ResumesResumes
InterviewsInterviews
Cover LettersCover Letters
Job Seeker TipsJob Seeker Tips
Beginner BasicsBeginner Basics
In the WorkplaceIn the Workplace
Work/LifeWork/Life
Build Your
Resume With
Our Easy Wizard
Get A
Professionally
Written
Resume
Try Our
Professional
Cover Letter
Service
Home > Blog: In the Workplace > What To Do When Your Boss Messes with Your Workload

What To Do When Your Boss Messes with Your Workload

Here's a scenario: Your boss emails you about a project she wants to hand over to you, one that had always been her responsibility. Adding insult to injury, it's not even part of your regular job. (Example: You're a graphic designer who makes print ads, and your boss wants you to write press releases...where's the connection?).

She wants you to do this because she's "swamped with other, more important things" (not because it's part of your workload, or because it'll benefit or challenge you). The problem here? You're just as swamped as she is, and can't see how you'll be able to fit this new project into your schedule.

This is where prioritizing your workload becomes hugely important. You know you're swamped, but you don't know exactly how bogged down you are unless you have a clear outline that proves it. By outlining your priorities, you can determine if you can handle this new project, or if you have to push back and ask your boss to come up with another solution. Here's how:

  1. Create a list of everything you're working on, plus everything you've been tasked to do as soon as you finish those projects.
  2. Note how long each task will take you to complete, then try to find some wiggle room in the list. It helps to know when the new project needs to be completed, along with an estimate of how much time it'll suck out of your day(s). Your boss should be able to provide that information.
  3. If you can't find a good place for it, and you don't have the power to decide if you can delay another project in favor of completing the new one, you'll have to request your boss's input. Send her the list you created above and simply ask "Where do you think this fits in so I can properly prioritize my projects?"

With luck, you'll get a thoughtful response and your boss will have settled the prioritization for you. Otherwise, she'll tell you to use your best judgment and you're back to step 2. In that case, you'll just have to suck it up and make it work!

RELATED LINKS
Poll: Why To-Do Lists Will Save Your Job
Wanna Tell Off Your Boss? Do It Here
When Bosses Make Hotheaded Decisions

Ready To Jump Start Your Job Search?
Looking for Help with Your Job Search?
Pongo has been helping Job Seekers for over 10 years. If you think our articles are great, try our Resume Builder, Letter Builder and Exclusive Interview Strategy Videos! Our easy-to-use tools and expert advice have helped over 70% of our Members get the job they want! Learn More »
Like what you see?
Join over 4.6 million Pongo Members — and let us help you land your dream job.
Pongo Raves
Nurse Finds Fulfillment in New Position
Deanna was unhappy in her current job but didn't know how to go about making a change. She explains how Pongo helped her target her resume to land a great position as a Pediatric Nurse.
Learn More About Pongo
More Success Stories