[shanked]

I've had three programming jobs out of school and have never had that experience. Though, others in the same positions have shared the same experiences as you. This leads me to believe that it is more about the person than the job (although the job certainly has an impact).

1. Learn to estimate effectively, I usually just double whatever time I believe something will take and usually finish early (without having to kill myself).

2. Don't feel guilty working only 40 hours a given week and are meeting the deadlines you set for yourself. (If you have no input into your own deadlines, that is a problem. But if you have some input and your deadlines are still challenging, you'll need to work on your persuasive abilities)

[pcubed]

An apt and constructive criticism. Thank you for it. I am part of the problem, undoubtedly, but unfortunately when I do try to pad my estimates, I usually get back "That should take you two weeks." because management doesn't understand what they are asking for. I should work on my persuasive skills nonetheless.