As Joy Gumz, Director of Project Auditors, LLC, once said, “Operations keeps the lights on, strategy provides a light at the end of the tunnel, but project management is the train engine that moves the organization forward.”
This famous quote highlights the importance of project managers and the challenges they face each day.
While keeping multiple stakeholders aligned and budgets and deadlines on track is serious business, you have to find ways to let off steam and not take yourself too seriously.
As certified PMP Francis D’Souza notes, “a good laugh with colleagues is essential for maintaining sanity and perspective in this high-pressure role.”
This blog post collects some of the most relatable and hilarious jokes about project managers that only a project manager would truly understand.
Whether you’ve been a PM for years or are just starting out, we guarantee you’ll find yourself laughing and nodding in agreement at the antics that we’ve all experienced on multiple projects.
Consider this a little reprieve and relief from the daily grind – now read on for our curated list of project manager jokes!”
Best Project Manager Jokes
Laughter is known as the best medicine, and project manager jokes certainly provide a great dose of humor. Whether you’re a project manager yourself or just looking for a good laughter, these jokes will have you chuckling in no time. So, grab a coffee, and get ready to enjoy the best project manager jokes!
What do you call a project manager on vacation?
Unavailable for status updates!
Why did the project manager get kicked out of the bar?
He was trying to schedule last call!
Why did the project manager get a job at the library?
He loved checking out resources!
Why did the project manager go to a psychologist?
He was dealing with too many dependencies!
How does a project manager make an omelet?
With a detailed recipe and by controlling the heat!
Why do project managers hate surprises?
They prefer to foresee risks!
Why do project managers never procrastinate?
They hate delay penalties!
Why do project managers love camping?
They’re used to managing tents-ion!
How does a project manager break up?
It’s not you, it’s the scope creep!
Why did the project manager go to the opera?
He heard there was a great performance baseline!
Why don’t project managers play basketball?
They always miss the deadline!
What do you call a project manager at a karaoke bar?
Off-key stakeholder!
Why don’t project managers like to play Monopoly?
They can’t stand any more budget cuts.
Why don’t project managers write novels?
They’re too busy writing project charters!
Funny Project Manager Jokes
From poking fun at the endless meetings to laughing at the inevitable scope creep, these project manager jokes will bring a much-needed lightheartedness to the job. So, sit back, and laugh along with our list of funny project manager jokes. Who knows, you might just find a new favorite to share at your next team meeting!
Why did the project manager bring a ladder to the meeting?
Because they heard the project had high goals!
How many project managers does it take to change a lightbulb?
None, that’s what the project team is for!
Why was the project manager always calm during stressful situations?
Because they had a “scope” of things under control!
Why did the project manager get a job as a baker?
Because they were good at delivering on milestones!
Why was the project manager never late to meetings?
Because they always had a “timeline” to follow!
What’s a project manager’s favorite music genre?
“Task” and roll!
How does a project manager keep track of their tasks?
With a Gantt chart and a lot of coffee!
Why was the project manager always good at problem-solving?
Because they had a knack for finding the critical path!
Why did the project manager get a job at the zoo?
Because they were great at managing “wild” projects!
Why did the project manager go to the beach?
To “sand” down the project’s rough edges!
How does a project manager apologize?
“Sorry, that slipped through the “scope” of my attention!”
Why did the project manager bring a shovel to the meeting?
To dig into the details of the project!
Why did the project manager get a job as a chef?
Because they were experts at managing the “recipe” for success!
How does a project manager relax after a long day?
By watching a “project” marathon!
Why did the project manager get a job at the bakery?
Because they knew how to “rise” to the occasion!
How does a project manager deal with stress?
By applying the “critical path” to success!
Why did the project manager become a gardener?
Because they had a green thumb for managing “project” timelines!
How does a project manager make decisions?
By weighing the “risk” and “reward”!
Why did the project manager bring a compass to the meeting?
To ensure the project was always heading in the right direction!
How does a project manager motivate their team?
By setting SMART goals and offering plenty of encouragement!
Hilarious Project Manager Jokes
As a project manager, you probably have to deal with great stress on a daily basis. But these hilarious project manager jokes are sure to make even the most stressful project a little bit more bearable. So sit back, and prepare to laugh your way through your next project management challenge. Just be sure not to let them distract you too much from getting the job done!
What’s a project manager’s favorite movie?
“Gone with the Wind”, because it’s all about managing the unexpected!
Why did the project manager go to the magic show?
He wanted to control the illusion’s scope!
Why was the project manager on the dance floor?
He was trying to manage the groove!
Why did the project manager go to the astrology conference?
He was looking for project stars!
Why don’t project managers like playing Jenga?
It’s too hard to manage the fall!
Why did the project manager go to the florist?
He wanted to manage the bouquet’s scope!
Why don’t project managers run marathons?
They’re always sprinting!
Why don’t project managers go on roller coasters?
Too many unexpected turns!
What’s a project manager’s favorite type of tree?
The one with the least branches to manage!
Why did the project manager join the orchestra?
He wanted to conduct the project’s rhythm!
Why did the project manager get a pet cat?
He heard it was good at managing mice!
How does a project manager solve a maze?
By drawing a critical path!
Why did the project manager go to the bookstore?
To brush up on their project management skills!
Why did the project manager become a musician?
Because they knew how to orchestrate a successful project!
How does a project manager handle scope creep?
By setting clear boundaries and communicating expectations!
Why did the project manager become a lifeguard?
Because they were great at rescuing projects from sinking!
How does a project manager handle change requests?
By evaluating the impact and communicating with stakeholders!
Why don’t project managers make good skydivers?
They’re always worried about falling behind schedule!
What’s a project manager’s favorite type of joke?
The one that’s delivered on time!
Why did the project manager go to the supermarket?
He heard there were canned milestones!
Short Project Manager Jokes
Looking for some laughs at the expense of project managers? Look no further than these short project manager jokes! From snarky quips about deadlines to witty one-liners about scope creep, there’s something here to make everyone chuckle. So sit back, and get ready to enjoy some of the best project manager humor out there!
Why don’t project managers play poker?
Because there are too many risks, but they can’t manage them all!
Why are project managers bad at hide and seek?
Because good luck hiding when you’re always behind!
Why do project managers make terrible comedians?
Because their jokes are always over-budget and past the deadline!
What’s a project manager’s favorite type of music?
Anything that’s not on delay!
Why did the project manager join the circus?
He thought it was another stakeholder meeting!
How does a project manager propose to his partner?
Will you accept this project to marry me?
How does a project manager end a relationship?
I think we need to close this project.
How does a project manager cut a birthday cake?
According to the work breakdown structure.
Why don’t project managers make good cooks?
They’re always backburnering things!
Why don’t project managers play chess?
Because they can’t handle more than one knight’s move at a time.
What do you call a project manager who doesn’t believe in deadlines?
A dreamer!
What’s a project manager’s favorite exercise?
Jumping to conclusions.
Why was the project manager at the art museum?
He wanted to get a “scope” of things!
Why do project managers always carry a notebook?
In case they come across a noteworthy risk!
Project Manager Jokes One Liners
Whether you’re a project manager yourself or just looking for some comedic relief, these project manager jokes are sure to bring a cute smile to your face. So grab your colleagues and get ready to chuckle at these clever and witty one-liners.
I told my manager to act like a detective; now he thinks he’s the boss of the “in-cider” trade!
The project manager who was a great carpenter really nailed his job.
Why did the project manager sit on the clock?
Because he wanted to be on top of time management.
The project manager at the balloon factory blew up at his employees.
Talk about an inflation of ego!
Our project manager always got lost in thought – it was unfamiliar territory!
The project manager gave his staff a pep talk about the importance of elevators – it was an uplifting experience.
Our project manager’s jokes about paper were tearable, but he still folded in laughter.
I asked my project manager for a raise, and he gave me a ladder.
Our project manager is a fungi, but he spored us with all his mushroom puns.
The project manager invested in a pencil company – it was lead-ership.
Why did the project manager become a magician?
Because they knew how to make deadlines disappear!
How does a project manager handle setbacks?
By pivoting and finding a new path forward!
Why did the project manager go to the art gallery?
To learn how to manage “scope” and “creativity”!
How does a project manager stay organized?
With a well-structured project plan and a lot of sticky notes!
Why did the project manager become a coach?
Because they were great at motivating their team to “score” big wins!
How does a project manager celebrate success?
By recognizing their team’s hard work and achievements!
How does a project manager handle conflicts?
By facilitating open communication and finding win-win solutions!
How does a project manager prioritize tasks?
By identifying the most critical path and focusing on those first!
Why did the project manager become a detective?
Because they knew how to uncover hidden project risks!
Why did the project manager become a pilot?
Because they knew how to navigate through turbulent projects!
How does a project manager inspire creativity?
By encouraging brainstorming sessions and thinking outside the box!
Clean Project Manager Jokes
From poking fun at budget constraints to mocking never-ending meetings, these PM jokes offer a lighthearted take on the trials and tribulations of the job. And the best part? They’re clean, so you won’t have to worry about offending anyone in the office. So go ahead, indulge in some project manager humor and lighten the mood!
How does a project manager organize a party?
Starts with a kick-off meeting and ends with lessons learned!
Why don’t project managers make good pilots?
They keep trying to avoid turbulence!
Why did the project manager go to the farm?
He wanted to manage the livestock’s scope!
What’s a project manager’s favorite car?
The one with the least amount of milestones!
Why did the project manager bring a map to the meeting?
He’s plotting the project’s course!
What’s a project manager’s favorite day of the week?
Monday, when the project status update is due!
Why did the project manager go to the gym?
He heard it was a great place to manage weights!
What do you call a project manager who can play a musical instrument?
A band manager!
Why did the project manager join a dating site?
He’s looking for a committed relationship with no scope creep!
How does a project manager make a sandwich?
By layering tasks in sequence!
Why did the project manager open a restaurant?
He wanted to serve up some milestones!
What’s a project manager’s favorite fruit?
Low-hanging scope!
How does a project manager leave a voicemail?
“Please leave a message after the beep, but remember to stick to the script!”
Why do project managers always carry a pen?
In case they need to draw a Gantt chart!
Why do project managers love the fall season?
It’s the perfect time to manage leaves!
Project Manager Jokes for Adults
While project management may not always be a laughing matter, these project manager jokes for adults are sure to lighten the mood and provide a few much-needed chuckles. Just be careful not to share them in front of your own project manager!
What do you call a project manager with no projects?
Manager!
What’s a project manager’s favorite drink?
A strong cup of “deliverable” coffee!
Why did the project manager break up with his girlfriend?
Too many change requests!
Why was the project manager happy at the zoo?
He finally found stakeholders who couldn’t change the scope!
Why don’t project managers make good gardeners?
They think “waterfall” is a methodology!
How does a project manager flirt?
“Is your name Scope? Because I can’t control my feelings for you.”
How does a project manager change a light bulb?
By creating a project plan and assigning tasks to the team!
Why do project managers never play soccer?
They’re always trying to avoid the “goal” post!
What’s a project manager’s favorite type of fish?
The one that got documented!
Why did the project manager go to the bakery?
He wanted to knead out the dough of project costs!
Why was the project manager at the amusement park?
He wanted to ride the rollercoaster of risks!
Why did the project manager go to the party?
He heard there was a critical path to fun!
What’s a project manager’s favorite type of clothing?
Anything with plenty of pockets for contingency!
Why did the project manager become a firefighter?
Because they were great at putting out project fires!
How does a project manager stay focused?
By keeping their eye on the project’s goals and objectives!
Why did the project manager sit at the corner when it rained?
He wanted to see if the risk would pass!
Project Manager Jokes and Puns
From quips about deadlines to jabs at PowerPoint presentations, these jokes are sure to make any project manager chuckle. So the next time you’re in a meeting with your project manager, try sprinkling in these jokes or puns and see if you can get a laugh. Who knows, you might just earn some extra brownie points for keeping the mood light and fun.
Our old project manager was a lightbulb because he was really switched on!
The project managers started a band called “The Deciders” – they’re great at making executive decisions.
The project manager’s wedding was a brief affair – because he was always managing time.
The project manager’s favorite mode of transport is a ‘manage-a-rial’ car – it drives up profits.
When the project manager retired, he deleted all his PowerPoint files – it was the end of an era-slide.
The clock-loving project manager had a second hand approach to every minute detail.
When the project manager got promoted, he said “it’s an upwardly mobile move” – guess his career is really on call.
Our project manager’s pet dog was bad at management, too; all it ever said was “bark orders!”
The bakery project manager rose to the occasion, but he really needed to roll back the doughnut meetings.
Our project manager is such a good musician, he really knows how to conduct business.
How does a project manager travel?
By taking the shortest path to his destination!
Why was the project manager at the boxing ring?
He was controlling the fight’s rounds!
Why don’t project managers like reality shows?
Too much uncontrolled drama!
Why do project managers always carry a watch?
They’re obsessed with time management!
What do you call a project manager on a trampoline?
Bouncing off ideas!
Why did the project manager visit the weather station?
He wanted to forecast risks!
Why did the project manager go to the tailor?
He wanted to manage the seams!
Why did the project manager go to the bird park?
He wanted to manage the flock’s direction!
What’s a project manager’s favorite game?
Connect the dots, as long as there’s a clear path!
Why don’t project managers like suspense movies?
They hate unexpected plot twists!
What’s a project manager’s favorite season?
Fall, because it’s all about managing change!
Why did the project manager start meditating?
He wanted to manage his inner peace!
Why did the project manager go to the concert?
He wanted to control the band’s tempo!
Why don’t project managers like playing video games?
Too many unexpected levels!
How does a project manager decorate a Christmas tree?
By arranging the ornaments in order of priority!
Why did the project manager join the chess club?
He wanted to manage the pawn’s movement!
How does a project manager write a song?
By arranging the notes in order of importance!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, project managers have a tough and stressful job with various responsibilities and challenges.
But in the midst of all the madness, sometimes a little bit of humor can go a long way.
These hilarious project manager jokes are sure to make any PM laugh and feel understood by their fellow comrades in the project management world.
Whether you’re dealing with difficult stakeholders or trying to meet impossible deadlines, these jokes about project managers will remind you that you’re not alone in this crazy journey.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break and have a good chuckle at these relatable jokes.
And don’t forget to share your favorite ones in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
Keep calm and manage on!

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