can Set Boundaries Between Work and Personal Lives

Many of my clients in the Tampa Bay area are hard-working, high-achieving, and busy professionals. One of the most common themes that comes up in therapy—whether working with someone in senior leadership or an entrepreneur who is never really "done" with their work—is the challenge of setting boundaries between work and personal lives.

The pandemic blurred these boundaries even further. Where shutting down the computer used to symbolically "clock out" before a commute home, many workers have since either stayed home altogether or embraced hybrid models that corporations and society have adopted. While remote work can feel like a dream come true for those seeking "work/life balance" and the flexibility it offers, many now struggle with a new problem: determining where work ends and home life begins. As a result, relationships have suffered, stress has surged, and the mirage of balance has long faded. Whether responding to emails in pajamas before a morning shower or juggling non-critical business texts over dinner, many find themselves caught off guard, unsure how their professional lives began to take control of their schedules.

The issue is further complicated by the demands on people in these roles, which often require a certain level of flexibility and availability outside normal business hours. There’s no such thing as clocking in at 8 and out at 5, and without clear discernment between critical and non-critical tasks, it can feel like you're never truly off work.

Although setting boundaries can be challenging, you can take back control with intentional effort, planning, and boundary setting. Keep in mind that the suggestions below might serve best as a general framework—allowing room for flexibility and exceptions, as long as personal guides are occasionally referenced to prevent drifting.

Here is how Tampa leaders can set boundaries between work and personal lives…

Create a Separate Space:

If possible, whether you have a hybrid role or work exclusively from home, designate a specific area for working. Not the bed, the breakfast table, or the couch, but an office used primarily for business functions. This office is where business is conducted, and any work done outside this space should be within reason.

Create Time Boundaries:

Even if you don’t have a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, it makes sense to establish a general schedule that you attempt to honor. This schedule can reflect office hours you plan to stick to whenever possible.

Develop End-of-Day Rituals:

If your goal is to finish up by 6 p.m., consider planning a wrap-up routine 30 to 60 minutes before. Use this time to review incomplete tasks, tie up loose ends, look at your schedule for tomorrow, and write a to-do list for the next day. This can help clear your mind by placing unfinished work in its proper place.

Practice a Regulating Skill:

After your end-of-day ritual, take a few minutes to ground yourself and relax before entering your personal space. Try a five-minute meditation, some deep breathing, a stretch, or a quick walk around the block. This helps your brain shift gears and can alleviate stress.

Clarify What’s Critical and What’s Not:

Professionals often receive a constant stream of emails, texts, and calls beyond business hours. It’s easy to respond as they come in, even if they could wait until morning. By thinking about how to recognize what truly requires after-hours attention, you’ll better avoid being pulled from family or other personal priorities.

Set Personal Rules:

Tailor rules for your availability based on your role and share them with family for accountability. Examples might include:

• Avoid checking email after 6 p.m.
• Don’t respond to work-related texts unless deemed "critical."
• No work-related calls during dinner.
• Designate one or two weeknights as completely work-free.
• Set a strict cutoff time for weekend work.
• Mute email notifications after 7 p.m.

Remember Your “Why”:

Those caught up in their careers often lose sight of why they’re working so hard. While making money is necessary, work and money are rarely the end goals. If you’re putting off time with family or other priorities until you “arrive” at a particular career milestone, you may never get there, as the bar keeps moving. Prioritize what you value now.

Be Okay with Leaving Things Undone:

There’s always more work to be done, and some things will remain unfinished. Embrace this reality. Use your end-of-day ritual to find a stopping point, and let tomorrow’s to-do list serve as a placeholder for what’s left. This can help with the unease that sometimes comes with leaving work unfinished.

Separate Home Tasks from Work Tasks:

There’s a time for work and a time for chores. Separate them by working during work hours and doing home tasks outside those hours. Blending them can further blur boundaries and extend the workday.

Delegate or Outsource if Possible:

Many professionals are overwhelmed by demands beyond working hours. Don’t shoulder everything yourself. Delegation might mean sharing household tasks with family members, and outsourcing might include hiring help for chores like mowing the lawn or cleaning if it’s feasible.

By taking steps to set clear boundaries between work and personal lives, Tampa Bay area leaders can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

This blog was written by Joel Schmidt, LMHC and owner of Float On Counseling

Learn more about Joel Schmidt, LMHC by visiting his bio or Psychology Today Profile.