Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.
—
Parkinson’s_Law, discussed in this “Beyond The Pedway” profile of 37signals (and also years ago here at SvN: “Don’t break Parkinson’s Law”)
Parkinson’s_Law, discussed in this “Beyond The Pedway” profile of 37signals (and also years ago here at SvN: “Don’t break Parkinson’s Law”)
Chad Garrett
on 11 Dec 09Depending on the person, that either applies to quality or procrastination. But it’s always true.
Blue Sail Creative
on 11 Dec 09I take this as time will expand for you to get the job done.
But I dont necessarily think thats a good way to look at life/work relationship?
Wolf
on 11 Dec 09What Chad said.
Chris
on 11 Dec 09I’ve often found that work often tends eat up more than the time available.
cynicdesign
on 11 Dec 09Parkinson’s Law. Gotta be very diligent about setting your schedule or this can easily take effect
As an independent designer, I find this to be made more true by the ever-present office at home.
Joe Grossberg
on 11 Dec 09Yeah, Chad +1 because this is ripe for misinterpretation.
I’ve had more than one manager who felt that they could get workers to be more productive by giving them tighter and tighter deadlines.
There are seriously diminishing returns, though, and a rush-job ends up producing prompt, but low-quality, work.
B7
on 11 Dec 09It’s totally true. Most people who are able to manage their time to any extent will work just fast enough to finish in time.
But it depends on the person. Some people are incapable of managing their time and are always late for everything, including projects. Other people are overachievers, got A+’s in school, and will finish a job as fast as they possibly can.
By the way, absolutely love Backpack, Getting Real and how you do everything different from other companies!
don
on 14 Dec 09From a techies point of view, the work expands to make a redesign impossible :-)
Brandon
on 14 Dec 09In enterprises, Parkinson law is a necessity because there’s usually another law. If you finish earlier, manager will give you just more work to fill your time.
Therefore, why trying to go fast, just procrastinate.
And when you work for yourself, I don’t think it’s applicable. What have to be done just takes the time to be done. It’s the features that usually fill the time.
That’s my opinion.
This discussion is closed.