1. A network device, comprising: a transceiver to send and receive data over a network; and a processor configured to include at least one worker thereon that is operative to perform actions, comprising: receiving a work item to be performed on entries within a file directory; performing the work item on at least one of the entries within the file directory, progress of performance of the work item being indicated by a pointer location within a key space for the file directory; and in response to receiving a request to split the file directory, performing actions, including: indicating that the file directory is splittable, if a directory entry is located within a neighborhood of the pointer location and if a directory entry is located within a neighborhood of a midpoint within the key space; and or indicating that the file directory is unsplittable, if the directory entry is unlocatable within the neighborhood of the midpoint and the midpoint is located before the location of the pointer.