Time Management for System Administrators: Stop Working Late and Start Working Smart

by Thomas A. Limoncelli

As an example, I’ll write my next steps for the goals listed in the beginning of this chapter: At 60, I want to retire and have the financial means to live comfortably. Make an appointment with a financial planner. Implement the retirement plan suggested by the planner. Research retirement communities. (How much do they cost? Do they have payment plans? What amenities should I expect?) Research insurance for long-term care facilities or other options in case of Alzheimer’s or other situations. Within the next three years, I want to get promoted to team leader of my group. Make an appointment with my boss to talk about career goals. Read a book on managing people. In the next month, I want to learn more about Linux internals. Ask for recommendations on a sage-members mailing list. Purchase a book. Spend one hour a night reading the book until it’s complete. Write a nontrivial program using what I’ve learned. In the next 24 hours, I want to have all my laundry washed and folded. Buy laundry detergent. Wash laundry in washing machine. Move laundry to dryer. Fold and put away laundry. I want to date a porn star. Hang out in places where I’m more likely to meet porn stars. Research where such places might be.