What are you going to do if you can't finish your job in time?

Yes, I have had this problem many times. All you can is do your very best and try not to worry.

Been there done that and got the T-shirt for it. Deadlines are exactly what they are. A timeline in which the "boss" or leader truly desires a project assigned to you to be done by. Although that is the deadline that it is due by you. Often it isn't your boss's deadline. The reason for that is it gives your boss plenty of time to review, have you edit or revise your work before he turns it into his boss. Sometimes their deadlines are so unrealistic that it is not funny. A few tips I've learned over the course of my management career: 1. Talk with other co-workers who have proven skill and work ethic that you trust for help with your project. Let them know where you are and ask them can they help. 2. Setup a meeting with your boss right away, let him know your concerns, let him know that you care about meeting his expectations/deadlines and have asked other co-workers for assistance. 3. Ask your boss is there any way possible that your deadline can be extended to a later date or ask him for any possible ways he can think of that can help you meet the original deadline. Majority of the time, (good bosses) understand the pressure and stress they put their employees through, due to other influences beyond their control (like another boss). AND often times than not, those same bosses have additional resources that may be available to assist their employees, if they only took the time to ask. Your boss has some type of skill that you do not have, which makes him the one in charge. I hope the information above helps you. Lastly, don't be afraid. The worst thing you can do is not say anything and come up short at the end of the month. That would be grounds for termination and I'm sure you don't want that. By asking your boss for help, it proves to him you respect him as the superior; it gives him more insight to your own work ethic and will assist him in making some unrealistic deadlines in the future. Don't ever think that your boss will think you are incompetent just for asking for help. In actuality, you're assisting him in meeting his deadline which makes him look good in the end AND makes you look good as well for speaking up and not holding it in passively. Bosses like proactive employees, not passive ones. The passive ones usually get passed up during promotion time.

if i figure that i can't make it to deadline, i try to ask for help. admitting that you need help is not a weakness but rather a strength. its actually very brave to admit when you need help. my suggestion, try to do things one step at a time. try to do little things. its better than not doing anything at all! :)

It depends on what kind of boss do you work for. Hopefully, you works for an understanding boss who can objectively see your problem. My suggestions: 1. Review yourselves. Identify what factors that unable you to finish the job on time; once you identify it, you will be able to solve it and find a way to get rid of it. 2. Share the problem to your boss before the deadline comes. Update him/her your job status and condition at the moment. But this suggestion only apply when you know that your boss is an understanding persons. If not, forget it, he/she only wants you to finish it on time without considering your difficulties. 3. Indirectly ask other people to help you. If you have good relationship with you colleagues, they will surely help you. Hope these might help.

It is much better to be honest and explain why you may not make the deadline ahead of time. Provide solid reasoning and descriptions so the boss doesn't just think you're lazy or you can't manage your time. Even if the boss is upset about the deadline, imagine how much worse it would be on the day of the deadline with no product to hand off.