We used to do the old school whiz wheel and paper W&B forms on that airplane, which usually took awhile once we got the bag and pax counts. It was standard to release the brake to block out by departure time and hand the paperwork out the window. As long as the before start check was done prior, and you verified with the ramp that it was safe to do so. Not justifying it, but that was what we used to do. My before start check was not complete however, and ballast was still being loaded. Like I said, just a dumb mistake, one that probably has delayed my career for years. So it goes.

Did I learn from it? Absolutely. Since then I've never allowed myself to be rushed by anything. I've gotten into it with a few pushy gate agents over the years because of this, and sometimes we are out 2 mins late because since that day I'm no longer willing to play those games. But everything is done correctly before the brake is released.