this post was submitted on 11 Sep 2025
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This is why I avoid giving concrete estimates whenever possible.
But if your hand is forced, it should always be 2x-10x the actual estimate, depending on the complexity of the task, and never less than 2 hours.
This is one of those rare occasions where "IT" might have been better fully punctuated as "I.T.", but the thought of using "Scotty" as a verb meaning "generously pad all estimates" amuses me.
e.g. "If I want to cover my a---, I should Scotty it."
This right here
This is actually wisdom. I use a 4x fudge factor.
I estimate how long would it take. Then I add some buffer of 20% to it. Then I double it and call it good.
I have always told my team "remember that last piece of work? Add an appropriate fudge factor to this estimate to deal with those sort of problems"
There's usually a last one, if not there'll be one I can call by name
I just say "five days"
https://media.tenor.com/Hl1Buq3s2_4AAAAM/two-weeks.gif
Ah, I see you've looked at my JIRA tickets with my new employer