The One with the Overworked Bean Counter...

 - Vancouver, British Columbia -

"Dear Nathan,

My boss is a douchebag. Truthfully, I hate him. He puts so much pressure on me and doesn't seem to understand why I can't meet his unrealistic deadlines. I work very hard, and I realize that every slacker says this, BUT hear me out. I come in every weekend on my DAYS OFF, but I still can't meet his deadlines. I'm paid an okay amount, but I'm worried that if I put my foot down, he'll just tell me that if I can't deal with it, they'll find someone else and I'll find myself flipping patties at Burger King or something before I know it. What is worse is that the rare time that I do meet his deadline, he tells me something like he knew that I had it in me, and his deadlines become even more difficult to meet. I think I understand why so many people think mediocrity is a safe goal to strive for in the workplace. Should I quit my job, or should I stand up for myself and tell him to stick it where the sun don't shine?

- Sincerely, An Overworked Bean Counter"

NO: I think you need to find a safe ground between quitting and tell your boss to shove it. If you think these deadlines are unreasonable, there must be a reason. Take a day to really put your thoughts into words, then go up to your boss and tell him why you think they're unreasonable. He seems to like you, and if he's giving you this many assignments, it looks like you're on your way up. So it sounds like he'll be understanding and will at least hear you out. Remember to not get flustered or angry, because your attitude towards the situation can really change the outcome. If this is a job you love, and the career you want, it's worth fighting for, and it's worth being open and honest to your boss. If it's the job you'll be doing until retirement, then this hard work is worth it. If this isn't the job you picture yourself doing forever, or the career you desire, then yes, maybe it is time to quit. If you're working that hard for something you don't truly love, take a leap of faith and try and get into a different line of work. Remember, if you get paid doing what you love, you won't work a day in your life.

- NO