Any way, there is always cushion time. Your VP might tell your director xx project must be delivered by the end of the year. Your director will push your manager that it must be finished next month. And then you manager turns around to push you that coming hell or high water it must be done in next couple of days
While the fact is the CEO slurred something by whim to the VP after drinking too much in the annual company party. The project may get cancelled soon. Who knows?
Keep your chin up, mm! It is just a paycheck job. :)