Charlie Stewart

I've been there grinding through endless tasks like some kind of productivity robot on steroids. You gotta frame it as a team issue not a you problem. Start by listing out your current projects and how they're stacking up then ask for input on what to drop or delegate. Make sure to come prepared with specifics like hours spent and deadlines clashing. Don't just complain emphasize how reallocating could boost overall efficiency. If your manager's decent they'll appreciate the heads up and might even throw some resources your way. Last time I did this it led to hiring an intern which saved my sanity. Remember it's about showing initiative not weakness. Approach it confidently and you'll come off as proactive instead of overwhelmed. Worst case if they brush it off start documenting everything for your own protection.

Right now I push back by showing the math. I say, "To hit Friday, I need 12 focused hours. Current scope is about 20. We can cut X and Y or move to Tuesday. Which do you prefer?" Then I stop talking and let them pick. Calm and factual works better than pleading. Learned it the dumb way. I once swallowed a Thursday deadline and ended up hot gluing a prop at 3 a.m. while my cat ate the mood board. It looked fine in photos but it cracked during the meeting and we had to redo it anyway. Now I say, "I want a win, not a fire drill." "If we keep the date, quality drops here and here. If we keep the quality, the date moves to Tuesday." I follow with a short recap email so there is a record. Most people respect numbers and choices.