Overworked employee starts leaving right at 5pm making their boss think that they've suddenly got better at their job and have "stepped up their game": 'I got a raise after I started leaving exactly at 5pm'

Perception is so important: That is how others perceive you to be, because regardless of how you think you actually are, or what skills and experience you might possess, the perception someone forms of you becomes the reality, for them, of who you actually are.

This importance is, of course, amplified when it comes to the workplace, and can have a lasting effect on your career. After all, who hasn't experienced a new hire coming on board who dresses well, is charismatic, and meshes really well with the boss? Suddenly, their inexperience and lack of seniority on the team aren't so important, and regardless of their actual aptitude or any real performance indicators, they're suddenly being placed at the forefront. The next time a spot to move up the chain opens up, it's no surprise to anyone, but still disappointing when it goes to this well-perceived newcomer.

In this situation, when this overworked worker, who often worked late, began leaving right at 5 pm, their boss suddenly had an improved perception of them and their work. This led to them receiving a raise and recognition despite actually doing less.