168. Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier

## Being the Last to Leave Didn’t Make Me Amazing: Boundaries I Wish I Set Earlier In this episode of *Counselor Chat*, I’m continuing the series on things I wish I had done earlier in my school counseling career — and this one is all about boundaries. For a long time, I thought staying late, saying yes, and being endlessly available meant I was dedicated. But looking back, I can see that being the last car in the parking lot didn’t make me a better counselor. It just made me tired. In this episode, I’m sharing the boundaries I wish I had set earlier, including time boundaries, emotional boundaries, role boundaries, communication boundaries, and personal life boundaries. I also reflect on why school counselors often feel guilty setting limits — and why boundaries are actually what help us stay effective, compassionate, and sustainable in this work. **In this episode, we talk about:** - Why overworking is not the same as being effective - The difference between being dependable and being endlessly available - Why school counselors need role clarity - How guilt shows up when we start setting boundaries - Simple scripts for saying no or pausing before saying yes - Why leaving on time does not mean you care less - How boundaries protect your energy, family, and long-term career **Takeaway:** You can care deeply about students and still have limits. Being a good counselor does not require burning yourself out. **Reflection question:** What would change if you believed you could be a good counselor without being endlessly available? **Grab the Show Notes:** Counselingessentials.org/podcast **Join** Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months! **Connect with Carol:** - TpT Store - Counseling Essentials Website - Instagram - Facebook - Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group - Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group - High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group