[windows_sucks]

I agree. If you can't rely somewhat on previous experiences to guestimate roughly how long a task will take, you're not a senior eng.

I mean, to illustrate the point, if you call any general contractor in your area and ask how long a new kitchen cabinet build takes, you'll probably get a price range and a time range, depending on several factors. They probably won't say "I literally cannot even fathom an answer to your question until I inspect the condition of the dry wall, wood prices and availability, etc.". This is because the people who want the thing built will use time and price etc as an input to decide if ironing out the little details is worth it.

[Aeolun]

I mean, he did, at some point give out the general estimate: ‘months’, which seems reasonable ballpark’ish, and then the manager got upset anyway (presumably because it wasn’t an answer he wanted to hear).

[watwut]

The request was "I need the time anyway. Provide it in a spreadsheet by end of day."

And in following dialog manager shows surprise, but then ends up with "just put something in". To which op responds "I cannot stand for an estimate of something I don't know. Can't you then just put something in".