Bdtyktl

Context: I have been working on Java technology with the latest tools and tech stack, provided with good opportunities and space in designing complex architectures even though I am junior for designing an arch for a complex distributed system and my boss always provides me with constructive feedback.

Problem: I asked for another project which I can work on my own time with another technology stack (Data Science, NLP, and Big Data). I was given another project which I have to give almost 3-4 hours each day, apart from 8-9 hours to my main project but this new project is no different from what I am already working on and I was promised modules in the new tech stack. I think I have put myself in a problem because I cannot simply back out now without affecting my credibility.

Now, I am not even able to study on my own which I used to do early. I am not sure how to manage this issue and take it with my boss without giving an idea that I want to back out. I want to mention that there is a clear case of an expectation gap.

without giving an idea that I want to back out.

This is unrealistic, you do want to back out. Any attempt to hide that fact would either make you look silly or would be shrugged off (he doesn't want to back out, great, problem solved) and the situation would continue.

What you need to do is be upfront on the reason which is that you wanted a project that would employ different knowledge. Rather than just more work.

tl;dr:

• First, clarify your hours with your boss to understand if he really expects you to work 13 hours a day. If not great, if so, tell him you can't.


• If you still don't want to take on the new project after clarifying these hours, then just tell him that as well.

To expand, there's lots of issues I can see here.

I asked for another project which I can work on my own time

This is work, so never ask for projects that you can just work on in your own time. That doesn't make any sense, and could be borderline illegal in many places. If you want to switch to something else, ask if you can reallocate your work time to it.

...with another technology stack (Data Science, NLP, and Big Data)

You then expected to be given exactly this. Life doesn't work like that - you can't just say "I want to work on this stack, assign me a task that uses it." (Heck, be glad you're working on a modern Java stack rather than one that's ancient - that's where many find themselves.)

I was given another project which I have to give almost 3-4 hours each day, apart from 8-9 hours to my main project

If your boss really expects you to work 13 hours a day, you need to have a frank discussion as to why that's not sustainable. But you should also confirm this is the case - I wouldn't be surprised if you've misunderstood him, and you should be working on this new project for half of your working day and cut your hours on the other project (this would be a much more normal situation.)

... simply back out now without affecting my credibility ...

If you're unable to backout (you wouldn't ask here if you could), please pay a freelancer on Upworks to complete the project for you at your own costs. It was you puttng yourself into the chaos.