RE: Asking for opinions about this job

["Kevin McGowan" <thatguy_80 -at- hotmail -dot- com>]

First of all: ouch.

I was never in that situation...but I know someone who was. He was the lone 
writer in a small-but-expanding company like yours. Basically, he got sick 
of it too and was in a situation where he would either burn out or quit. So, 
he bugged his management to look into hiring a new person. Somehow, I ended 
up with the job...

Everyone has their limit. My friend hit his...and it sounds like you're 
about to hit yours. I hope the culture of your office is open and honest 
enough that you can go to your managers and say "we need another person in 
here or I'm gonna collapse." If you're getting tired and sick of it...you 
need to try it.

However, don't just frame it as being a benefit for you personally. Explain 
to them that for another $X/year, they will have twice the knowledge, and 
twice the expertise for your writing position. That means quality of the 
product will increase...you'll be able to take more time on your projects, 
etc.

If you make it sound like something they "can't afford not to do"...you 
might get lucky.

An other tactic would be to start saying "no" more often. After 3 years 
there, you must have a pretty decent reputation. You can afford to say no.

"Hey writer-guy, can you write this new spec for us by Tuesday?"
"No. Maybe you can have it by the following Thursday."

After a few of these, and explaining that you only have so many work hours 
per day, the message may sink in.

Best of luck...

Kevin