lol. You aren't going to get fired. How you handle a situation like this: -Give them a date for when the report will come in. Try to focus these guys on the

lol. You aren't going to get fired. How you handle a situation like this: -Give them a date for when the report will come in. Try to focus these guys on the current solution not the situation. So, maybe something like "Sorry, I didn't know you were expecting a report from me, but I am willing to provide you a report in 2 days". If you didn't do anything that is worth reporting, say so. :D Here again focus them on the solution, say when you will get the scripts done. If possible show them the monetary benefits of you being delayed. :D Benefits: 1) You are an artist - the delay has helped you to recharge your batteries so you can program effectively. You might want to cite some research papers here. 2) You were using this time to show your juniors the ropes and you were bring them up to speed. Which means the company will not only be fighting with one heavyweight, but also two in the future. You might want to outline the monetary advantages of having more people of your caliber. Then you need to iterate this to them that you will get them the software by such and such a time. Don't ask, tell. Also, what I think you should be doing for the future is maintaining constant communication with the upper level. They will tend to think you aren't doing anything if you don't say. Try to send an email a day to them informing them of the project, don't do this verbal; do it by email. It will also help for you own motivation. See goal setting theory :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goal-setting_theory http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goal-setting_theory