Career Advice - Career Growth Begins With Career Boundaries

"My new boss asks how the way I spent my weekend. I want my personal life private."

"My parents have criticized his decision to start a business. They are confident that we will soon live in a homeless shelter."

"My friends invited me for lunch this week, and I simply do not have time for another social event."

As you begin a new venture - a job, business, promotion, transfer - you may feel that you live in a glass bubble. Friends, colleagues and family to watch you closely, wondering if they will have to pick up the pieces after a midlife career crisis of the accident.

You love them, but you have to set boundaries. Life crowd when you live in a small bubble.

1 Draw your own map of the border before getting caught in difficult situations. If you are clear on their own needs, your line will be solid.

2 When you are asked a tough question, take the opportunity to communicate the message you want to send.

Q: "You do not need to spend more time with my family": "I have a beautiful family Did you my daughter was a starter on his high school basketball team and my son has just won an award for ....?"

3 Skip apologies and explanations unless you really need forgiveness.

Q: "Can we get together for lunch next week,"

: "God, I'm so sorry, but I have all these errands to run and my mother, he will also visit ..."

Alas! Let's try again:

. "I always enjoy your lunch with you, but this week will not work for me Can I call you later to set the time"

or (if you do not want to have lunch with this person):

".. packages do not work with my schedule to keep in touch via e-mail"

4 Borrowing money or asking for favors would erode its borders.

If your parents, you borrow $ 20,000 to purchase a home, they deserve regular updates on its financial condition.

If your colleague is watching your cat for a week, she will be expected holiday stories (as well as a wonderful gift and a promise to keep the rent the next time).

5 If you are surrounded by people who push their limits, to take into account the consideration of its priorities with a coach, counselor or trusted friend. Your words and gestures can signal "Come in!" When your brain says, "Keep away!"

Finally, do not beat yourself up! True self-acceptance and self-confidence will deter most boundary-trespassers.

And sometimes you risk loosening its limits, recognizing that life in the glass envelope can also bring unexpected help, and even surprises and rewards.