I don't think I've worked this hard since ... school, and I mean 10th standard in Bangalore! Remember those History & Geography projects we slaved over after school hours? Kid you not, these last 2 weeks, I was logging 12 hours at work on some days. And a lot of that was unproductive time - in group meetings, doing Project Management stuff (Gods, how I hate those status reports!)
The good news is that I think I've gotten over the learning curve's "hump", and that I finally have a decent idea about the different components and their interactions and such. It took me only 4 weeks, but I'm there! I also interviewed people for my team ... that was an interesting experience ... I mean, my module of the project (business requirements analysis) is so high-level, it doesn't really matter how much technical expertise people have.
I mean sure, you gotta have some basic understanding of the solution, but I need good technical writers ... people who can lead client meetings and such ... I mean, normally I would be doing such stuff, but I've been given a position in the project one level above my current station (all other leads are Managers, I think. At most, there are 2 leads that are Senior Consultants, me included). Which leads me to this week's Project Management lesson: Don't Attend Non-critical Meetings. Send minions instead. Which is why I was interviewing* to fill up my team. Sending minions ensures you look concerned and involved, but they're really work breaks.
But, it looks like my part of the project is getting pushed out, and I might be racking up the Delta SkyMiles until April or May. At the rate of 1500 miles a week, I'm getting about 6000 a month ... only 4 months needed for a Business Class upgrade! I think! Woohoo!
* Yes! Me! Interviewing people! Cue Darth Vader: When I left you, I was but the learner. Now, I am the master!
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