A woman shared a story about ignoring a younger coworker’s comment at first, but later realizing it was an important lesson.
A business founder recently posted online about how a Gen Z colleague called her out for working from the hospital — while she was in labor. The post has started a big conversation about work-life balance and personal priorities.
Alli K, a founder from New York City, wrote on LinkedIn that she went into early labor at 37 weeks. She was admitted to the hospital for high blood pressure and was given medicine to induce labor. But even then, she kept checking and responding to work emails.
“I still had three weeks until my maternity leave, so I had a lot to finish,” she explained. She even sent a message to her team saying, “Hi everyone, baby’s coming sooner than expected. I’ll be online for a bit and keep you posted!”
That’s when her Gen Z coworker replied, “Are you doing work while you’re in labor? Stop it.” At first, she brushed off the comment. But later, she realized it was a wake-up call. She wrote, “Boundaries aren’t a weakness. They’re wisdom and survival,” adding that she learned this from younger workers.
Many people online related to her story. One vice president said she answered emails soon after her C-section. Another admitted she often tells coworkers she’ll still respond to messages during vacations — and now wishes she had learned to set boundaries earlier.
Others shared similar experiences, like working hours after giving birth or while recovering from surgery, only to receive little to no appreciation. Many agreed that some things in life are more important than work.
