my boss one vs. my boss two.

Hi there eyzee12! Which of your two bosses is in a higher position? Is it boss #1 or boss #2? There is this management principle by Henri Fayol called Unity of Command. This means that each worker should have only one boss with no other conflicting lines of command. The idea is that an employee should receive instructions from one superior only. This generalization still holds - even where we are involved with team and matrix structures which involve reporting to more than one boss - or being accountable to several clients. The basic concern is that tensions and dilemmas arise where we report to two or more bosses. One boss may want X, the other Y and the subordinate is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Your allegiance is to boss 1, since that is the person you was working for initially. I would let boss 2 know that I will promptly start his/her project as soon as I have finished the project assigned to me by boss 1. Your job description, does not include tasks of boss 2, since that position was assigned to you after your friend left. Ask boss 2 to extend the deadline, so that you will have enough time to finish boss1 and boss 2, to the best of your abilities, without rushing and possibly make unnecessary mistakes.