What is it about going on vacation that brings deadlines out of the woodwork?

[grace0418]

When I worked at a desk job, I thought it was because I put in my vacation request. As soon as my boss would see I was going to be gone for a few days, she'd panic and give me a whole bunch of work that absolutely needed to be done before I left. So it seems like every time I'm going somewhere I end up not being able to pack until the last minute because I've been working a bunch of overtime.

But now I'm a freelancer, and I haven't even told any of my clients that I'll be out of town from the 21-27th yet. But yesterday and today I started getting multiple emails and phone calls with last-minute projects that have tight deadlines. It's like the universe knows or something.

[raccoon]

1. With some bosses, it might be that if you're going on some big trip,

they're envious, and that's how they act it out.

I know some of my previous bosses who, if I'd had a big trip planned, say to somewhere in Europe, would've acted like it was questionable whether I could take the time from work to go, like I was SOOOOOOOO indispensable. Of course, the reality being that they were envious.

[grace0418]

3. Yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about.

And that always seemed like part of it for me. But how do you explain my clients getting all project-happy when they don't even know I'm leaving town? It's bizarre.

[Symarip]

2. Tell them you spilled beer on your project while you were driving your kids to school.

Then ask for an extra week or two.

[tigereye]

4. yeah, I always have a bunch of reports that have to be done beforehand...