Tuesday 7 April 2009

Drowning not waving

Ooh dear. I didn't realise my last blog post was in February. I was laboring under the delusion that I had posted only a few weeks ago, but no, it's more like six weeks ago. Wow, time flies eh!! It's the job, it's doing me in. I appreciate we are in times of economic uncertainty and that I am lucky to have a job to complain about when US unemployment has hit 8.5%, but I am so very tired of working 10+ hour days and not having a life outside of the office.

At the moment I am booked 150% on project work. Client #1 pays for 100% of my time and Client #2 pays for 50%, which means a minimum 60hour week. I say minimum, because we always end up working more hours than we have scoped, especially for Client #2 who is incredibly demanding and whom I have rapidly come to despise.

I feel like the whole situation is setting me up for failure on Client #1 since I am not capable of spending 40hours a week on their business on top of the work for Client #2 without serious risk of a total mental breakdown, but pretty soon they have to wonder why I am not better informed about their business given they are paying for 100% of my time.

I have spoken to my boss about the situation and he is trying to get me some support, in fact we have 3 vacancies in our department right now and good candidates waiting for the offer letters to be posted. Unfortunately all our hires have to be approved by the Chief Cook & Bottle Washer at the holding company, which means approval isn't likely to arrive anytime soon and our candidates are likely to find other positions.

Lately I find myself watching Lost and fantasizing about being stranded on an island, far far far away from fricking PowerPoint and aggressive clients, but that's just me ;-)

11 comments:

pawpads said...

Oh good you're back. I was seriously beginning to worry.
Sorry to hear about the work situation being so crappy.
If I find a dessert island, I'll send you a plane ticket.

Chin up!

fishwithoutbicycle said...

Thanks Pawpads :-)

Amel said...

OH dear...it feels good to have a job and bad at the same time 'coz of the workload. Hope that you'll soon get the backup you needddddd!!!!!!!!!!

spandrel studios said...

Fish - so glad to hear you're still kicking!

Hope you get to enjoy the weekend!

fishwithoutbicycle said...

Thanks Amel, I am keeping my fingers crossed :-) Have a lovely weekend.

Thanks Spandrel, fortunately I don't have to work this weekend so I will be able to enjoy it. Hope you have a good one too :-)

Kitty said...

ugh!!!!!

I'm sorry to hear about this, Fish. I cannot imagine working such long hours.

A mental health day now and again can help a lot. And I hope you get out during lunchtime and walk around. Don't stay in the whole day!!!

Happy weekend. Do something wonderfully lazy!!

fishwithoutbicycle said...

Thanks Kitty :-)

Julie said...

My God that post could have been written about me regarding my blog! Drowning in work at the moment and during any spare time I have I'm practically a vegetable. Hang in there (that's what I'm telling myself!)

fishwithoutbicycle said...

Hi Julie, I am sorry you are in the same boat, I can totally empathise. Hopefully things calm down for us both soon. Fish

AHotBath, my Diary said...

I regularly dream of deserted islands.

Boredom, genuine boredom, would also be wonderful.

I daresay the novelty would wear off both quickly ;)

I know a man who retired in his early 40's a millionaire. Anyone who suggests "laziness" he shuts up quickly with the point that he worked as many hours in his 20 year career as most do in their 40 years....and hell yes he's going to enjoy it!

Hopefully it all pays off for you :)

fishwithoutbicycle said...

Thanks Ahotbath!!