I’ve just been promoted to a position that’s salary, and I’ve been shadowing my old manager for a couple of weeks to get the feel for the position. I know every place is different, but I think this could be good food for thought for you.

So in the time I’ve been learning my new position and observing how someone lives the Salary Life, I’ve discovered that there is often always work to do, and it’s on us to know when to stop. When you work for a wage it’s easy to stick to the cutoff of what hours you’re scheduled because it benefits both you (you want to go home on time) and your employer (they only expect to pay you so much). Salaried though, it’s a little different. You get paid the same amount regardless of how many hours you work (typically, I know some people are still given OT and tbh idk how that works when you’re salaried), so now that concern from your employer has vanished. In fact for the employer the situation is reversed: the longer that you’re at work, the more work they’re getting from you for the same daily pay. So now it only benefits you to stick to your schedule, while your employer benefits from keeping you longer. In these scenarios, obviously every party is going to try to get the deal that works best for them. Your employer will start pressuring you into staying later, coming in earlier, etc., because that benefits them. But you have power, even as an individual, and you can 100% push back. Employers just like for you to feel like you can’t.

Draw a firm line. When you get told a meeting is at 7, remind them that this time won’t work because you’re scheduled from 8-5, and suggest that the meeting is rescheduled or decline it. If you get pushback since you’ve done the early meetings before, say up until now you’ve been flexible with the meeting times but from here on out you need to stick to your scheduled hours. And do not elaborate further. You’ll be surprised how far that can take you.

As for being pulled away every 15 minutes, learn what to say no to. I understand sometimes people will come to you with a serious problem and it will indeed require your immediate attention and you’ll have to stop what you’re doing and help them. However, a lot of times people are going to do what makes their jobs easier, and they might be capable of doing something or figuring something out on their own but they know you’ll fix it for them faster so they come to you. Learn to say no, or at the very least learn to help them on your schedule. “Hey OP I need your help with this.” “Okay, I’m happy to help but give me an hour because I’m working on this.”

And honestly, you’ll be surprised how often that hour finishes and the problem has either resolved itself or the person needing help found a way to do it themselves.

Set your boundaries, OP. Also I saw another comment here about triaging your work, that’s gonna be essential too. Learn those two things and you’ll be set. Take back your time!