I just want to sit next to my cat, paint minis, and watch Stargate.

Hell yeah, that sounds like an excellent way to spend the day!

I totally understand. I have been in similar situations as well. That is good that they are willing to give you whatever resources you need to get the job done. Unfortunately it also seems like you are the what we call the “single point of failure” as well, which means all the project knowledge is in your head. So with out you the project is pretty much just dead. That is a good spot to be in for job security but a terrible place to be for work/life balance.

My suggestion would be to escalate the project delivery date as a risk every single meeting and in every communication that you send on the subject. Also escalate that you are the single point of failure and that situation needs to be remedy ASAP. That way you are covering your rear end if the dates slip and the deliverables are not ready or not as expected.

I’d recommend telling the project manager exactly that. Ask him to schedule working sessions with you to start getting the project plan started. That way you can answer any questions they have during the meeting, and if not you two can note that as an action item for one of you to figure out. That first plan doesn’t have to be perfect just a draft that’s good enough to start seeing general resources needs and timeframes for those resources.

Your project manager is your friend as long as you are honest and upfront about what you require to accomplish your job.

Source: project manager since 2007, PMO leadership for the past 4 years.

Trevor, smokes let’s go…