multi tasking madness... 3

[elmurado]

Yes, it is finally beginning to happen. I am slowly slipping into multi tasking madness. I work for the Australian regional HO of one of the biggest sandwich chains in the world. I am basically the IT manager(but of course they don't want to call me that)
I have to be:
sysadmin/helpdesk/policy writer/enforcer/hardware tech/app specialist/equipment researcher purchaser/budgeting etc etc.

Also, I am being put in charge of the store helpdesk which provides software support to 800+ stores. More work for same money--woo-hoo. My boss is giving it up as he is burning out from doing 50-60 hour weeks and juggling more projects the Bronx...

How do people manage this?
If I'm in the middle of a project to rollout workstations faster and a helpdesk call comes through then I'm supposed to drop that BUT I'm still expected to setup machines for everyone at speed and then troubleshoot why someone's fax isn't coming through to their email and then add new users to the VOip phone system.
Luckily, I suffer from mild MPD and this is sometimes possible--but only if I stop taking my meds...(twitch,twitch)
Help me Tek-Tips...you're my only hope...

 

[Grenage]

It sounds like you're in pretty much the same position as me. It's a fun game, isn't it?

Just prioritise and fit the smaller jobs in where you can. If you don't have time, you don't have time. A little nonchalance can go a long way!

 

[DPlank]

Agree with Granage.

Do what you can, the rest just has to wait. Unless they'll hire a few of your other personalities as well..or even an assistant or two perhaps?

Dave

"Probably the only Test Analyst on Tek-Tips"

Take a look at Forum1393 & sign up if you'd like

 

[elmurado]

Thanks guys. I keep trying to get as much done without resorting to life sapping o/t.
My asking has resulted in 'half' an employee(oompah loompah perhaps) being sought-to replace the full job my boss does at the mo.
I smell a pay rise at least...oh and a few more projects...

 

[Onyxpurr]

Well, at least accept it as a good indicator for being good at what you do. If you weren't, people wouldn't trust you with all these projects.

In previous and current lives, these things have helped me with a heavy workload...

1) Start keeping a master project/task list. You should be tracking what the project/task is, who it's from, the priority, your eta, their deadline, and how long it actually took.

2) If you have conflicting priorities either a) take it to the customers with those conflicting tasks and communicate to them what kind of issues you're having and see if they would be willing to extend their deadline or b) inform your immediate of the conflicts and ask for some assistance priortizing

3) ALWAYS communicate to the (internal) customer what the status of the request is, when you'll be able to finish it and especially if you think you're eta will not meet with their deadline

4) Run through your tasks every once in awhile to ensure your ETA is about the same as the actual time it took you to complete tasks, if not adjust accordingly the ETA time you're giving your customers.

5) Share your tasks with your boss on a regular basis. Show them what constraints you're working under as well as your accomplishments. This especially comes in handy when review time comes around

6) Ask your customers if there is anyone who can help them out with their issue or build a 'goto' list of people you could perhaps share the workload with every once in awhile. Ask your boss if they have anyone in mind that could help you out from time to time.

Hope this helps!!!

 

[elmurado]

Thanks Onyx, I have started doing some of what you suggested but have to admit that no. 5 is an excellent idea. i think that would make me feel better/less stressed etc.