Unpaid Work: Is It Holding You Back? How to Recalibrate for 2025

As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on your achievements—especially your financial outcomes. For many senior executives, the gap between aspirations and results often comes down to one simple factor: unpaid work.

The Hidden Costs of Unpaid Work

Throughout 2024, I’ve observed a recurring theme among executives I coach. Many find themselves caught in an imbalance between their paid and unpaid commitments, especially when serving on not-for-profit boards or participating in unpaid speaking engagements. While these roles are often well-intentioned, they can become overwhelming, demanding more time and energy than anticipated.

In one notable example, an executive recently stepped down from a board position due to the sheer scale of the time commitment. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. With rising cost-of-living pressures, many professionals are reconsidering the feasibility of unpaid roles in their portfolios.

The Unpaid Speaking Engagement Dilemma

Unpaid speaking gigs are another area rife with imbalance. Conference organisers often entice speakers with promises of exposure and profile-building. Yet, these engagements frequently come with significant costs to the speaker—travel, preparation, and time away from other commitments—while organisers reap substantial profits.

It’s time to challenge the misconception that smaller organisations or not-for-profits can’t afford to pay. Many of these groups do pay advisors, lawyers, and accountants. Why should your expertise be any different? By undervaluing your time and contributions, you risk perpetuating the cycle of unpaid labour.

Why Recalibration Is Key

As you plan for 2025, consider the balance of paid versus unpaid work in your portfolio. Here are some key questions to guide your reflection:

• Did unpaid work distract you from achieving your goals in 2024?
• Did it provide personal satisfaction, or did it leave you feeling overwhelmed and undervalued?
• How can you realign your commitments to ensure a healthier balance in the year ahead?

For me, the decision is clear. In 2025, I plan to significantly limit unpaid work to focus on achieving my financial and professional goals. This recalibration doesn’t mean abandoning volunteerism or giving back—it’s about being strategic and intentional.

Practical Steps to Recalibrate

1. Audit Your Time: Analyse how much time you spent on unpaid work this year. Was it proportional to the value it brought to your portfolio?
2. Set Boundaries: Decide in advance which unpaid opportunities you’ll accept. Ensure they align with your broader goals.
3. Negotiate Value: Don’t shy away from discussing fees, even with not-for-profits. Offering a discount or pro bono work for a cause you care about is different from undervaluing your worth.
4. Define Your Goals: Establish clear financial and professional targets for 2025, and align your commitments accordingly.

Your Wake-Up Call for 2025

Unpaid work can be fulfilling, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your career satisfaction or financial health. If you’ve been feeling the weight of overcommitment or regret about unpaid gigs, let 2025 be the year you take back control.

Recalibrate your portfolio. Value your expertise. Achieve your goals.

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