(A plan as of Oct 2009. Background: A GS colleague told me I am in a “tough situation”. He may feel the distress and pain is inevitable.)

Yes It’s possible.

* do what u can with 80% effort — a reasonable and vigorous effort. I used to push myself to 100% – 120% and put off family commitments
* work 8.30 -> 6.30
* don’t worry about big prj going to others
* dont’ worry if u have just one prj while other have multiple
* don’t worry if your prj take twice longer than a comparable prj by a colleague
* don’t worry if they start transferring knowledge from you
* focus on today. Guard against the habitual worry about tomorrow.
** stop ‘managing’ career
** in other words, focus on doing a good job and leave the rest to God.
*** That’s my attitude about green card, bonus and promotion. This attitude proved effective.
* go out on weekends.