The amount of times i have given myself +40% time to get a job done and then a bunch if shit gets dropped on me, and they are like “oh i though you said you would have it done by wednesday”, and im like “are you fucking kidding me, do you not remember the multiple days that were lost because i had to drop everything for X and Y issues you had?” blank stare for seconds “…so we arent submitting today?”
That was such a trend at a previous job that I started responding to my supervisor’s requests in writing with, “I am currently working on X with a deadline of Y. You have asked me to pivot to Z today. Whatever time I divert to (new request) Z will directly affect delivery on X. Please confirm the order of priority for X and Z.”
If the supervisor’s confirmation was verbal, I would reply with, “Per our conversation, I am <whatever I was told to do>.”
At least then I had receipts in the meeting about why X was behind schedule.
Under promise and over deliver is still king.
“I cannot guarantee something won’t go sideways. I need at least 3 weekends of overtime available to be certain before it’s released.”
Deliver it 10 days later. Or 12, after relaxing for a day or two.
Your timeframe stands. New project? Do it again. Give yourself ~100-150% extra room.
The amount of times i have given myself +40% time to get a job done and then a bunch if shit gets dropped on me, and they are like “oh i though you said you would have it done by wednesday”, and im like “are you fucking kidding me, do you not remember the multiple days that were lost because i had to drop everything for X and Y issues you had?” blank stare for seconds “…so we arent submitting today?”
That was such a trend at a previous job that I started responding to my supervisor’s requests in writing with, “I am currently working on X with a deadline of Y. You have asked me to pivot to Z today. Whatever time I divert to (new request) Z will directly affect delivery on X. Please confirm the order of priority for X and Z.”
If the supervisor’s confirmation was verbal, I would reply with, “Per our conversation, I am <whatever I was told to do>.”
At least then I had receipts in the meeting about why X was behind schedule.