How to Become More Independent at Work

During a time when quiet quitting is such a hot topic, increasing independence at work may not be the top water cooler convo. However, it is worth trying. Being more self-sufficient can help break you out of a rut and position you as a leader on your team.?

By Brandi Fowler

Becoming more independent at work can lead to more fulfillment, particularly if you feel burnt out or stagnant.?

“To work independently means you are paying attention,” said career strategist and coach Christine Kidder . “You really care. You are focused and when you need help, you know where to go and you do that. Once you know what needs to be done, you don't have to be monitored. You don't have to be micromanaged. You can be counted on to do your job and to be responsible.”

Becoming more independent at work also means making room for your mental health needs, said holistic career coach Raluca Topor .

“It leads to sovereignty [and putting] yourself first,” Topor said. “There is such a lack of boundaries [in the workplace]. [Some people] pour everything they have into the job. They put the company’s needs above their needs and that leads to a lot of unhappiness in the workforce. That leads to resentment and quitting.”?

Compensation management platform Payscale listed six ways to become more independent at work:?

1. Be reliable.?
2. Evaluate new opportunities with independence in mind.?
3. Ask about telecommuting.
4. Learn something new.?
5. Be ready to move on if the job isn’t the right fit for you.?
6. Protect your personal life and peace, and unplug from work.?

Proving your reliability, taking courses to enhance your skill set, and demonstrating good time management when working remotely are ways you can work independently and thrive.?

Keep in mind when inquiring about working from home that the purpose is to “spotlight your initiative,” Career Addict reported.?

“The most important thing is that you show how responsible you are completing your job from the comfort of your living room,” Career Addict said. “You take it seriously by being at your desk throughout your shift; you don’t wander to your sofa to play Super Nintendo, and you finish your assignments.”

What Steps to Take to Become More Independent at Work

Start a self-assessment to determine your needs.?

“Journaling could be one of the tools,” Topor said. “[Also,] understand your dynamics with [your] team and co-workers. Ideally, you should have a very good relationship with your manager and [are] able to communicate your needs, your boundaries, and what you need to be happier at work without having the fear of being let go or reprimanded.”?

Becoming more independent can include prioritizing your mental health, so set boundaries, Topor said.?

“That could be like, ‘My lunch break is my lunch break and my weekend is my weekend.’ When people create this separation, like ‘This is my job, but I'm also a human and I have these other hobbies and passions and things that make me feel alive, [it is beneficial].’”

Also, understand why your boss and/or manager count on you so you can complete your duties without constant guidance, Kidder said.?

“What are you being measured on?” Kidder said. “I think you need to do more than just go to your boss and say, ‘What do you want, what do you want me to do now?’ Because that is not really working independently. It is just kind of being a robot, taking orders. When you first start working with your boss, you need to understand what your performance is going to be judged on.?

“What are you accountable for? What are you responsible for? Talk to your boss to make sure you know the game plan, and then go from there. Ask your boss, ‘What do you need from me?’ in terms of status updates [too]. Successful leaders are not micromanagers. They trust you. They are not going to get in the way of you doing your job. They get out of your way, so you can do the job, but then you have to give it your all.”?

Being proactive and having conversations with co-workers are important, too.?

“Check in with people,” Kidder said. “What do they need help with? Don't wait for people to come to you. Seek people out and say, ‘Hey, how are things going?’ Follow up with your teammates as well. Have regular conversations with people as part of your job, so you can be better in your job.”

How Being More Independent at Work Can Help Your Career

Finding ways to be more independent at work can amplify your leadership skills as well, Kidder said.?

“I want to have people on my team that I can count on, who I can [talk to about] where we are going and what we are doing. But I want them to bring their unique perspective to the table too,” Kidder said. “I need them to use their skills and talents to help us to get to our goal.?

“[Being independent] can help you in your career when a leader can really count on you and they feel like you get it, you listen, you are great to work with in terms of being a team player, you are flexible and able to get the job done in stressful times.”

Being more independent at work takes a little strategy and initiative, but worth the effort. Check with yourself to identify your needs and talk to your manager to better understand your duties so you can complete your assignments with little to no guidance.?

Also, have open conversations with co-workers and your manager about needs in the workplace, so you can create solutions as needed.?

Top Takeaways

How to Become More Independent at Work

• Do a self-assessment to determine your needs and how being more independent at work can help your career and/or help you improve your mental health.?
• Ask your boss/manager about expectations for your role so you can do your job without constant guidance.?
• Be proactive.?
• Reach out to co-workers and your manager(s) to find out their needs and create solutions.?