A non-volatile memory storage system is provided. The non-volatile memory storage system comprises a memory configured to store a storage system firmware and a non-volatile memory cell array. Additionally included is a processor in communication with the memory and the non-volatile memory cell array. The processor is configured to execute the storage system firmware stored in the memory. The storage system firmware includes program instructions for receiving a write command to write a plurality of data to the non-volatile memory cell array. The write command is allocated a timeout period to complete an execution of the write command. Additionally included are program instructions for asserting a busy signal, performing a portion of a garbage collection operation for a garbage collection time period, writing the data to a block, and releasing the busy signal before the timeout period.