I also work in education (University) and we've been cut to the bone too. When I get pressured, I have to remember that I have the big picture - not the faculty member who is in my office & thinks his/her problem should displace everything else.

Then, of course, there's the folks in administration - who email my boss when I haven't "hopped to" fast enough for them. Office email is evil. Cowards hide behind the "send" button.

The key is to keep our own integrity intact. We should not allow others to dictate our priorities. My sanity is my priority right now.

After all, how many people laid on their death bed & wondered what was in their "in" basket?