An entrepreneur and alumnus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) has sparked an extensive online discussion by sharing his experiences regarding the importance of establishing clear work boundaries in his recovery from burnout, particularly while managing US clients from India.
Ashwini Kumar, currently residing in Dubai as indicated on his LinkedIn profile, recounted a period when his professional life was dictated entirely by American time zones. He described his schedule as including “sleeping at 4 AM” and “waking up at 12 PM,” which led to weeks without sunlight and a minimal social life. This routine, he initially thought, was an inevitable aspect of conducting business on an international scale.
However, Kumar’s perspective shifted dramatically after he experienced a severe bout of exhaustion that left him bedridden for two consecutive days. “At that moment, I understood that I was the issue,” he reflected. “It wasn’t the clients or the time difference. It was me—my reluctance to establish boundaries.”
Motivated to alter his lifestyle, Kumar decided to abandon what he referred to as the “Asian entrepreneur mindset,” which often emphasizes constant availability for international clients. He implemented a personal rule: going to sleep by 10 PM every night, without exception.
“Here’s what transpired: I informed all my US clients that my working hours would be from 8 AM to 9 PM IST, which translates to 10:30 PM to 10:30 AM EST. I anticipated some resistance, yet the response was overwhelmingly positive: ‘Totally understand. We’ll make it work,’” he noted.
Kumar found that while reducing late-night calls, he maintained effective communication with his clients. He established mandatory end-of-day updates detailing completed tasks, upcoming objectives, and any obstacles faced. He also scheduled morning check-ins to address any overnight inquiries and opted for Loom videos as a substitute for lengthy meetings, believing that a ten-minute video is more efficient than a sixty-minute call. Furthermore, he clearly communicated what constituted a genuine emergency.
This transformation, according to Kumar, significantly enhanced both his professional and personal life. “Now, we have systems that function without my constant input. My clients engage with my work while I respond to them in the morning. Meetings? Reduced by 80%. They now occur solely for actual strategic discussions. My work and my life have improved immensely. It turns out clients expect you to maintain boundaries,” he explained.
Kumar encapsulated his experience with a statement that resonated with many online: “Your timezone is not a disadvantage. Your lack of boundaries is.”
The post elicited a variety of reactions on social media. While numerous individuals supported his viewpoint, others highlighted that such flexibility might not be feasible across all industries.
One user remarked, “People in the US are very conscious of and value others’ work hours and boundaries; it’s often us Asians who feel compelled to be available 24/7.”
Another individual shared, “I’m trying to adopt the same approach. I’ve realized it’s not sustainable long-term, and most clients prefer asynchronous communication.”
A third commenter offered a more nuanced perspective, stating, “This is an interesting viewpoint, but I believe that while setting boundaries is crucial, the practicality of these specific hours can greatly depend on the nature of the industry and the level of collaboration required for certain roles.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Kumar earned his MCA from NIT Durgapur and prior to founding his own company in 2022, held various technology roles, including a position at TCS.
Disclaimer: This article presents a personal narrative on overcoming burnout and managing work-related stress through lifestyle adjustments. It is intended for informational purposes and should not be construed as professional medical or psychological advice. While the strategies shared reflect one individual’s success in establishing professional boundaries, readers experiencing significant fatigue or mental health issues are encouraged to seek guidance from a qualified expert.
