Overworked employee starts leaving right at 5pm making their boss think that they've suddenly got better at their job and have "stepped up their game": 'I got a raise after I started leaving exactly at 5pm'

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Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
May 11, 2025 12:00 PM EDT

Perception is so important: That is how others perceive you to be, because regardless of how you think you actually are, or what skills and experience you might possess, the perception someone forms of you becomes the reality, for them, of who you actually are.

This importance is, of course, amplified when it comes to the workplace, and can have a lasting effect on your career. After all, who hasn't experienced a new hire coming on board who dresses well, is charismatic, and meshes really well with the boss? Suddenly, their inexperience and lack of seniority on the team aren't so important, and regardless of their actual aptitude or any real performance indicators, they're suddenly being placed at the forefront. The next time a spot to move up the chain opens up, it's no surprise to anyone, but still disappointing when it goes to this well-perceived newcomer.

In this situation, when this overworked worker, who often worked late, began leaving right at 5 pm, their boss suddenly had an improved perception of them and their work. This led to them receiving a raise and recognition despite actually doing less.

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  • 01

    "I got a raise after I started leaving exactly at 5pm and my boss is acting like I've 'Stepped up my game'"

    For years I was the office try-hard- first one in, last to leave, answering emails at midnight, and taking on everyone else's problems. I asked for a promotion three times and kept getting the "we see your potential, just need to wait for the right timing" speech. Last month I hit my breaking point after being passed over again for someone who'd been there half as long but played golf with the VP. I decided I was done killing myself for this place. I started working strictly 9-5, turning off ema
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    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 03
    The weirdest thing happened. My boss. called me in yesterday and gave me a 15% raise "for showing such impressive growth in prioritization and efficiency." He actually said I'm "more focused and delivering higher quality work" than ever before. I'm completely baffled. Everything I thought would get me ahead (overworking, being available 24/7) actually worked against me, and now that I've stopped trying so hard, suddenly I'm promotion material? Corporate logic makes zero sense.
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  • 04
    TLDR: After years of overworking with no recognition, I started setting boundaries and working less hours, and now my boss thinks I'm performing better and gave me a raise.
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    Photodop
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    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 06
    MiyoMush Ive seen this before. My theory is sometimes people who are over working, staying late, always hustling give the mistaken appearance they are always. behind, catching up at last minute, overwhelmed, can't keep up.
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  • 07
    Inevitable-Mood9798 Does that mean you don't feel like you've gotten better with prioritization and efficiency?
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  • 08
    Tight_Bug_2848 Sounds like they're afraid you're going to quit lol
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  • 09
    urbisOrbis Your boss noticed a new pattern. A pattern that usually ends with a great employee leaving. This move they made was to keep you from getting a new job.
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  • 10
    No_Perspective_242 I love this and I tell it to my friend all the time. You respect yourself and your time so it causes others to do the same. No one respects a door mat, yes-man.
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  • 11
    tbjamies I totally get this! Setting boundaries actually made them value your work more. It's weird how companies sometimes reward the people who protect their time and energy instead of those burning themselves out. Sounds like your boss finally saw your true productivity when you weren't stretched thin. This happens more often than people realize sometimes doing less but higher quality work is the key. Glad you got that raise you deserved!
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  • 12
    AdventurousTheme737 Always work 80% of your capabilities. So when you need to show up, or stressful periods you can go to a 100%. Don't show your max all the time, because that will become the standard.
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  • 13
    Aggravating_Job_9490 Overworking never pays off. All it does is creates more work. Also when you're too "good""at something. You're less likely to be moved up in some cases. Congratulations! Never give too much to a companyZ Keep your schedule.
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  • 14
    iamhefty To me it looks like the extra tasks you were doing were either not much value or not your role. You are now more focused on what you need to do. It makes sense
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workplace discussion employment issues antiwork workplace-stories jobs employee employment-discussion job work employees overworked-employees workplace Horrible Bosses employment in the workplace
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