Work
How to ask your boss to stop texting after hours
You’re talking to Rick, your manager. Rick texted you twice late last night, then followed up when you didn’t answer. The goal: set a clear boundary on after-hours messages, and say what to do if something is truly urgent.
Your first line
“Rick, can I ask for something? After 7, I’ll answer texts the next morning. If something’s truly urgent, call me and I’ll pick up.”
Specific ask: a clear cutoff time plus a plan for real emergencies, so Rick knows exactly what changes and that nothing urgent gets dropped.
What Rick might say, and what to say back
Rick: “It’s just a quick text. Answer when you can.”
You: “Totally. And “when I can” will be 8 a.m. If it can’t wait until then, call me.”
Rick: “Sometimes stuff really can’t wait, though.”
You: “Agreed. If a client is waiting or something’s broken, call me and I’ll pick up. Everything else I’ll handle first thing.”
Rick: “Everyone else on the team answers. It shows commitment.”
You: “I’m all in during the day, and I’ll keep answering fast. After 7, I’m saving it for the morning.”
Two things that trip people up
- Saying you’ll “try” not to answer, or asking for “more balance.”Give a time (“after 7”) and say what to do if it’s urgent (“call me”).
- Apologizing for having a life, or telling him he’s a bad boss.Keep it about the plan going forward, and say you care about the work during the day.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Rick pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Rae, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Specific ask.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.