This is an e-mail I sent to the creators of Skoach, a web-based time management tool currently in Beta form. I was trying to explain why I quite using the website, but thought it would be a great explanation to anyone else of why I struggle at work. Of course, you know I can't just write a quick five line reply. Just my nature ... anyway here it is!
I am a computer programmer in a central engineering organization for a tire manufacturer. I support an application which is used in 5 different plants with varying equipment and levels of upgrades. I manage small projects, receive support requests on a daily basis, and administer the Unix systems and databases on which this application relies. On a typical day, I may start out working on a support request from one plant or project related task (which is usually behind schedule) only to be dragged into a meeting, or receive a support request from another plant via phone, e-mail, meeting, or discussion.
I have a hard time saying no or later to an internal customer who is having a real or imagined crisis. Usually, I drop what I'm doing to handle their request if I think I can do it in an hour or two. Also usually, I am wrong in my estimates and it takes longer than I expected. Many times I have been avoiding returning phone calls or e-mail requests because I can't give them the answer I think they expect. So, when they do get through, I feel guilty and try my best to accommodate their request. By and large, my customers are quite forgiving and understanding. However, I feel like a heel for not being able to do what they need (want?) when they need (want?) it. I am not in a position to say what is a want or need because I've never worked in their position. And by the way, my system is a quality control system, so it's pretty important to improving the plant's efficiency in an ever tightening market.
Of course, while I'm off attending a request or pursuing an improvement which I believe will make their work easier, I'm getting further behind on my project work/paperwork. Unfortunately, my boss is not overly concerned with the help requests; he is more focused on the project work because our organization is primarily an engineering group, not a support group. Certainly he recognizes that they need to be done, but prefers I focus more on project work than on everyday support.
So, I'm constantly struggling within myself. My ADD makes me enjoy diversions more than paperwork/etc. I am taking medication, but I need a system to help me control and balance this chaos. I have tried just about everything I have seen: Franklin planners/Daytimers, multiple versions of PDAs (at least 6 through the years, Palm and Windows), MS Outlook, homemade systems, simple notebooks, GTD, Tony Robbins, moleskines with personal adaptations, LifeBalance, web based systems, you name it. If I haven't tried it, I will.
Currently, I am using my Palm TREO 650 with Palm desktop, and a PHP based system installed on one of my servers called PHProjekt (open source). It seems to keep track of help requests, project tasks, and working hours fairly well, but is only available when logged into my work network.
My project dates and deadlines are constantly shifting and usually contingent on something or someone beyond my control. And I'm usually not made aware when things change. I don't even believe in dates anymore. I'm sure it's not unique, but I really do believe they have cut staff to the point where we can never meet expectations. So most of us just adopt a siege mentality of "do what I can while I'm here and don't care if it doesn't get done." I think most of the time/task management systems presume that some things in your work environment can be or are controlled. The only thing I can control is my code and systems. Most of the time, my days are like three ring circuses and I'm an invisible ringmaster.
Sorry to gripe or unload on you, but perhaps you have a better perspective and can suggest something I haven't tried. Also, maybe it can help you with the design of Skoach. I really wish it were available on my PDA, but syncing it would be tough unless it synced with the Palm desktop.
So what about Skoach didn't work? Not having access to it all the time is probably the biggest thing. Also, not having time to enter all the things I have outstanding on my plate. Not being able to (or taking the time to) record the distractions that happen during the day. I did have some issues with usability. I use FireFox and most of the time the calendar popup was messed up. Also, I never got the quick task option on the calendar.
I must say that this wasn't my most determined attempt to use a new system because I've kind of given up on electronic systems. I'm about ready to go back to a paper planner and use my Palm as a reminder system. Do what I can and forget about the rest. If they fire me, maybe I'll become a gardener or something. But seriously, I've seen incompetence go "unrewarded" for so long in the management ranks, I'm not really too worried. I suppose it's the death of my work ethic. I do worry about my customers because some of them have become close friends, but we all seem to be in similar positions. More work than can possibly be done; management totally out of touch and control.
Well, believe it or not, I really do enjoy my work (or at least the programming side). I used to worry a lot about not meeting my customers expectations. Maybe it's the Lexapro or maybe it's getting tired of the stress of being overwhelmed, but I don't care so much anymore.
I'll try to give Skoach another try because I really like the idea of a program targeted at ADD people. And I think it's probably the most user friendly web-based program I've ever seen.
Please let me know if there is anything you can recommend. I'll try to make Skoach work.
Thanks for your time.On 7/11/07, Kathleen Nadeau wrote:--Would be interested to hear more about your problems related to style and type of work.
Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D.On 7/6/07, I > wrote:Can't write much right now. Will comment later, but mostly had problems with my style/type of work.On 7/6/07, Kathleen Nadeau at skoach> wrote:Dear Skoach™ Beta Volunteer,
We'd really appreciate a quick reply to this email!
We've noticed that you stopped using Skoach™. Simply reply to this email, please, and let us know what changed your interest in Skoach™ so that we can improve our product for others with ADD.
