How can I tell my boss that I can't work on 2 projects at the same time?

Question

The problem is that I actually have 2 bosses that I work for.

I've been working for almost a year and a half with my first boss on this web site, and actually it's not finished yet and the second boss has been waiting for me to finish it in order to start with him this project.

I told him that I'm already working in the website and it's not finished yet, and he told me that he's been waiting for almost a year to start this project so he can't wait any longer.

I told the first boss about this problem and he told me that we are not in a hurry so if the second boss wants something you can do it for him.

So, when the second boss gives me some tasks and at the same time the first boss gives me tasks and I know I won't be able to focus on both.

I don't know what to do really, I'm sick of these inconsiderate people who think I have like six hands.

My work is sensitive and I need to stay focused on one thing.

I can't work like that for the rest of my life. What should I do?

Answer 1

Talk to them both at the same time. Tell them you want to give them 100%. But, you can't if you're always stressed out. It's not your fault that the boss has taken this long on the project. He is the boss, and for that reason you're not responsible for his lagging on something. So, be honest, straight forward and let them both know. I hope this helps and you have a great day.  

Answer 2

If I had five projects, I would still be able to deal with.

All you have to do is allocate your time collectively for each project and prioritize what you have to do first.

Give estimates to your bosses after you've prioritized what you're going to do first and how long it will take, as well as you've taken into consideration of other tasks.

My opinion to you is to buy a calendar, and write on what days you're going to do what project. That way, you have a clearer picture and more sound promising estimates as to when you'll complete the projects.

You must learn how to time manage your projects. Read some time management skills also on the web.

Hope that helps

Answer 3

Learn to do both. Prioritize your work. Working for a year on a project that is still unfinished is too slow !

Or get another job.

Answer 4

Before I take a job I find out who exactly is in charge and will be giving the orders.  The rest I ignore.  I cannot keep multiple people happy at one time.  

Answer 5

if you can talk to them at the same time please do.Try to find solutions like getting a personal assistant or support from other staff members.

Answer 6

Hi!

  hey the same type of problem which i faced in my previous office. Where  one of my boss a lady who said to me do this project first & another boss said u should've to do this, and u know the interesting thing,its was also a website development work.

                                        So, u know wht I did, I gave the priority of that work on which is going on,if another boss said me to do another work, i discussed abt the project & after it I always told him/her , One project is in runnning state sir/mam, so whenever the first one will be finish, immediately i'll work on this project.i've already dicuss abt this project nd i understand ur need,so i'll finish the previous project first nd do it later else the first will be never complte if i'll start this one, nd this dilemma will also affect ur project. i told all abt to both boss politely, they just said , try to finish the running project as soon as possible.

& in my opinion the best thing with u that ur both boss is very polite with u nd ur work  & they respect urwork which is the best part with u, so tell the truth nd do ur work & always listen to ur heart what is good nd what u want to do in this situation.Just do it nd tell me what happen?

Answer 7

Let them know that you will be keeping them informed of your projects via email (as well?) and send 1 email to both noting the projects you are working on and the estimated completion time for each

As someone else said a yr is a long time

As someone else said if it doesn't improve quit- but if you like your job try to work out a system- there's always a way

Answer 8

being one who wears more then 1 hat in my job!

i do sales assistant work and web work and anything else i can get!

what i found that works for me is spending a set amount of time on each project! and write out a plan on how to finish the larger projects!

so i spend the beginning of my day planning!

1. write down the 2 most important task that needs to be done!  and 5 other tasks that need to be done but are easy and quick maybe i can do that while i'm on the phone!  or something else!

2. take the large project and break it down to easy steps! and start steppin!!!  set a time limit and see how much i can get done in 1 hour!

repeat with all large projects  if i only have 2 projects then i go back to the 1st one and then the 2nd one back and forth untill it's completed!

your right you can not focus on two projects at the same time!  so don't!  Give each projects it's own time!  log your work if your worried on what one boss my say!

and ask to have them both infront of you!  and ask them both to pick what is most important!

when i'm overwhelmed i give my todo list to my boss and he will tell me what ones to work on first if i'm over loaded!

Answer 9

The positive thing is that both of them respect your work!  And I think you yourself know the answer to your problem.  You just need to select the job you will be able to better focus on and reject the other, and convey it to the person concerned in a polite manner.

Answer 10

Well you talked to both your bosses and the first boss seems quite reasonable.. he told you that what you are doing for him is not that important.. that if the 2nd boss has given you a project and has been waiting for almost 1 year to get it started then you should do that.. he gave you the go ahead to concentrate on the project boss nr. 2 gave you and if in the future there are any problems you have to get together with both bosses and communicate and tell them if it's really a project that takes a long time.. they have to work it out between themselves which project takes priority..  and that's the project you will work on.. For now your first boss made it clear to you that you can go ahead and start on the project for your second boss who has been waiting for almost a year.. he said.. his stuff can wait.. so get started on this project...x*x