When You · Volume 09 · Printed companion
When Work Takes Over Your Life
You are in the right place. This is the companion page printed in the book: whenseries.com/companion/09/.
For work that continues after the working day, priorities that do not fit, and the life you want to make room for. Advice to log off is incomplete when income, staffing and other duties are part of the picture.
Use the prompt in the book
Choose a chapter and a prompt title that fit today. The numbers on this page match the book.
Type the starting prompt into a text chat. Replace the square brackets with your own context. Leave out names, identifying details and private documents.
Choose a follow-up, correct an assumption, or ask for a smaller step. Stop when the conversation has done enough.
Lines worth keeping nearby:
- Ask me one question at a time.
- That is too general. Use the details I have given you.
- You are assuming something I have not said. Check with me first.
The book is complete on its own. All 64 conversations, follow-ups and stopping points are in the printed pages. This public page helps you use them. It does not stand in for the book.
Chapters in this book
- 01When work spills into everything
- 02When the workload does not fit
- 03When availability has no edge
- 04When you need a work conversation
- 05When life outside work needs room
- 06When standard advice does not fit
- 07When you are considering a different arrangement
- 08When you want the change to last
Keep the choices yours
The exercises make one pattern visible and help you prepare a realistic conversation. They do not assume you can freely cut your hours.
These exercises support reflection and practical planning. They do not provide diagnosis, therapy, or individual legal, financial or medical advice. An AI can misunderstand, invent details or agree too readily. You can reject its suggestions. If there is immediate danger, or you feel unable to keep yourself safe, contact your local emergency or health service. In the UK, call 999 in an emergency. A prompt is not emergency support.
Public sources
These are independent organisations. They are not part of the When series, and a page here is not personal advice.
- Acas
Public guidance on workplace rights, pay and difficult conversations at work.
Text and artwork were developed with AI assistance. Editorial responsibility remains with Shane Stanford. The series is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI.