Early in her career at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Lana Crouse noticed a coworker who reliably left the office at or right before 5:30 p.m. – USGBC’s set closing time. Crouse and her colleagues kept different hours. Seven or eight o’clock could arrive before anyone stopped long enough to realize they were still working and it was past dinnertime.

So, when the new employee kept leaving on time, Crouse and her other young colleagues drew a conclusion.

“I just remember thinking, ‘Wow, she’s not very dedicated since there’s still so much work to get done,’” she said.

Twenty-two years can change a person’s perspective. So can starting a family and dealing with medical issues.

Now, as Crouse mentors younger professionals, she offers a much different message than her younger self might have delivered. Good work, she has learned, doesn’t require people to work countless hours or ignore everything else in their lives. Having boundaries is a healthy and important part of not burning out and having a rich and full life.