When Professional Boundaries Are Called "Unprofessional": A Wake-up Call for CA Firms
Not all professionals wear suits some wear stardom and still get labelled "unprofessional."
Recently, actress Deepika Padukone exited director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Spirit. She reportedly asked for Rs 20 crore, profit-sharing, and a basic 8-hour workday something that would allow her, a new mother, to balance life and work. Despite a 19-year impeccable career with no prior allegations, her decision was called "unreasonable."
Imagine that refusing RS 20 crore and risking reputation built over two decades, just to protect her boundaries and baby. Would you have that courage?
If she can risk Rs 20 crore, what's stopping us from letting a senior associate leave at 6 PM?
This isn't just a film industry problem. It's a cultural epidemic especially familiar in CA firms.
When a male partner insists on late hours, he's committed.
When a female team member asks for flexibility, she's "not serious."
When a young CA trainee requests work-life balance, they're "not cut out for the profession."
Here's the uncomfortable truth: Maybe the real unprofessional behavior is expecting humans to work like machines while calling it 'dedication.'
Our profession faces mounting attrition, mental burnout, and gender imbalance not because of lack of talent, but lack of empathy. Studies show that 70% of women leave accounting within 15 years, often citing work-life balance as the primary reason.
The Questions We're Too Scared to Ask:
The 30-Day Reality Check:
Track how many times someone in your firm apologizes for:
- Leaving on time
- Taking sick leave
- Asking for deadline extensions
- Requesting mental health days
The number will shock you.
What CA Firms Must Do (Before It's Too Late):
Redefine professionalism: Boundaries ≠ disloyalty.
Build flexible engagement models, not 24/7 availability.
Normalize parental accommodations and mental health breaks.
Train clients to value outcomes over overtime.
Measure success by client satisfaction and team retention, not hours logged.
The Deepika Standard
Deepika Padukone's choice wasn't about rebellion—it was about redefining dignity. She didn't walk away from work. She walked toward a healthier version of it. Her story echoes every working parent, every junior CA, and every professional who silently burns out fearing judgment.
If an A-lister can take a stand against a Rs 100+ crore project, can't we relook our expectations?
The bold prediction: Firms that don't adapt will lose their best talent to those that do. The choice isn't about being nice—it's about survival.
Let's lead firms where being human is not a liability, but a strength.
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Professionalism isn't about saying yes to everything—it's knowing what to say no to.
Your turn: Share your story—When did you last feel guilty for setting a boundary at work? Tag a colleague who needs to read this.
Because the conversation that makes us uncomfortable is exactly the one we need to have.
The 30-Day Reality Check:
Track how many times someone in your firm apologizes for:
- Leaving on time
- Taking sick leave
- Asking for deadline extensions
- Requesting mental health days
The number will shock you.
What CA Firms Must Do (Before It's Too Late):
Redefine professionalism: Boundaries ≠ disloyalty.
Build flexible engagement models, not 24/7 availability.
Normalize parental accommodations and mental health breaks.
Train clients to value outcomes over overtime.
Measure success by client satisfaction and team retention, not hours logged.
The Deepika Standard
Deepika Padukone's choice wasn't about rebellion—it was about redefining dignity. She didn't walk away from work. She walked toward a healthier version of it. Her story echoes every working parent, every junior CA, and every professional who silently burns out fearing judgment.
If an A-lister can take a stand against a Rs 100+ crore project, can't we relook our expectations?
The bold prediction: Firms that don't adapt will lose their best talent to those that do. The choice isn't about being nice it's about survival.
Let's lead firms where being human is not a liability, but a strength.
---
Professionalism isn't about saying yes to everything it's knowing what to say no to.
Your turn: Share your story When did you last feel guilty for setting a boundary at work? Tag a colleague who needs to read this.
Because the conversation that makes us uncomfortable is exactly the one we need to have.
