The boss’ pet project.

Just how else can you say it? In response to my nepotism rant, (great band name by the way, ‘The Nepotism Rant’), Irene Donne brought up another agency time bandit: the boss’ pet project. Almost as bad as hearing that their kid will be enrolled in the agency summer camp program is hearing this gem: “I need you to design a t-shirt sign banner poster anniversary card prison reunion email blast
for my
wife mother-in-law my daughter’s soccer team rec hoops team college roommate .


Followed closely by what?

“Don’t spend much time on it but, you know, make it look nice.”

Which is followed by you having to cancel whatever plans you made that night. Why? The little 20 minute quickie will turn into an all-day affair, especially after your boss decides to route it through proofing the copywriter for ‘tweaking’ the rest of the office for their opinion their spouse for approval an old family friend .

Meanwhile, while you’re busy trying to bury the time on another project, which by the way, you still have to finish, you’re also trying to disavow any knowledge of Frankenstein’s monster. At least the universal out “It’s not for me” helps you maintain what little bit of design pride you may still have left when coworkers happen to walk by and catch a glimpse.

But hey, things could be worse. The boss’ kid could give you the assignment.