discover the link between triggers, burnout, and the power of saying “not right now.”
originally published may 29, 2025.
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accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto
center for accounting transformation
let’s be honest: the accounting profession isn’t exactly known for work-life balance. long hours, tax season sprints, and “just one more thing” emails can leave even the most seasoned pros teetering on the edge of burnout.
in this episode of arc, hosts liz mason, cpa; donny shimamoto, cpa.citp, cgma; and byron patrick, cpa.citp, cgma, confront that edge—and explain why healthy boundaries are more than just trendy jargon. they’re essential tools for staying sane, productive, and professionally respected.
more accounting arc: your identity is not a liability | what happens in vegas… gets reported on a tax return | burnout, be gone: accounting needs a boundary breakthrough | the ultimate business hack you’re probably ignoring | resilience, real talk, and the road to mental wellness | blockchain could still reshape accounting | what gen z wants from business | firm differentiation depends upon client service |
“burnout is basically professional depression,” says mason, ceo of high rock accounting. “if you find yourself triggered, angry, or exhausted at work all the time, there’s a good chance your boundaries are being violated—and you might not even realize it.”
from protecting their calendars to setting clear expectations with clients and teams, the arc crew shares how they’ve each developed personal systems that work for them, not just their inboxes. and while tiktok may glamorize the “just say no” mentality, the hosts caution against confusing boundaries with avoidance.
“there’s a difference between setting a line and dodging responsibility,” adds shimamoto, founder and managing director of intraprisetechknowlogies llc and founder and inspiration architect for the center for accounting transformation. “you still have to do your job. but you can do it on your terms—if you’ve done the work to understand what those terms are.”
the conversation dives deep into time management, ethical triggers, and the misunderstood psychology of boundaries. they unpack why some professionals blow up at seemingly minor workplace moments—and how those moments often signal deeper needs for self-awareness and structure.
patrick, ceo of verifyiq and co-founder of tb academy, reminds us that communication is key: “if people can’t see your boundary, they can’t respect it. you’ve got to make the invisible visible—on your calendar, in your email, and in your conversations.”
10 key takeaways
- boundaries must be visible and clearly communicated to be effective.
- time management boundaries are the easiest to start with—and often the most violated.
- misusing boundaries as an excuse for poor performance is counterproductive.
- self-awareness is the foundation of setting healthy boundaries.
- triggers are a sign of boundary violations and should prompt reflection.
- communicating boundaries proactively prevents confusion and resentment.
- remote work requires even more discipline around boundaries.
- burnout is often a symptom of ignored or crossed boundaries.
- culture and leadership must support boundary setting for it to succeed.
- positivity and reflection can reinforce healthy behaviors and reduce reactivity.