View Full Version : How to tell your boss you are overload?
Canodia
02-07-2010, 11:41 AM
As titled, my leaving time in these days is 12am, comparing to 7pm of my mates.
For the same amount of work, they have more than two weeks to complete, while there is only one week left for me to do. I think I can't stand this workload and my health also cannot permit me to do so.
I discussed this with my supervisor, but it's not successful for me to reduce my workload. How can I let him know, I am terribly tired, and need to rest?
PhildeTruth
02-07-2010, 11:44 AM
As titled, my leaving time in these days is 12pm, comparing to 7pm of my mates.
For the same amount of work, they have more than two weeks to complete, while there is only one week left for me to do. I think I can't stand this workload and my health also cannot permit me to do so.
I discussed this with my supervisor, but it's not successful for me to reduce my workload. How can I let him know, I am terribly tired, and need to rest?
What is your pay relative to your mates who leave at 7pm?
Mr. Micro
02-07-2010, 12:43 PM
Could they be trying to get rid of you?
As in, make you quit so you don't get unemployment.
Colymbosathon ecplecticos
02-07-2010, 12:45 PM
As titled, my leaving time in these days is 12pm, comparing to 7pm of my mates.
If you are leaving at noon and your coworkers stay until 7PM, no wonder you aren't getting your work done relative to them.
coact
02-07-2010, 01:48 PM
12pm? not 12 am?
Wigmeister General
02-07-2010, 03:48 PM
Stop your whining. Either you have a proper workload or you don't. Assuming that your workload is too much, then it's your boss's problem ... not yours. All you have to do is itemize your workload to your boss and ask him for guidance on how to prioritize the work in light of the corresponding deadlines. Don't be afraid to ask for the necessary resources.
However, if it's your problem, then learn to work smarter and faster.
Vorian Atreides
02-07-2010, 04:09 PM
Are you trying to do "perfect" work (vs. just getting the job done)? In most places, getting a lot done (and done appropriately) will trump getting things done "perfectly".
Also, you can only do so much. You should focus more on doing what you can on projects that your supervisor values. If you can't complete everything on your plate, that's your supervisor's problem (in other words, I completely agree with Wigmeister).
actexp
02-08-2010, 07:48 AM
Stop your whining. Either you have a proper workload or you don't. Assuming that your workload is too much, then it's your boss's problem ... not yours. All you have to do is itemize your workload to your boss and ask him for guidance on how to prioritize the work in light of the corresponding deadlines. Don't be afraid to ask for the necessary resources.
However, if it's your problem, then learn to work smarter and faster.
assuming you're serious in above-this is standard mgmt response. in real life, this doesn't seem to do much from all that i've seen, and i've been on both ends of this. everything is a top priority nowadays.
What, you get to leave at noon and you're complaining?
You're not "overload" you're overloaded.
GargoyleWaiting
02-08-2010, 08:19 AM
"Hi boss, here's a list of all the work you've given me, and the deadlines. I'm not going to be able to get it all done in time, can you let me know which are the most important?"
For extra credit, go to them with your view of the priorities.
ishamael
02-08-2010, 08:53 AM
"Hi boss, here's a list of all the work you've given me, and the deadlines. I'm not going to be able to get it all done in time, can you let me know which are the most important?"
For extra credit, go to them with your view of the priorities.
Boss: All tasks are important. Deadlines are deadlines. You know what deadlines are? If you pass the line, you are dead! If you have to skip lunch then you have to skip lunch. If you have to work weekends, then you have to work weekends. You need to get things done.
And btw, this just came up. It's top priority, drop all other tasks and finish this first. And no, the deadlines for all other tasks cannot be changed. Deadlines are deadlines! Understand?
That's along the lines of what my boss would say. Glad that he's my ex-boss now...
Kool-Aid Man
02-08-2010, 08:59 AM
OP: Your English gives me the impression it's not your first language. Is it possible that you're working more slowly than your peers because of this language barrier?
GooseyGoose
02-08-2010, 09:17 AM
Dude wishes he could leave at 7pm. I don't think anyone mentioned it. 7pm! Unless you are coming in at 11am, then that's a raw deal. Sounds like the entire place is overworked, and not just this dude.
ishamael
02-08-2010, 09:45 AM
Dude wishes he could leave at 7pm. I don't think anyone mentioned it. 7pm! Unless you are coming in at 11am, then that's a raw deal. Sounds like the entire place is overworked, and not just this dude.
Sigh.... I wish I work somewhere like this.... where leaving at 7pm is considered overwork.
Generally in Asia, going home at 7pm is considered early. Some bosses even consider it a sin.
7 PM is very common in the US as well. Often later around year end.
actexp
02-08-2010, 10:17 AM
Boss: All tasks are important. Deadlines are deadlines. You know what deadlines are? If you pass the line, you are dead! If you have to skip lunch then you have to skip lunch. If you have to work weekends, then you have to work weekends. You need to get things done.
And btw, this just came up. It's top priority, drop all other tasks and finish this first. And no, the deadlines for all other tasks cannot be changed. Deadlines are deadlines! Understand?
That's along the lines of what my boss would say. Glad that he's my ex-boss now...
think we must have worked for the same person. Actually, in times like these, should be mindful that it is good simply to have a job. Let's see how much grief I get for that one....
Wigmeister General
02-08-2010, 10:30 AM
Boss: All tasks are important. Deadlines are deadlines. You know what deadlines are? If you pass the line, you are dead! If you have to skip lunch then you have to skip lunch. If you have to work weekends, then you have to work weekends. You need to get things done.
And btw, this just came up. It's top priority, drop all other tasks and finish this first. And no, the deadlines for all other tasks cannot be changed. Deadlines are deadlines! Understand?
That's along the lines of what my boss would say. Glad that he's my ex-boss now...
Well, boss, let me ask you this question. Assuming I miss the deadline on Project A, I know I'm gonna get fired. Are you gonna get fired, too?
Similar questions for Projects B, C, D ...
Colymbosathon ecplecticos
02-08-2010, 10:31 AM
You know what deadlines are? Deadlines are dates beyond which the deliverable isn't needed. If it isn't done by then, it isn't needed. So if you are going to miss a deadline, spend your time on a project that can be completed while it still has value.
sideout1212
02-08-2010, 10:34 AM
You know what deadlines are? Deadlines are dates beyond which the deliverable isn't needed. If it isn't done by then, it isn't needed. So if you are going to miss a deadline, spend your time on a project that can be completed while it still has value.
uhhhhhhhh what? Not all deadlines are as you say. Maybe technically that is what the word deadline means but it isn't used that way...ie due date and deadline are used pretty interchangeably.
actexp
02-08-2010, 10:45 AM
uhhhhhhhh what? Not all deadlines are as you say. Maybe technically that is what the word deadline means but it isn't used that way...ie due date and deadline are used pretty interchangeably.
To state the obvious. Some deadlines are real:a filing or certification is due to a state DOI by a date specified in statute. Some are totally bogus: boss is taking off for 2 weeks of golf and wants something done before he leaves,but no true urgency. And of course, lots of in-betweens. for most tasks, I believe ASA/FSA's can figure out appropriate priorities, and personally resent type A helicopter bosses who contribute very little to the process other than amping up the anxiety level
Darkness Falls
02-08-2010, 10:49 AM
Sigh.... I wish I work somewhere like this.... where leaving at 7pm is considered overwork.
Generally in Asia, going home at 7pm is considered early. Some bosses even consider it a sin.
How many hours a week do you usually work?
GargoyleWaiting
02-08-2010, 11:02 AM
Some deadlines are real:a filing or certification is due to a state DOI by a date specified in statute. Some are totally bogus: boss is taking off for 2 weeks of golf and wants something done before he leaves,but no true urgency.
Some pieces of work have to be done - other pieces of work don't.
Of those that have to be done, some have to be done by a certain date - others don't.
If you have too much work to do, work out which tasks fall into which category. If you can't, ask someone who can.
If the OP genuinely has too many tasks which have to be done, and by a certain date, then either:
- everyone else in the team has the same problem
- their manager doesn't know the OP has this problem
- their manager is a sadistic nut who's got it in for them
ishamael
02-08-2010, 11:37 AM
Well, boss, let me ask you this question. Assuming I miss the deadline on Project A, I know I'm gonna get fired. Are you gonna get fired, too?
Similar questions for Projects B, C, D ...
Usually what happens is we miss the given deadline on Project A, get chewed out by the boss for missing deadlines, and 3 weeks later we find out that the work product is still languishing in his in-tray, awaiting review. Ditto for Projects B, C, D.... Guess it's not that urgent....
IMO this only damages his own credibility with the staff. The next he comes running with that so urgent job everyone will start wondering whether it's as urgent as he makes it out to be.
kamek85
02-08-2010, 11:47 AM
You know what deadlines are? Deadlines are dates beyond which the deliverable isn't needed. If it isn't done by then, it isn't needed. So if you are going to miss a deadline, spend your time on a project that can be completed while it still has value.
This is possibly the stupidest post I've ever come across. And that's saying something...
Colymbosathon ecplecticos
02-08-2010, 11:58 AM
My model just finished running ... Saints will beat the Colts. Where can I place a bet?
My model just finished running ... Saints will beat the Colts. Where can I place a bet?
I don't think that saying this to your boss will get across the message that you are overloaded. :roll2:
Colymbosathon ecplecticos
02-08-2010, 12:20 PM
True, but it explains why you should focus on tasks that have achievable deadlines.
GargoyleWaiting
02-08-2010, 12:27 PM
True, but it explains why you should focus on tasks that have achievable deadlines.
Of course, you need to factor in the reaction of your boss on Saturday when you told him you'd miss the deadline.
I believe this example is one of those "has to be done by a certain date" tasks.
Not everything with a deadline actually has to be done by then, sometimes these are arbitrary dates and if things end up being a few days late then no one gets too mad.
Colymbosathon ecplecticos
02-08-2010, 12:31 PM
If only we had gone with the draft version, ready Sunday noon, that said "Saints win by 6 or more", but no, we had to rerun the model with the latest data (which was more favorable for the Saints) and sure enough it came up with "Saints win by 8 or more", but not until Monday morning.
glassjaws
02-08-2010, 12:35 PM
If only we had gone with the draft version, ready Sunday noon, that said "Saints win by 6 or more", but no, we had to rerun the model with the latest data (which was more favorable for the Saints) and sure enough it came up with "Saints win by 8 or more", but not until Monday morning.
Gee, how long did the model take to run last time? Why would it take a day all of a sudden? You dropped the ball in not communicating the limitations of your model to the management.
sideout1212
02-08-2010, 01:23 PM
My model just finished running ... Saints will beat the Colts. Where can I place a bet?
WOW, you are right, your deadline comment is now so clearly relevant to me.
kamek85
02-08-2010, 02:48 PM
True, but it explains why you should focus on tasks that have achievable deadlines.
No, it doesn't explain it, not that this is even necessarily true to begin with.
DudeMan
02-08-2010, 09:08 PM
teh OP is very tough to read. either english is not your first language or you're so burned out from work that you have stopped making sense (or both). either way, if you're complaining about long working hours this time of year, then i would like to say welcome to year end actuarial reporting. it sucks. just cross your fingers that your company did well last year and you'll get a big bonus to compensate for teh long hours.
ishamael
02-09-2010, 12:23 AM
How many hours a week do you usually work?
Usually start work at 9am
On average days go home around 8-9pm
Peak periods can be around 11pm-1am which is about 6 months out of 12.
During yearends, you are expected to work weekends. If you go home early (before midnight) or come in late during weekends (after 9am) , the boss will admonish you: "The year-end mood is not there yet."
(/iropracy
02-09-2010, 07:39 AM
I am sorry, this is unreasonable - you make minimum wage dude!
Canodia
02-09-2010, 10:15 AM
teh OP is very tough to read. either english is not your first language or you're so burned out from work that you have stopped making sense (or both). either way, if you're complaining about long working hours this time of year, then i would like to say welcome to year end actuarial reporting. it sucks. just cross your fingers that your company did well last year and you'll get a big bonus to compensate for teh long hours.
Ya, English is not my first language, and I am burned out, so that's difficult to comprehend. I know what year end reporting means, but the problem is that I have MORE work compared to last year, and everyone is leaving at 7pm (or 9pm the latest) while I am leaving at 3am.
Deadlines are tight and priorties keep changing, plus I have a perfectionist boss, I used 3 days to reconcile a figure just because it's not perfect.
Vorian Atreides
02-09-2010, 10:44 AM
. . . Deadlines are tight and priorties keep changing, plus I have a perfectionist boss . . .
How do your co-workers deal with this boss? Sometimes, a boss will use the "willing goat" (so to speak) to get their work done. I would suggest that you look at what you're boss is asking you to "quadruple check" and change this or that and evaluate it on the grounds of "would this work if it had to be 'turned in right now'?" If so, move on and come back to it if time allows. (My guess is that many of your co-workers are doing something similar.)
If you're worried that this might "reflect badly on you" (as in, losing face), it sounds like you have a tough choice to make.
sideout1212
02-09-2010, 10:45 AM
I am sorry, this is unreasonable - you make minimum wage dude!
I doubt he is making <30k per year so it doesn't work out to minimum wage but it sure as heck does work out to a very crappy pay rate unless he is making double normal salary. It sounds to me like he is working about 3500 hours a year (about double what I would consider normal).
Ya, English is not my first language, and I am burned out, so that's difficult to comprehend. I know what year end reporting means, but the problem is that I have MORE work compared to last year, and everyone is leaving at 7pm (or 9pm the latest) while I am leaving at 3am.
Deadlines are tight and priorties keep changing, plus I have a perfectionist boss, I used 3 days to reconcile a figure just because it's not perfect.
Your boss is a moron. He needs to understand the concept of marginal cost and marginal benefit. We're actuaries none of our figures are perfect, how could they be? Our mortality table is an estimate, God knows what happens to lapses when the yield curve moves, who the hell knows what'll happen to asset prepayments. Spending 3 days reconciling a number to n decimals is adding precision to an imprecise calculation to begin with.
GargoyleWaiting
02-09-2010, 10:59 AM
Your boss is a moron. He needs to understand the concept of marginal cost and marginal benefit. We're actuaries none of our figures are perfect, how could they be? Our mortality table is an estimate, God knows what happens to lapses when the yield curve moves, who the hell knows what'll happen to asset prepayments. Spending 3 days reconciling a number to n decimals is adding precision to an imprecise calculation to begin with.
:iatp:
I'd also be willing to bet that your boss has never worked outside of financial reporting.
DudeMan
02-09-2010, 12:23 PM
plus I have a perfectionist boss, I used 3 days to reconcile a figure just because it's not perfect.
i used to work for a guy like this. total flamer. i never understood how some people can be so anal.
Ya, English is not my first language, and I am burned out, so that's difficult to comprehend. I know what year end reporting means, but the problem is that I have MORE work compared to last year, and everyone is leaving at 7pm (or 9pm the latest) while I am leaving at 3am.
Deadlines are tight and priorties keep changing, plus I have a perfectionist boss, I used 3 days to reconcile a figure just because it's not perfect.
Do your colleagues who are leaving earlier work for the same boss? If so, maybe you could ask one of them for advice.
Do you know who was doing your job last year? Maybe you can ask them if there are tricks to do the work faster.
Have you clearly communicated to your boss exactly how many hours you are working?
plus I have a perfectionist boss, I used 3 days to reconcile a figure just because it's not perfect.
I don't know what your situation was, but if this was annual statement related, reconciling figures is not really optional. There are a million cross-checks between all the exhibits. If they don't balance, you have to find a way to make them balance. Ideally, the processes that generate the exhibits will have cross-checks built in, but if they don't, you certainly can spend a lot of time doing this.
Bottom line, anything in valuation is going to involve a lot of reconciliations.
Usually start work at 9am
On average days go home around 8-9pm
Peak periods can be around 11pm-1am which is about 6 months out of 12.
During yearends, you are expected to work weekends. If you go home early (before midnight) or come in late during weekends (after 9am) , the boss will admonish you: "The year-end mood is not there yet."I'm trying to imagine what someone would have to pay me to get me to work those hours.
Trying, and failing.
Well, I suppose that, for enough money, I'd work those hours for 6 months and retire.
DudeMan
02-12-2010, 10:18 AM
I'm trying to imagine what someone would have to pay me to get me to work those hours.
Trying, and failing.
Well, I suppose that, for enough money, I'd work those hours for 6 months and retire.
must be satisfying and reassuring to know you're better than other people on here
Vorian Atreides
02-12-2010, 10:49 AM
I'm trying to imagine what someone would have to pay me to get me to work those hours.
Trying, and failing.
Well, I suppose that, for enough money, I'd work those hours for 6 months and retire.
You should at least state any bias you have in making this determination/statement. Like are you currently employed?
Woodrow
02-12-2010, 02:30 PM
plus I have a perfectionist boss, I used 3 days to reconcile a figure just because it's not perfect.
Just taking this statement by itself, not considering your other commetns about your workload, this could be reasonable for many reasons. They could want you to get this number perfect beause:
1. It has to be, without knowing what number you're talking about I can't say
2. Finding the small error in this number could uncover a bigger problem
3. Digging into the details could be\ very educational for you, if this is the goal your boss is making a sacrifice knowing that they are educating you for your own good (and the futrue good of your employer) while not getting work from you right now
You should at least state any bias you have in making this determination/statement. Like are you currently employed?Not at the moment.
must be satisfying and reassuring to know you're better than other people on hereI don't understand why my dis-preference to work 3rd-world subsistence hours when I'm a skilled and educated professional in the United States make you feel I'm better than anyone else. Please explain.
DudeMan
02-15-2010, 03:46 PM
I don't understand why my dis-preference to work 3rd-world subsistence hours when I'm a skilled and educated professional in the United States make you feel I'm better than anyone else. Please explain.
what you described was a little stronger than just a dis-preference. You pretty much said there is no amount of money that can persuade you to work such hours. That's a personal choice and i'm fine with that, but imo it comes off as an insult to teh OP. Teh job market is rough right now and one may consider onself lucky for even having a job at teh moment. your one post above sounds as if you're not even currently working. if this is true, it must be nice to be unemployed AND have teh luxury to be so picky. for most of teh rest of us, this is not a viable option.
Vorian Atreides
02-15-2010, 03:47 PM
Not at the moment.
How are your bills paid? How do you manage to feed yourself?
ditkaworshipper
02-15-2010, 06:18 PM
As much as I agree with you in principle QMO, be careful how you phrase things. I hadn't heard of people working like this in actuarial roles, and this sounds more like IB expectations for hours. I avoided that route like the plague for that exact reason.
OP, you have to tell your boss about this problem because I'm guessing your work could be going into a downward spiral due to lack of sleep. Your boss needs to know that you need a break.
How are your bills paid? How do you manage to feed yourself?It hasn't been that long, yet. We've got some savings, etc.
what you described was a little stronger than just a dis-preference. You pretty much said there is no amount of money that can persuade you to work such hours.Pretty much.That's a personal choice and i'm fine with that, but imo it comes off as an insult to teh OP.Not at all.
What you're taking as insulting to the OP is actually a reflection of a couple of personal beliefs/preferences:
1. I don't believe that I'll have to sacrifice that much of my time with my family to support them.
2. Past a certain point, additional money does not mean additional incentive.Teh job market is rough right now and one may consider onself lucky for even having a job at teh moment. your one post above sounds as if you're not even currently working. if this is true, it must be nice to be unemployed AND have teh luxury to be so picky. for most of teh rest of us, this is not a viable option.I don't believe that the job market at the moment (in my fields anyway) is such that I'll be forced to work such hours to have what seems to me to be a good-paying job. And even if I'm wrong about that, I'd rather drastically reduce our standard of living than remove myself from daily interaction with my family.
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