Hi all,
I am looking at moving into project management but I have some friends who work in the oil and gas PM side of the industry and they say that though it pays extremely well you basically live your job. 10 hours minimum a day, no life, it's all work, work, work, not good if you have a family.
Could anyone in a different industry in PM care to comment whether this is accurate across the board? I don't mind working hard for a period to establish a skillset or develope industry knowledge and abilities but I want to work to live, not live to work. Is it possible to 'leave the job at work' and go home each day working semi-normal hours?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated...
Day in a PMs Life
Hi Danzka,
I guess it's what you mean by semi-normal hours. For me as an IT Project Manager 10 hour days are fairly normal and longer at critical periods.
Most project managers I know work long hours to deliver their projects. The busiest times are usually during initiation and launch.
It's not easy, but very rewarding when you deliver a successful project.
In terms of other industries, I have PM friends and colleagues in banking and digital agencies who also work very long hours.
Good luck!
Cheers,
Duncan
I guess it's what you mean by semi-normal hours. For me as an IT Project Manager 10 hour days are fairly normal and longer at critical periods.
Most project managers I know work long hours to deliver their projects. The busiest times are usually during initiation and launch.
It's not easy, but very rewarding when you deliver a successful project.
In terms of other industries, I have PM friends and colleagues in banking and digital agencies who also work very long hours.
Good luck!
Cheers,
Duncan
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joe-pictofigo
- New Member
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Wed 09 Nov 2011 8:48 am
Time management is extremely important. I believe, PMs who works longer than normal is not capable to plan the work properly.
An extended hours in the job is only justifiable if the PM is doing just the interfacing job, with the project stakeholders.
A word of wisdom: One needs to realize that 8 hours are really long. If one can plan the 8 hours properly they can do wonders.
Regards,
p!
(http://www.pictofigo.com)
Twitter: @pictofigo
facebook: pictofigo
An extended hours in the job is only justifiable if the PM is doing just the interfacing job, with the project stakeholders.
A word of wisdom: One needs to realize that 8 hours are really long. If one can plan the 8 hours properly they can do wonders.
Regards,
p!
(http://www.pictofigo.com)
Twitter: @pictofigo
facebook: pictofigo
Hi,
Here is a few ideas that may help you manage your time better.
Six Time Management Tips for Project Managers
As Joe says, make sure you stick to managing the project and avoid getting involved in carryout product level tasks. Concentrate on steering the project to a successful conclusion.
Cheers,
Duncan
Here is a few ideas that may help you manage your time better.
Six Time Management Tips for Project Managers
As Joe says, make sure you stick to managing the project and avoid getting involved in carryout product level tasks. Concentrate on steering the project to a successful conclusion.
Cheers,
Duncan
I have now been presented with two sides of the case :-)
a) PMs generally work a 10 hour day.
b) PMs can (mostly) accomplish everything they need to in 8 hrs if they don't get bogged down in details or micro-managing.
PM appeals to me more as it involves managing people, which I enjoy the challenge of, operating at the big picture level, which I like, and is very goal orientated, which is satisfying. However I would sacrifice all this for a lifestyle that let me live and be able to go home to my family each night at an hour where I can still be a good dad. My other option is to go into project controls which doesn't have the time demands that PMs (possibly???) do.
Anyone care to comment further on this? Your input would be greatly appreciated as this is the rest of my life here... :-D
a) PMs generally work a 10 hour day.
b) PMs can (mostly) accomplish everything they need to in 8 hrs if they don't get bogged down in details or micro-managing.
PM appeals to me more as it involves managing people, which I enjoy the challenge of, operating at the big picture level, which I like, and is very goal orientated, which is satisfying. However I would sacrifice all this for a lifestyle that let me live and be able to go home to my family each night at an hour where I can still be a good dad. My other option is to go into project controls which doesn't have the time demands that PMs (possibly???) do.
Anyone care to comment further on this? Your input would be greatly appreciated as this is the rest of my life here... :-D
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joe-pictofigo
- New Member
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Wed 09 Nov 2011 8:48 am
Hello,
First of all, Thank you Duncan for the link. It was filled with information. I took a print of it and going to discuss that with my team. I hope you don't mind for that.
Back to the topic "Danzka", It is important to spend good quality time with your family since it is for them that you work. People normally tends to forget this priority.
As a project manager it is important to "FOCUS" on the project and stakeholders. Always think from project perspective. I personally found that helpful in proper execution of the project.
By the way, are you a project manager or you are thinking of taking up the challenge as your career?
Regards,
p!
(http://www.pictofigo.com)
First of all, Thank you Duncan for the link. It was filled with information. I took a print of it and going to discuss that with my team. I hope you don't mind for that.
Back to the topic "Danzka", It is important to spend good quality time with your family since it is for them that you work. People normally tends to forget this priority.
As a project manager it is important to "FOCUS" on the project and stakeholders. Always think from project perspective. I personally found that helpful in proper execution of the project.
By the way, are you a project manager or you are thinking of taking up the challenge as your career?
Regards,
p!
(http://www.pictofigo.com)