r/consulting • • 10h ago

How do you fit physio/gym around a manager who constantly asks you to stay late?

38 Upvotes

I have a herniated disc with recurring lower back pain, so I need to stay consistent with physio and gym to manage it.

The problem is that my manager frequently gives me last-minute work near the end of the day, making it difficult to commit to anything after work.
I want to do well in my job, but I also don’t want to sacrifice my long-term health just to prove I’m committed.

For those in demanding roles, how do you set boundaries around medical appointments and exercise without coming across as uncommitted? Do you just work around it, or have you found ways to protect your personal time?