This is really interesting. I never really think of it from their perspective. And the case of:
- either you can, just be calm and act rationally / work within reasonable limit, focus on overall productivity.
- or you won't be able to catch up anyway
makes the case much clearer. I think there would be a category "you might or might not be able to survive, depending on how much work / luck you have" might exist, but the chance to fall on that sweet spot is quite slim.
I like your idea regarding the mind game about hiding/boasting the pressure.
Yeah there's part of me that feels "I want to prove I can do this on time / accountable". And that partly is reinforced when I get comments like "Oh okay good progress! But keep watch of the deadline, seems like we are a bit behind." (no sarcasm intended by the commenter). Maybe I can simplify it by saying like "there's little empathy" (?). The turnover rate is already quite high and I doubt they will worry too much about me (of course it's still not easy to find good hire but probably they are used to losing one).
Anyway thanks so much for your reply! I feel much better now and by other replies too. :)