Oh jeez, haven't been in this position in a long time
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I just got a bunch of work offloaded onto me as the electrical engineer and quasi software developer decided to take on a project manager and liaison role, which in a lot of ways works for me, except that I inherit his work. Now, the deadline for this stuff is beyond anyone's control. If it doesn't get made, the principal on the project ends up halfway 'round the world with nothing to work with at a critical phase of development. There's nothing we can do to delay the trip, because a bunch of people over there are also counting on things to work. I have been in these situations before, as I'm sure many of you have. 10 years ago, this was my life, and I lived and breathed this stuff. But my mental health isn't what it was, and I'm semi-retired because of it. I am not the primary breadwinner in my household because sometimes I can't work and I have to take a month off, and as it as I can't work full time. Historically, I've worked with clients and on projects where deadlines weren't pressing, and the people I work with are generally pretty relaxed. I've been blessed, and also strategic. I took this job because it pays well and is interesting work, but I hope I am up for it after all. Part of the issue is, the PM i mentioned above needs my reassurance emotionally so that he can do his job well. Therefore I'm like I got this. And technically, and timewise I know that all the pieces are there for me to be successful. It just comes down to me being able to put in this amount of work. It's not a motivation issue. I get overwhelmed really easily these days, and then I can't focus and I get anxiety and panic attacks and generally go off the rails. I have to be careful about stress too, because too much of it, and I'm seeing things that aren't there, and unpleasantness like that. This is kind of uncharted territory for me. I've had a hard time knowing my limitations because they've changed in recent years pretty dramatically. Lately I've been cautious, maybe to a fault, about taking things on. So maybe I need this, but it also kind of freaks me out. :~
To err is human. Fortune favors the monsters.
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I just got a bunch of work offloaded onto me as the electrical engineer and quasi software developer decided to take on a project manager and liaison role, which in a lot of ways works for me, except that I inherit his work. Now, the deadline for this stuff is beyond anyone's control. If it doesn't get made, the principal on the project ends up halfway 'round the world with nothing to work with at a critical phase of development. There's nothing we can do to delay the trip, because a bunch of people over there are also counting on things to work. I have been in these situations before, as I'm sure many of you have. 10 years ago, this was my life, and I lived and breathed this stuff. But my mental health isn't what it was, and I'm semi-retired because of it. I am not the primary breadwinner in my household because sometimes I can't work and I have to take a month off, and as it as I can't work full time. Historically, I've worked with clients and on projects where deadlines weren't pressing, and the people I work with are generally pretty relaxed. I've been blessed, and also strategic. I took this job because it pays well and is interesting work, but I hope I am up for it after all. Part of the issue is, the PM i mentioned above needs my reassurance emotionally so that he can do his job well. Therefore I'm like I got this. And technically, and timewise I know that all the pieces are there for me to be successful. It just comes down to me being able to put in this amount of work. It's not a motivation issue. I get overwhelmed really easily these days, and then I can't focus and I get anxiety and panic attacks and generally go off the rails. I have to be careful about stress too, because too much of it, and I'm seeing things that aren't there, and unpleasantness like that. This is kind of uncharted territory for me. I've had a hard time knowing my limitations because they've changed in recent years pretty dramatically. Lately I've been cautious, maybe to a fault, about taking things on. So maybe I need this, but it also kind of freaks me out. :~
To err is human. Fortune favors the monsters.
Been there. In my earlier free lancing programming days, I was young, starting a family, going to school and needing the work which I loved. I burned the candle at both ends for a long time. However, my quote of the day says it all for me. Clint Eastwood, "Magnum Force", 1973: "A man gots to know his limitations." Applies to all of us. So from time to time pace yourself to get a feel for how you are handling things. If you need to walk, walk, don't run. Protect yourself. Stay Cool.
"A little time, a little trouble, your better day" Badfinger
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I just got a bunch of work offloaded onto me as the electrical engineer and quasi software developer decided to take on a project manager and liaison role, which in a lot of ways works for me, except that I inherit his work. Now, the deadline for this stuff is beyond anyone's control. If it doesn't get made, the principal on the project ends up halfway 'round the world with nothing to work with at a critical phase of development. There's nothing we can do to delay the trip, because a bunch of people over there are also counting on things to work. I have been in these situations before, as I'm sure many of you have. 10 years ago, this was my life, and I lived and breathed this stuff. But my mental health isn't what it was, and I'm semi-retired because of it. I am not the primary breadwinner in my household because sometimes I can't work and I have to take a month off, and as it as I can't work full time. Historically, I've worked with clients and on projects where deadlines weren't pressing, and the people I work with are generally pretty relaxed. I've been blessed, and also strategic. I took this job because it pays well and is interesting work, but I hope I am up for it after all. Part of the issue is, the PM i mentioned above needs my reassurance emotionally so that he can do his job well. Therefore I'm like I got this. And technically, and timewise I know that all the pieces are there for me to be successful. It just comes down to me being able to put in this amount of work. It's not a motivation issue. I get overwhelmed really easily these days, and then I can't focus and I get anxiety and panic attacks and generally go off the rails. I have to be careful about stress too, because too much of it, and I'm seeing things that aren't there, and unpleasantness like that. This is kind of uncharted territory for me. I've had a hard time knowing my limitations because they've changed in recent years pretty dramatically. Lately I've been cautious, maybe to a fault, about taking things on. So maybe I need this, but it also kind of freaks me out. :~
To err is human. Fortune favors the monsters.
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I dunno, Based on the work I've seen you do I think you can accomplish anything you put your mind towards. Just go for it. You got this.
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I just got a bunch of work offloaded onto me as the electrical engineer and quasi software developer decided to take on a project manager and liaison role, which in a lot of ways works for me, except that I inherit his work. Now, the deadline for this stuff is beyond anyone's control. If it doesn't get made, the principal on the project ends up halfway 'round the world with nothing to work with at a critical phase of development. There's nothing we can do to delay the trip, because a bunch of people over there are also counting on things to work. I have been in these situations before, as I'm sure many of you have. 10 years ago, this was my life, and I lived and breathed this stuff. But my mental health isn't what it was, and I'm semi-retired because of it. I am not the primary breadwinner in my household because sometimes I can't work and I have to take a month off, and as it as I can't work full time. Historically, I've worked with clients and on projects where deadlines weren't pressing, and the people I work with are generally pretty relaxed. I've been blessed, and also strategic. I took this job because it pays well and is interesting work, but I hope I am up for it after all. Part of the issue is, the PM i mentioned above needs my reassurance emotionally so that he can do his job well. Therefore I'm like I got this. And technically, and timewise I know that all the pieces are there for me to be successful. It just comes down to me being able to put in this amount of work. It's not a motivation issue. I get overwhelmed really easily these days, and then I can't focus and I get anxiety and panic attacks and generally go off the rails. I have to be careful about stress too, because too much of it, and I'm seeing things that aren't there, and unpleasantness like that. This is kind of uncharted territory for me. I've had a hard time knowing my limitations because they've changed in recent years pretty dramatically. Lately I've been cautious, maybe to a fault, about taking things on. So maybe I need this, but it also kind of freaks me out. :~
To err is human. Fortune favors the monsters.
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" Just When I Thought I Was Out, They Pull Me Back In! SCENE - The Godfather: Part 3 MOVIE (1990) - HD - YouTube[^] I am sure you got this. The fact that you are freaked out means you are still human. Best wishes. Good luck.
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I just got a bunch of work offloaded onto me as the electrical engineer and quasi software developer decided to take on a project manager and liaison role, which in a lot of ways works for me, except that I inherit his work. Now, the deadline for this stuff is beyond anyone's control. If it doesn't get made, the principal on the project ends up halfway 'round the world with nothing to work with at a critical phase of development. There's nothing we can do to delay the trip, because a bunch of people over there are also counting on things to work. I have been in these situations before, as I'm sure many of you have. 10 years ago, this was my life, and I lived and breathed this stuff. But my mental health isn't what it was, and I'm semi-retired because of it. I am not the primary breadwinner in my household because sometimes I can't work and I have to take a month off, and as it as I can't work full time. Historically, I've worked with clients and on projects where deadlines weren't pressing, and the people I work with are generally pretty relaxed. I've been blessed, and also strategic. I took this job because it pays well and is interesting work, but I hope I am up for it after all. Part of the issue is, the PM i mentioned above needs my reassurance emotionally so that he can do his job well. Therefore I'm like I got this. And technically, and timewise I know that all the pieces are there for me to be successful. It just comes down to me being able to put in this amount of work. It's not a motivation issue. I get overwhelmed really easily these days, and then I can't focus and I get anxiety and panic attacks and generally go off the rails. I have to be careful about stress too, because too much of it, and I'm seeing things that aren't there, and unpleasantness like that. This is kind of uncharted territory for me. I've had a hard time knowing my limitations because they've changed in recent years pretty dramatically. Lately I've been cautious, maybe to a fault, about taking things on. So maybe I need this, but it also kind of freaks me out. :~
To err is human. Fortune favors the monsters.
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I just got a bunch of work offloaded onto me as the electrical engineer and quasi software developer decided to take on a project manager and liaison role, which in a lot of ways works for me, except that I inherit his work. Now, the deadline for this stuff is beyond anyone's control. If it doesn't get made, the principal on the project ends up halfway 'round the world with nothing to work with at a critical phase of development. There's nothing we can do to delay the trip, because a bunch of people over there are also counting on things to work. I have been in these situations before, as I'm sure many of you have. 10 years ago, this was my life, and I lived and breathed this stuff. But my mental health isn't what it was, and I'm semi-retired because of it. I am not the primary breadwinner in my household because sometimes I can't work and I have to take a month off, and as it as I can't work full time. Historically, I've worked with clients and on projects where deadlines weren't pressing, and the people I work with are generally pretty relaxed. I've been blessed, and also strategic. I took this job because it pays well and is interesting work, but I hope I am up for it after all. Part of the issue is, the PM i mentioned above needs my reassurance emotionally so that he can do his job well. Therefore I'm like I got this. And technically, and timewise I know that all the pieces are there for me to be successful. It just comes down to me being able to put in this amount of work. It's not a motivation issue. I get overwhelmed really easily these days, and then I can't focus and I get anxiety and panic attacks and generally go off the rails. I have to be careful about stress too, because too much of it, and I'm seeing things that aren't there, and unpleasantness like that. This is kind of uncharted territory for me. I've had a hard time knowing my limitations because they've changed in recent years pretty dramatically. Lately I've been cautious, maybe to a fault, about taking things on. So maybe I need this, but it also kind of freaks me out. :~
To err is human. Fortune favors the monsters.
I always reminded my clients "If you want it bad, you get it bad". "Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency for me." Do what you can.
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I always reminded my clients "If you want it bad, you get it bad". "Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency for me." Do what you can.
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I just got a bunch of work offloaded onto me as the electrical engineer and quasi software developer decided to take on a project manager and liaison role, which in a lot of ways works for me, except that I inherit his work. Now, the deadline for this stuff is beyond anyone's control. If it doesn't get made, the principal on the project ends up halfway 'round the world with nothing to work with at a critical phase of development. There's nothing we can do to delay the trip, because a bunch of people over there are also counting on things to work. I have been in these situations before, as I'm sure many of you have. 10 years ago, this was my life, and I lived and breathed this stuff. But my mental health isn't what it was, and I'm semi-retired because of it. I am not the primary breadwinner in my household because sometimes I can't work and I have to take a month off, and as it as I can't work full time. Historically, I've worked with clients and on projects where deadlines weren't pressing, and the people I work with are generally pretty relaxed. I've been blessed, and also strategic. I took this job because it pays well and is interesting work, but I hope I am up for it after all. Part of the issue is, the PM i mentioned above needs my reassurance emotionally so that he can do his job well. Therefore I'm like I got this. And technically, and timewise I know that all the pieces are there for me to be successful. It just comes down to me being able to put in this amount of work. It's not a motivation issue. I get overwhelmed really easily these days, and then I can't focus and I get anxiety and panic attacks and generally go off the rails. I have to be careful about stress too, because too much of it, and I'm seeing things that aren't there, and unpleasantness like that. This is kind of uncharted territory for me. I've had a hard time knowing my limitations because they've changed in recent years pretty dramatically. Lately I've been cautious, maybe to a fault, about taking things on. So maybe I need this, but it also kind of freaks me out. :~
To err is human. Fortune favors the monsters.
It must depend on how much the money and reputation mean to you - if you suspect your health will be at risk you should walk away. I say this as a retired deadline dodger.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity - RAH I'm old. I know stuff - JSOP