Q. I appear to have two bosses. Both are handing me the equivalent of two job responsibilities. I'm already working at 110 percent capacity. When I ask for help they both tell me to "fit it in." How do I negotiate this dilemma?

A. Go to both of your bosses and let them know that you need to know who you report to. Tell them that as it stands now you simply do not have enough hours in the day to do what they are both delegating and let them fight it out.

If they both continue to tell you to "fit it in," calmly and clearly repeat that they both deserve quality work from you and that you cannot "fit in" both their workloads without sacrificing someone's tasks.

Many of my clients who find themselves in this dilemma suffer from what I call "over responsible syndrome." In any workplace situation, they operate like the Greek titan Atlas who carried the world on his shoulders. Ironically, the solution is for you to assume less responsibility not more. You need to be able to see where your job ends and where other people's jobs begin.

You are in a pickle because you have two managers who have a conflict. Because you are responsible, you have been helping them avoid a fight by picking up everyone's workload. Your "bosses" need to talk to their boss, and to each other, about whom you report to. As competent as you appear to be, you cannot solve this problem for your superiors.

Many employees believe that the more responsible they are at work, the more they will be rewarded with money, plum projects and appreciation. However, if you try to do it all, you'll find you don't do any of it well. You'll also learn that if you have no boundaries at work, people will keep piling on responsibilities until you collapse.

If you know that you struggle with over responsibility syndrome, be careful not to let others' lack of communication become your problem. Learn to contain your anxiety at work without jumping into fix every problem you see. Learn to consider requests before automatically saying, "Yes!" Realize that other people will provide solutions if you retire your "Super Employee" red cape.

The last word(s)

Q. I was laid off and am now getting a chance to do multiple interesting and profitable projects as a consultant. Is now a good time to be starting your own business?

A. Yes, the business world right now belongs to those who can be innovative and flexible. Self-employment will let you thrive in an environment where traditional jobs are scarce.