Now I’ve Got Two Jobs. Here’s What I’m NOT Doing.
How to Take On More Responsibility Without Burning Out
This week, a few of us were handed extra responsibilities.
No surprises there — it happens all the time in corporate life.
But what struck me was how fast it triggered that Superwoman reflex.
You know the one: the urge to rescue, to fix, to just roll up your sleeves and somehow do two jobs at once.
It feels good at first. There’s a buzz in stepping up and proving you can handle it. But underneath? That’s the road to burnout — and I’ve seen it happen too many times in the women I coach… and if I’m honest, in myself too.
So this week, when I noticed that familiar pull, I stopped.
Here’s what I did instead.
1. Make a Clear Intention
First things first: I decided I’m not doing two jobs.
Full stop.
That might sound obvious, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of quietly keeping your old responsibilities while taking on the new ones. Suddenly, you’re working double time, and nobody’s officially noticed.
Here’s my mantra for this situation:
“I’ve got a full role already, thanks very much. I’m happy to take on new responsibilities — but something has to shift.”
That clarity helps everyone — especially you.
2. Find or Build Systems That Help (Instead of Hustling Harder)
New responsibilities don’t always need more effort — they usually need better systems.
I went hunting for what was already in place.
Turns out, another part of the organisation had a great tracking tool that worked perfectly for what I needed. Suddenly, what looked like chaos in my inbox made sense.
Before you dive in, ask yourself:
What systems already exist that can make this easier?
What systems do I need to build to make this sustainable?
Good systems are your secret weapon — they save your energy and your sanity.
And - Bonus Spot - which ones could be put on steroids using AI?
3. Spot the Stars and Let Them Shine
You don’t have to be the hero here.
There are almost always people around you who already know parts of the job better than you do.
Find them. Involve them. And most importantly, make sure they get the credit.
Not only does it lighten your load, it grows their capability and confidence too.
That’s real leadership — not doing it all yourself, but building others up along the way.
4. Integrate, Don’t Overload
If your team is shifting, think about how to integrate the new responsibilities rather than just stacking them on top.
Ask:
What can we expand rather than add?
How can this create development opportunities, not extra work?
Leadership isn’t about adding more to people’s plates. It’s about making sure everyone — including you — can do meaningful work without tipping into exhaustion.
5. Reset Expectations
This one’s big.
You can’t roll two jobs into one and pretend you can keep performing at the same level.
Be upfront about what’s realistic. That’s not weakness — it’s leadership.
It sets a healthy example for your team and helps everyone adapt faster.
Staying True to Your Values
Underneath all of this is one simple idea:
Stay anchored in your values and your vision for inclusive, human leadership.
That’s what keeps me grounded. That’s what helps me say no when my inner Superwoman starts tying on her cape.
You don’t need to prove your worth by taking on more. You’ve already earned your seat.
Let’s lead differently — with clarity, courage, and compassion.
And maybe, just maybe, leave the cape at home this week.
If you’re a mid-level woman ready to lead with more impact and less exhaustion, explore our group coaching programmes for the next generation of inclusive leaders.
