The Clearly Podcast
A Day in the Life
Summary
Today's episode is all about the daily routines of IT consultants. Their days are diverse, but common themes include frequent meetings, project management, and client interactions. In the initial weeks of a project, much time is spent discussing goals and methods. Basic tasks only require minimal computing power at first, but as projects progress, more powerful equipment becomes necessary.
Interruptions during the workday, such as ad hoc support requests, can disrupt focus and extend the time needed to complete tasks. Remote work has reduced minor interruptions since clients can't walk up to consultants, but breaking concentration for small tasks remains an issue.
Taking breaks is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. Stepping away from the screen for activities like walking the dog can provide a fresh perspective and solve problems quicker. The culture of presenteeism, where being present is valued over actual productivity, is counterproductive. Remote work has highlighted that constant presence doesn't equate to productivity.
Clients often focus on task completion rather than constant availability. Communicating realistic timelines is essential, especially when quick demos set unrealistic expectations. Building robust and scalable solutions takes time, with modeling and data work taking up most of the effort.
Traveling to client sites can seem glamorous but quickly becomes exhausting, disrupting personal routines. Remote work allows for healthier habits and better work-life balance. Weekends can get disrupted if time isn't managed well, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries to prevent work from taking over personal time.
Balancing billable work with necessary administrative tasks is crucial for long-term success. There's a desire to cluster meetings together for longer focus periods and to spend more time on strategic growth and administration rather than direct project tasks. Managing administrative tasks better can help focus on billable work.
Key Takeaways:
IT consultants' days are filled with meetings, client interactions, and development work.
Interruptions and ad hoc tasks can break the flow and reduce productivity.
Taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and mental health.
Remote work has reduced minor interruptions but requires self-discipline.
Balancing billable work with necessary administrative tasks is crucial.
Setting realistic expectations with clients about timelines is important.
Travel can be exhausting and disrupt personal routines, making remote work preferable for many.
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Transcript
Tom:
Today's episode is all about our daily routines as IT consultants.
Andy:
Our days are diverse, but there are common themes. Tom, what does your day look like?
Tom:
I have many meetings, especially for project management and client requirements. The first weeks of a project are filled with discussions about goals and methods. My laptop doesn't need much power initially, just enough for basic tasks.
Andy:
So, you spend a lot of time talking. Shailan, what about you?
Shailan:
Lots of chatting too. My laptop uses more than 16GB of RAM, so I've had to upgrade. Tom, you decide which machines we need, right?
Tom:
Yes, and it often involves upgrading as projects progress. Early project stages require less computing power.
Andy:
What about interruptions during your workday?
Shailan:
Ad hoc support can be disruptive. Tasks that seem quick can take much longer than expected.
Tom:
Breaking focus for small tasks can be harmful. Remote work has reduced minor interruptions since clients can't just walk up to us.
Shailan:
Agreed. Development flow can be easily broken by client requests. We try to log every task to manage time better.
Andy:
I take breaks by walking my dog. It's important to step away from the screen.
Tom:
It's crucial to take breaks to avoid burnout. Sometimes, a fresh look after a break solves problems quicker.
Andy:
I find mornings more productive. Working from home or the client site, taking breaks is essential.
Tom:
The culture of presenteeism is counterproductive. Remote work has shown that being present doesn't always mean being productive.
Andy:
Customers should understand we stop the clock when taking breaks. It's all about delivering quality work.
Shailan:
Yes, clients focus on task completion, but we must communicate realistic timelines.
Andy:
Quick demos can set unrealistic expectations. Building robust models takes time.
Tom:
Building scalability and robustness in reports is time-consuming but necessary.
Shailan:
Modeling and data work take most of our time. Visualizations are quicker once the data is right.
Tom:
Clients often underestimate the time required for robust solutions.
Andy:
How much time do you spend traveling to clients?
Shailan:
Not much currently. Traveling can be exhausting and disrupts personal routines.
Tom:
Traveling frequently can seem glamorous but gets old quickly.
Andy:
Hotel stays and restaurant meals lose their appeal over time.
Tom:
Remote work allows for healthier habits and better work-life balance.
Shailan:
My weekends can get disrupted if I don't manage my time well.
Tom:
Setting boundaries is important to prevent work from taking over personal time.
Andy:
Taking breaks is vital for maintaining productivity and mental health.
Tom:
Clients and consultancies should value output over constant presence.
Andy:
What would you like to do more or less of in your workdays?
Tom:
I want to cluster meetings and have longer focus periods.
Shailan:
Focus more on strategic growth and administration, less on direct project tasks.
Andy:
I'd like to do more business development and less unnecessary meetings.
Shailan:
Perfectionism can make us spend too much time on tasks.
Tom:
Scattered meetings throughout the day are frustrating.
Andy:
Managing admin tasks better can help focus on billable work.
Tom:
Balancing billable and non-billable tasks is crucial for long-term success.
Andy:
We'll take a break next week due to scheduling conflicts. Stay tuned for exciting upcoming guests.
Shailan:
Thanks for listening. We'll update you soon.
Tom:
Yes, we have some exciting episodes planned. Stay tuned.
Andy:
I've been Andy Clark, and you've been wonderful. See you in a couple of weeks.