Are we really in control of our own time management when we get more burdens put on us every day?
Are we really in control of our time when in day to day situations, I'm faced with helping students that come to me with different problems that sometimes NEED immediate response? I find this very difficult to believe. I feel that if you are to do your job correctly, you need to solve problems as they occur.
I have worked under a number of administrators, and I find that some who are micromanagers who make it very difficult to control my time by setting priorities. It always seems that such people are setting priorities for me. I work much better with the ones who allow me to make my own lists, and prioritize the tasks that I have to do.
I agree that it can be an overwhelming feeling. I find I don't have difficulty discerning between more or less urgent or important tasks; however, I do find that, as others have mentioned, there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day to deal with what is being requested of us, either on a long or short term basis. This seems to be a symptom of the economy, and financial pressures being placed upon us from administrative sources, likely due to their own pressures. In the end, even when completing the most pressing needs first, it is difficult to see a light at the end of the tunnel when instead of just one or two new issues or tasks replace the one we just completed, there are a handful, elongating the list every time it's assessed. I often feel that it must just be a part-timer's problem, as we are restricted to a specific set of hours for budgetary reasons, but I see that it just doubles for those with double the hours. I just try to stay relaxed by telling myself that it's obvious that we're working and accomplishing things, but our supervisors have to know that it is only physically possible to do so much in a given amount of time, and if they find they need more done more quickly, they'll eventually have to give in and hire back-up! (I'm no economist, but isn't that the theory of upply & demand?) I guess it's just a matter of all parties involved understanding that one has to maintain a healthy state of realism, particularly given the pressures that this economic environment has forced upon us. Others you're just placing undue stress on yourself that will lead to unrealistic expectations and burn out.
David, Sometimes it feels like our work never ends. As we finish tasks on our lists, new tasks come in. The key is to establish a cut off each day. We must make a plan to accomplish certain things on our lists and also understand that other tasks may not be accomplished until tomorrow.
Dr. Melissa Read
there's a mouth full. but SO true it seems like everytime I get rid of the worst stress situation I get two more?? HOW can I get ever ahead but I (we) somehow do. Finishing the pain in the butt probem or dealing with that student that has trouble learning the material is such a great feeling
Indeed. We must balance keeping students on task for their professional development with keeping them happy to meet the needs of our administrations.
Sometimes students have immediate needs that are immediate because they fail to plan. However, in order to provide customer service we must respond to those needs in a reasonable amount of time.
I agree that there will always be certain things that come up that needs immediate attention for valid reasons.
This is true. There are important individual differences to consider. Some people are great at putting things into perspective. Others struggle to find that perspective.
I think that how we control the "burdens" is what gives us control. We all have things to do on a daily basis, but some people are just more effective at managing those tasks than others.
This is a tough problem Mike. I recommend handling student issues immediately when it comes to priority tasks like registration. But I recommend scheduling meetings for non priority tasks. Only you know the difference between priority and non priority, based on your goals as an instructor and the goals of your administration.
I completely agree except when faced with the fact that I should be helping every student that walks into my office (especially in cases of registration) it's tough to juggle priorities. I may be looking at this differently because I see it from a program chair's perspective. I do agree that we shouldn't drop everything every time to fix someone's problem. My question is, where is the fine line between helping a student out immediately and asking them to schedule a future meeting when we're pushed to do anything and everything to help accommodate students, especially with registration?
I like that saying. It shouldn't equal an emergency on my part, but I find it hard to not react to a students panic. I hope to learn to keep my "to do" list in order so that I can react to the students request with time to spare.
Indeed. Procrastination on their part should not equal emergency on yours.
It does seem that sometimes a student's immediate issue takes over our own well thought out plans. (And in some cases can derail our whole day) But I think it is important to teach them that their lack of planning does not always constitute a crisis on our part. Teaching them time management is important too.
There are some tasks that need to be dealt with immediately. Students seeking your help in a crisis are the perfect example. Effective time management is about learning to spot these urgent tasks and deal with them quickly, but also to discern those that are less urgent and make them a lesser priority.
