I’m starting to feel like my entire day is just one long chain of emails and back-to-back Zoom calls. Last week alone, I had 27 client emails to respond to and 14 Zoom meetings—by Friday, I couldn’t even remember what was discussed in half of them! I’m constantly on edge, double-checking my inbox or Slack, terrified I’ve missed something critical. It’s exhausting, and I know I can’t keep this pace forever without burning out. How do you manage your day in a role like this? Any time-management hacks or strategies that have genuinely helped you stay on top of things and maintain your sanity? I’m all ears!

Post Photo
like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

First, make sure you’re not putting unnecessary pressure on yourself:
- clarify expectations of your role - as an AAM, are you expected to carry all this on your own?
- ask for help - can you recommend redistributing some of your work to your team?
- divide & conquer - instead of going to every meeting, only attend where you have a (critical) role (hot tip: if you can’t remember the meeting, it’s no different than if you weren’t there at all)
- let people follow up - while emails may feel urgent, the world won’t implode if you wait a beat before responding (plus, your reply will probably be more thoughtful and relevant!)
- propose solutions - complaints without solutions (even bad solutions!) are a lot less likely to be solved; showing positive intention to ongoing challenges is a powerful propellant

Decide what your boundaries are and figure out what balls get dropped if you stick to them. Then, communicate that to your manager for their support to help fill those gaps.

As you get grow in seniority, it doesn’t get better - more meetings, more pressure, more deliverables - so develop habits that protect YOU early, because you’re right: grinding isn’t sustainable, and no one will ever force you to stop working so hard.

like

Responding to emails and showing up for Zoom calls is the job, and there's not to do about it except to get efficient, however you can manage that. Try to focus your efforts and don't waste time on things that don't matter or don't really impact anything critical. The number of emails and Zoom meetings you're citing are not that outrageous, at least for a five-day week (which last week wouldn't have been, of course). You just have to get your head in the game, or find something less stressful, that's about the size of it.

like

27? Man I’m averaging 200 email, )~50 a day client) with 5-6 hours of meetings a day. I’ll switch with you lol

like

Yeah not to compare hells but my record is 13 30-minute meetings in one day, and coming back from 1 week of PTO means 500+ emails. The industry is out of control

Yikes! That sounds so overwhelming. One thing that helped me is blocking out specific times for emails and meetings, rather than jumping between them all day. I also keep a simple to-do list, prioritizing urgent tasks. Maybe try batching your Zoom calls and setting clear agendas to stay focused. That's what's helped me, I hope maybe some of it would help you!

We had something similar happen. Our social lead burned themselves out because this pace of work was on their plate and the executive lead for the department had no idea how to prioritize it.

Is your manager able to prioritize or help you?

Related Posts

What are timings in Novartis, Hyderabad? I understand it varies from projects, the geographical area of the project.
I'm specifically interested to know the timings of teams working on US based projects.

Also, is all the hype on WLB true in Novartis

like

What kind of role can be expected for Manager-Project role in Cognizant ?

I'm more interested in Technical Role rather going into management role.

Also, having offer from Accenture for Associate Manager role?

Which one is best to join in terms of Project Quality, WLB?

YoE: 9+ years
Technology: Microsoft SharePoint & PowerPlatform

like

Hi @All,
Please share your thoughts on the company name -
Infinite Computer Solutions ? 😐
How is WLB & other things there as per your experience you might know ?
I have no option but to join that .

like

For a 10+ experienced resource what should the level Honeywell to offer ?
And what should be the package considering current CTC is 16LPA for a service based company.
How is work life balance there ?
Can we expect any onsite opportunities.

Please help me on the pointers I should be considering for interview and joining ..

Thanks in advance.

What are main differences in career/salary trajectory and WLB for a product manager vs product marketing manager?

like

Citi folks - new at citi and just found out that they do not provide laptops 🤯. Now I’m concerned with how the technology is otherwise? How is WLB? Do they reimburse if you purchase a laptop to use? Any insights will be greatly appreciated. TIA

likefunny

Currently have Series 24, 7, 63,65

Currently work in a very unique Wealth Management ops role.

Getting paid 85k base with 40k in bonus plus about 35k~ in OT.

Money isn’t everything but in my late 20s it feels like the only thing important right now.

WLB is next to zero as 60hr weeks are the minimum as of late. Management feels like they are trying to push a few of us out. Was told not to expect much come year end for comp. Any suggestions on finding a new role/pay expectations?

like

Hi Fishes,
I have offers from Vistusa - 16.5Lpa, Exl - 17 lpa, Zensar - 17.5 Fixed with 4 yoe. Which one would be best to join in terms of wlb, work culture and hikes. Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

like

Deloitte India vs Deloitte USI.
Please answer if you have worked for both and have significant first hand experience about the difference in WLB, annual hikes, work culture, any other observations.
I see a lot in of this same discussion but very confusing and repetitive answers.
So would like people with personal experience to answer.
Thanks in advance 😃

Do partners at top consulting firms have better WLB?
An Associate here contemplating whether all this is worth it.
Thanks!

like

For those who exited to PE deals / investment core teams, what’s your focus area when you were in consulting? Deal Strategy, Commercial DD, Growth Strategy, etc.? Do you like the WLB in PE?

Has anyone gone from Accounting Advisory to Deals Accounting Advisory at an Investment Bank? Is this a move that makes sense? I'm assuming the hours expectations would be crazy if it's IB?

like

Good companies for .net developer having 8 yeo ??
In terms of project growth and wlb ??
Thanks in advance

like

How is tech Mahindra in terms of WLB, job security, work culture and appraisal.
Tech - SAP
YOE - 9

How does anyone keep time well for prayer and meditation while fully giving yourself to family and work in this economy?

One can imagine work here as meant in the maximum of work vs life here.

I know people who are constantly crashing and that’s without the set time for prayer. And despite hearts or gold, obvious piety and a high work ethic.

like

Hi shark how's the Paycore client in virtusa ??
How's the Work life balance?
Do they provide wfh ?? Pls put some light on it I really need help of you guys

like

Hi fishes, Which one to choose? NielsenIQ or Western Union both are same package and variable.
Which one is good in terms of WLB? And which have better perks, employee benefits.. and pls list employee benefits if you have idea on each org.

like

Hi , I have offer from Embitel technologies-16L
UST blueconch-20L
I m looking for product based company actually
In case i don get anything, which is better option to join in terms of work life balance and learning curve …Its not only about package

like

Hi folks,
Which company is better in terms of work life balance and growth Allstate or Verizon ??
Please help ..

like

Hi All. I am currently working in Oracle as QA analyst 2. I have 3.4 years of experience. Oracle has great wlb but the techstack is Robot Framework and my domain is telecom. I don’t see myself working in telecom for a longer run. I want to work with api and ui more. Recently recieved an offer for Sr QA engineer at Paytm. How’s paytm considering wlb and work culture. Can anyone pls help.

like

More Posts

One of my direct reports has asked about going part time. They currently manage special reports in a bi-weekly publication, working closely with sales, freelance writers, and an internal designer. Job duties are primarily project management and editing/proofreading. As the first read on articles, they need to have an understanding of the material (business/regulation). Has anyone had experience with job sharing in this type of a role?

Looking for a 1 bed in sf for a couple weeks any time in july/august

Had anyone gone from consulting in to diplomacy/International organization like the UN/EU or similar?

like

Hi,

My EPF Transfer claim has been rejected by EPFO with a reason that -

Your Claim [ Claim Id - XXXXXXXXXXX ] has been rejected due to : 1) WAGES ARE MORE THAN 15K PLS SUMBIT PREVIOUS SERVICE DETAILS / REVISED 3A FORM 2) CLAIM ALREADY SETTLED

Can someone advise on this issue?

like

Currently looking for an outside sales position in Massachusetts.

I have 7 years experience in sales. But I am relocating from North Carolina to Massachusetts.

Would anyone happen to know any great companies hiring?

A majority of my experience is in the logistics and logistics technology side of sales. I’ve been working remotely doing over the phone/ zoom demo sales. But I would love the opportunity to service my clients in person!

like

Since disconnecting with past stories my reality has drastically bent. My stories programmed my reality, attracting what I told myself I was/wasn't.

likefunny

I want to leave but I’m stuck in a lease signed in January. Everyone I know is moving home to work remotely and save money. I’ve never felt more stuck.

like

What is your general opinion of Teachers' Unions which protect teachers from being removed based on their poor pedagogy over many years?

Hello,
Im a special Ed teacher and new to AZ. Is there a good teachers credit union anyone can suggest? Thank you

Looking for some east coast non-union production company reccs

like

Anyone here work in consumer lending with a credit union? Interested in discussing pay structures to see how my credit Union compares.

like

I hear about people in finance making 100% bonuses and can’t help but feel like I chose the wrong profession

likefunny

I got bumped back to platinum elite on both Marriott and SPG.. after being gold for a few months now (have been on a local project for a year now)
Strange.

Gay men in NYC?

likefunny

Noticing a culture shift since the Kohlberg deal. Have other fish noticed this when a PE firm gets involved?

like

Thoughts about going back and forth between agency and in-house? Is it a good/bad idea? Is it even possible?

like

Any thoughts on living in the area around Madison and Morgan? Looking at an apartment there. That area seems pretty cool and not far from the heart of Fulton. Wanted to get other peoples opinions before moving forward with this place

like

Accenture - interviewing for Asset Management - Consultant. Coming from industry, made it onto ‘Skills Interview’ website makes it out to be an in-depth resume review. Any additional info on the process. Also, any tips moving forward in interview process, especially given industry - consulting transition. Thanks!

like

Anyone work at Goldman Sachs as a CWM, PWM, Wealth Management Professional, Analyst/Sr. Analyst? How do you like the team? What is the salary range? Is this entry level?

likehelpful

Additional Posts in Account Management

Is 7 weeks too early to start thinking I may have made a huge mistake in switching to my current gig? I left the last place because it was overr toxic and terrible W/L balance, for one that seemed to be more “fun” and more realistic hours, only to find that I’ve now been working 12 -14 hours a day and just drowning and feeling like I cannot catch up or catch my breath. Everyone is in the same boat here which is why I’m so overwhelmed so quickly with no support. Is this an immediate red flag?

like

Any fishies in MPLS and willing to share AE salary expectations?

Kind of love my main client. She lowkey texts me when she steps away from calls to pee.

likefunny

I’m pretty passive when I’m disrespected by creative but I think it sets a bad example for my team. If any of my reports were spoken to the way I was I’d raise hell...how set example?

Any account managers in here for chemical sales? Want to learn more about it...

like

I am not in account but would love to have a more comprehensive take away from meetings particularly client feedback verbalized. How do you account folks do it? Tips and tricks? Thank you!

like

Can you lose your job if you don’t like the animosity from your creative team and speak up about it ? Genuinely worried I might be disrupting the peace by saying something 🥴 the anxiety is terrible! Do I just accept it that they don’t like me or speak up and potentially burn that bridge?

like

Anyone from Havas London here? If so, what are your biggest dislikes about the agency?

like

Hi AMs, my agency, BGB Group, has openings for the following positions:
Account Executive/Sr. Account Executive
Associate Account Supervisor/Account Supervisor
Group Account Supervisor
AVP/VP, Group Account Supervisor
SVP, Management Supervisor
EVP, Digital Innovation
EVP, Payer

like

When’s the best time to go client side? Wait till I get a promotion or try to switch sooner rather than later?

like

Sometimes it feels half my day is spent jumping through hoops to schedule and then reschedule meetings around senior managements’ calendars...only for them to be so late they miss the meeting anyways🙄

likefunny

Any thoughts on Laundry Service?

Who else started with small businesses and moved up to medium and large at agencies structured to handle it? I handle 40 clients and some 60 Content managers, ad managers, designers, developers, and a smattering of other positions.

Which was better? I have almost complete autonomy over what happens with small biz, but getting to focus on projects for more than an hour/month sounds nice.

like

How often do scopes change? I thought it was normally on an annual basis with some exceptions but my CD is telling me they change constantly. Someone educate me…

funny

What’s the average time spent in an AE role? I’m eyeing an SAE position and feel like I’m already taking on some of this responsibilities

like

Is anyone here works at Yahoo ireland( previously knows as Verizon) if yes can you tell me if they convert agnecy worker into full time? I would really appreciate if you guys would help!Yahoo Verizon Media

like

I need contacts who are into bank instrument and MT103 transfers within USA and Europe. If you are a good sender or receiver let me know.

like

I work for a small agency and manage our internal marketing acct. We had very few processes in place when I started. I’ve since created, implemented, and trained our dept. on project mgmt for clients and am trying to convince the owner to apply those principles to our internal jobs. They are resistant because they just want the work to be done and don’t “want to keep spending money on internal jobs”. I’m confused because we’re doing the work either way and “spending” in labor/resources.

like

Any account management processes/docs that are worth sharing?

Is there such thing as a true account role at major branding agencies? Ex. Interbrand, Landor, Pentagram...Sounds like in many cases it’s actually just PM under a different name.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal