You're a data architecture freelancer with multiple projects on your plate. How do you prioritize your time?

Scope not only refers to the amount( I prefer to use volume) and type(variety) of data but also to define levels of your data layers, before the last mile to serve your presentation layer. Architecture scope is defined by what’s your data’s journey that you are envisioning. Complexity is defined by your incoming data characteristics and your end customer needs. Architecture should be scalable enough to consume data with variety, huge volumes and at different velocities. Data quality, Governance, and security are integral parts of your engineering platform and they are not complexities, in fact they support your data processes to be reliable and efficient with right metrics and RBACs.

As a data architecture freelancer juggling multiple projects, here's my approach on prioritizing my time: - Assess each project's scope, complexity, deadline, and value to calculate priority scores. - Tackle projects with looming deadlines first to meet critical timelines. - Analyze the value vs. complexity, prioritizing high-value, low-complexity efforts. - Allocate time and resources proportionally based on project priorities. - Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders, clients, teams on priorities and timelines. - Continuously monitor progress, adjusting priorities as situations evolve. - Employ productivity techniques, leverage teamwork, and prioritize self-care to maximize efficiency.

For prioritizing time you can try below approach: - Understanding scope and complexity - Prioritizing the tasks by deadline/Criticality - Accessing the impact - Understanding data readiness and maturity of the stakeholders and team you will work with. - Break down tasks into smaller tasks and chalk out dependencies - Stakeholder management and Expectation setting

Begin by evaluating the scope, deadlines, and potential impact of each project. Prioritize those with urgent deadlines or high strategic importance. For example, if you have a project with a tight deadline that directly contributes to a client's key business objective, prioritize it over others that may have longer timelines or lower priority.

Another perspective to look at is data knowledge maturity of the team you will be working with , this can determine the time i need to spend on requirements and analyze , more the maturity less will be time spent on those areas and more focus on architectural design and outcomes

Allocate time based specially in the dependencies the task requires. Some dependencies are part of a different person scope, so these are probably the tasks you’re going to start so you have enough time to execute your part of the job, while you wait that you can handle tasks that are easier to execute and in parallel to analyze the more complex ones.

Allocate time blocks for each project based on their priority level and complexity. Create a detailed schedule that includes specific tasks and milestones. For instance, allocate more time to complex projects requiring in-depth research or analysis, while leaving shorter time slots for tasks that are more routine or straightforward.

To effectively plan your schedule post-project prioritization, start by breaking down each project into specific tasks, estimating their duration, and identifying dependencies and potential risks. Consider your personal or team capacity, factoring in availability and productivity patterns, to ensure a realistic workload. Employ various tools such as calendars for time blocking, project management software for task organization, and time tracking applications to monitor progress and productivity. Allocate time to tasks wisely, incorporating buffers for unforeseen delays, and remain flexible to adjust your schedule as projects evolve. Regular communication with stakeholders and team members is essential to keep everyone aligned.

Business needs should be prioritised, whichever has the greatest impact. The architecture must be seen with a vision for the future, so we must review the needs and start from those that can leverage the most needs.

- Start by breaking down each project into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to estimate time accurately for each component. - Identify dependencies between tasks, noting which tasks need to be completed before others can start. This helps in planning the sequence of activities. - Allocate an estimated duration for each task. Be realistic and consider past experiences with similar tasks to guide your estimations. - Include buffer time for unforeseen delays or issues. This is crucial for managing risks and contingencies effectively. - Keep stakeholders updated on your progress and any changes to the schedule. Open communication helps manage expectations and facilitates collaboration.

Follow your schedule diligently, focusing on completing tasks according to their priority level. Stay organized and avoid distractions to maximize productivity. If you've scheduled time for data modeling for a critical project, commit to completing that task without interruptions, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

To execute your work effectively, especially in delivering data architecture solutions, prioritize tasks by urgency and importance using tools like checklists or kanban boards. Ensure the quality and reliability of your work with version control systems like Git and automated testing frameworks. Communicate regularly with clients and stakeholders, providing updates and soliciting feedback through collaboration tools. Use version control for code consistency and collaboration platforms for sharing work and receiving feedback. Manage your time efficiently, focusing on one task at a time and scheduling work blocks to minimize distractions. Regularly review your progress and be open to adjusting your strategies based on feedback.

Same Project as stated above:- Upgrade CRM System Start by gathering detailed requirements from stakeholders and documenting them. Set up a version control system (e.g., Git) to track changes and collaborate with team members. Begin data migration and system design according to the agreed-upon plan. Regularly communicate progress and any challenges encountered with the client and stakeholders. Conduct thorough testing to ensure data integrity and system functionality. Provide comprehensive user training before final deployment Throughout the execution phase, it's essential to maintain open and transparent communication with clients and stakeholders, providing regular updates on progress, addressing any concerns promptly

Usually, I prefer execute the hard tasks first to tackle with big challenges of these projects, because I need to study more about new solutions which I can use in many projects. My philosophy is learning by doing, but keeping focus on schedule using Kanban boards which is, for me, the best way to control the “flow” of many projects. One thing which helps me to prioritize is a constant communication with the clients, because sometimes the prioritization inside the company about the project, so I need to move fast to accommodate this shift.

Come up with an execution plan before execution. Execution plan can include entire software lifecycle across use-cases referring to design( architectures), test framework to validate the designs against usecases we need to deliver. Before execution, come up with Reference architectures delivering best practices to scale with quality and operational efficiency and performance. Execution plan can be drawn using kanban board listing all user stories with dependencies to track. Involve all right stakeholders while executing the project, take interim and final feedbacks respectively on completion of any use case/ data architecture. Deliver feedbacks as part of continuous improvement and continuous delivery process.

To effectively balance your workload as a data architecture freelancer and avoid burnout, it's essential to set realistic expectations with both clients and yourself, ensuring deadlines and project scopes are manageable. Establish clear boundaries around your working hours and availability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Incorporate regular breaks into your daily routine and engage in self-care practices like exercise and hobbies to recharge your energy and creativity. Seek support through networking with peers or finding mentors, and consider delegating tasks to manage your workload better. Regularly monitor your well-being and workload, adjusting your strategies as necessary to prevent stress.

Regularly review your workload to ensure a balance between projects. Avoid overcommitting to prevent burnout and maintain the quality of your work. For example, if you notice one project is consuming too much of your time, consider delegating some tasks or renegotiating deadlines to manage your workload effectively.

Nosotros los ingenieros en datos nos basamos en la prioridad del proyecto, teniendo en cuenta los factores humanos que se pueden implicar como el estrés y la fatiga. Manejemos orientado el objetivo principal sin descuidar otros proyectos. Una buena práctica para definir las prioridades es realizar un MVP y establecer un calendario de ejecución.

Be realistic about your capacity and avoid overcommitting to projects. It's better to deliver high-quality work on a few projects than to spread yourself too thin and compromise quality.

Set Realistic Expectations Establish Boundaries Take Regular Breaks Seek Support and Guidance Prioritize Self-Care By implementing these strategies, you can achieve a healthier balance between your workload and personal well-being, ultimately enhancing your performance and satisfaction as a data architecture freelancer. Remember that prioritizing self-care is not only beneficial for you but also for the quality of your work and relationships with clients.

Factor in unexpected delays or additional requirements that may arise during project execution. Remain flexible and ready to adjust your schedule accordingly. For instance, if a client requests revisions or introduces new elements to a project, be prepared to adapt your schedule and reallocate resources to accommodate these changes without compromising on other commitments.

Deadlines come first – tight ones get immediate attention. Complex tasks get a little more love; they need that extra brainpower. Keep clients informed and do not be afraid to say "no" to new projects if your workload is overflowing. Breaking big projects into bite-sized tasks helps tackle the high-priority stuff faster. Do not forget to schedule breaks for well-deserved victories or self-improvement. Communication is key.

If possible delegate the simpler deliverables to juniors, mentor them to take up more work with more complexity. Have proper backup plan in place if planning to go on vacation or on medical leave. While balancing workload is important, equally important is to communicate effectively if there is scope creep and there is chance of missing out on timelines.

Stakeholder management is more important thing to consider especially when we are moving away from deadlines. Stake holders can be our internal team or can be customers or they can be business sponsors. Effective management and providing the right balance balance between all stakeholders is must. Providing the right information and keep all stakeholders informed and updated. Example - if there is any issue with delay in delivery because of dependency, right information needs to be shared across stakeholders( we can’t pass same information to all stake holders and information needs to be personalised based on stakeholder) Create trust amongst all stakeholders and ensure that it is consistently maintained.

Celebrate the wins! It's a long journey. Both the IT and business delivery team and stakeholders would be motivated as the incremental wins get recognized.