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Gabrielle Easton for Our Time For Tech

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Reflecting on handling workloads

As we continue working on the Shiftwork App, the workloads are becoming very heavy. Every day there are new bugs that we discover, PRs that are up to review, and with all of that, you need to continue working on your assigned tasks which a lot of times include the research before the implementation. I am learning a lot about handling my workload.

I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. It gives me a feeling of drive and empowers me to own the project. With that comes the challenge of managing your time and learning how to prioritize your work to complete all the tasks and make sure you deliver quality results.

Our team has a great structure in place. We have set ways of communication, daily stand-ups, and weekly meetings. This helps a lot to stay focused and be aware of the scope of the project.

When it comes to independent work, I've realized I need to do more to stay productive. I schedule the tasks I will be working on the night before. I move uncompleted tasks to the next day. I plan the most complex task to be done at my most productive hours. Yes, knowing your most productive hours can be a lifesaver. I remember to reach out to my team if I am blocked on anything with the project. I see the importance of daily stand-ups and keeping close communication with my team.

And most importantly, I learn to remember to take breaks and spend time away from the computer. My way to recharge is to get out into nature. I take regular walks at East River Park in my local neighborhood. Planning, prioritizing, and not forgetting about rest are the ways to stay healthy and be a productive engineer.

Photo by José Martín Ramírez Carrasco on Unsplash

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