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So far towards the Arctic Circle that I would have NO clients and just practice all day!
My very first job I left with no notice because the owner of the small business wanted me to install one copy of an antivirus product on all PCs in the building. Totally illegal. I tried to explain it to him first, but it was like talking to a wall. Another executive in the firm gave me a pep talk that day telling me that I'd be OK because "this company was full of strong women." Yah, strong and smart and outta there. Sometimes when Kenny Rogers plays in my head singing "you have to know when to fold 'em" I take it as a cue to walk out.
My issue with IT careers is; if you stay with the same company for many years, your "locked in" in your position and seen to do certain things and nothing more - let's face it - no manager wants to see you move on because he will need to replace you with someone who is just as good - so it is not in his/her interest to see you grow.
If you move on to another company, you have to start all over again; learn new processes, people, tools, etc.. and of course, you have to "prove" yourself despite 20+ years of IT experience and most likely you end up reporting to a manager who is 10 years your junior ....
What a deal?
If you move on to another company, you have to start all over again; learn new processes, people, tools, etc.. and of course, you have to "prove" yourself despite 20+ years of IT experience and most likely you end up reporting to a manager who is 10 years your junior ....
What a deal?
I'm already out of IT. When the economy crashed, so did my paying clients. I am sick of working for free. Consulting freelance has about killed my marriage over finances, and my wife just does not understand (like most people) that after two years on my own, pretty much stuck doing virus removals and data recovery, that I am not going to get a nice corporate job now. My certifications are current, but not in demand here.
So, I'm back to school, getting a teaching credential and my BA. Weekday job with summers off...heck yeah, I am so there after 10 years of IT!
So, I'm back to school, getting a teaching credential and my BA. Weekday job with summers off...heck yeah, I am so there after 10 years of IT!
I'm married to a veteran teacher. Believe me, it's not.
And discovered it was bad for my mental health.
Now, I'm back in IT.
Now, I'm back in IT.
Although when you see this it may seam dated or your just to young to know. LOL
I doubt that the e-mail address of the author is still good but if he see it My thanks to him.
Here's a peek into the thoughts of computer techs worldwide...an end user's
guide to technical services. (well maybe NOT!!!)
***************************************************
1. When a tech says he's coming right over, log out and go for coffee. It's
no problem for us to remember 2700 network passwords.
2. When you call us to have your computer moved, be sure to leave it buried
under half a ton of postcards, baby pictures, stuffed animals, dried
flowers, bowling trophies and Popsicle art. We don't have a life, and we
find it deeply moving to catch a fleeting glimpse of yours.
3. When tech support sends you an e-mail with high importance, delete it at
once. We're probably just testing out the public groups.
4. When a tech is eating lunch at his desk, walk right in and spill your
guts out and expect him to respond immediately. We exist only to serve and
are always ready to think about fixing computers.
5. When a tech is at the water cooler or outside having a smoke, ask him a
computer question. The only reason why we drink water or smoke at all is to
ferret out all those users who don't have eMail or a telephone line.
6. Send urgent eMail ALL IN UPPERCASE. The mail server picks it up and flags
it as a rush delivery.
7. When you call a tech's direct line, press 5 to skip the bilingual
greeting that says he's out of town for a week, record your message, and
wait exactly 24 hours before you send an eMail straight to the director
because no one ever returned your call. You're entitled to common courtesy.
8. When the photocopier doesn't work, call computer support. There's
electronics in it, right?
9. When you're getting a NO DIAL TONE message at home, call computer
support. We can even fix telephone problems from here.
10. When something's wrong with your home PC, dump it on a tech's chair with
no name, no phone number, and no description of the problem. We love a good
mystery.
11. When you have a tech on the phone walking you through changing a
setting; read the paper. We don't actually mean for you to DO anything; we
just love to hear ourselves talk.
12. When we offer training on the upcoming OS upgrade, don't bother. We'll
be there to hold your hand after it is done.
13. When the printer won't print, re-send the job at least 20 times. Print
jobs frequently just disappear into the cosmos for no reason.
14. When the printer still won't print after 20 tries, send the job to all
68 printers in the office. One of them is bound to work.
15. Don't use online help. Online help is for wimps.
16. If you're taking night classes in computer science, feel free to go
around and update the network drivers for you and all your co-workers. We're
grateful for the overtime when we have to stay until 2:30am fixing them.
17. When you have a tech fixing your computer at a quarter past one, eat
your lunch in his face. We function better when slightly dizzy.
18. Don't ever thank us. We love this AND we get paid for it!
19. When a tech asks you whether you've installed any new software on this
computer, lie. It's nobody's business what you've got on your computer.
20. If the mouse cable keeps knocking down the framed picture of your dog,
lift the computer and stuff the cable under it. Mouse cables were designed
to have 45 lbs. of computer sitting on top of them.
21. If the space bar on your keyboard doesn't work, blame it on the mail
upgrade. Keyboards work much better with half a pound of muffin crumbs, nail
clippings, and big sticky drops of Coke under the keys.
22. When you get the message saying "Are you sure?", click on that Yes
button as fast as you can. Hell, if you weren't sure, you wouldn't be doing
it, would you?
23. Feel perfectly free to say things like "I don't know nothing about that
computer crap". It never bothers us to hear our area of professional
expertise referred to as crap.
24. When you need to change the toner cartridge, call tech support. Changing
a toner cartridge is an extremely complex task, and Hewlett-Packard
recommends that it be performed only by a professional engineer with a
Master's degree in nuclear physics.
25. When something's the matter with your computer, ask your secretary to
call the help desk. We enjoy the challenge of having to deal with a third
party who doesn't know jack **** about the problem.
26. When you receive a 30-meg movie file, send it to everyone as a
high-priority mail attachment. We've got plenty of disk space and processor
capacity on that mail server.
27. Don't even think of breaking large print jobs down into smaller chunks.
God forbid somebody else might get a chance to squeeze into the queue.
28. When you bump into a tech in the grocery store on a Saturday, ask a
computer question. We work 24/7, even while at the grocery store on
weekends.
29. If your son is a student in computer science, have him come in on the
weekends and do his projects on your office computer. We'll be there for you
when his illegal copy of Visual Basic 6.0 makes your Access database flip
out.
30. When you bring us your own no-brand home PC to repair for free at the
office, tell us how urgently we need to fix it so your son can get back to
playing DOOM. We'll get right on it because we have so much free time at the
office. Everybody knows all we do is surf the Internet all day anyway.
Joe Black
tattle@wt.net
I doubt that the e-mail address of the author is still good but if he see it My thanks to him.
Here's a peek into the thoughts of computer techs worldwide...an end user's
guide to technical services. (well maybe NOT!!!)
***************************************************
1. When a tech says he's coming right over, log out and go for coffee. It's
no problem for us to remember 2700 network passwords.
2. When you call us to have your computer moved, be sure to leave it buried
under half a ton of postcards, baby pictures, stuffed animals, dried
flowers, bowling trophies and Popsicle art. We don't have a life, and we
find it deeply moving to catch a fleeting glimpse of yours.
3. When tech support sends you an e-mail with high importance, delete it at
once. We're probably just testing out the public groups.
4. When a tech is eating lunch at his desk, walk right in and spill your
guts out and expect him to respond immediately. We exist only to serve and
are always ready to think about fixing computers.
5. When a tech is at the water cooler or outside having a smoke, ask him a
computer question. The only reason why we drink water or smoke at all is to
ferret out all those users who don't have eMail or a telephone line.
6. Send urgent eMail ALL IN UPPERCASE. The mail server picks it up and flags
it as a rush delivery.
7. When you call a tech's direct line, press 5 to skip the bilingual
greeting that says he's out of town for a week, record your message, and
wait exactly 24 hours before you send an eMail straight to the director
because no one ever returned your call. You're entitled to common courtesy.
8. When the photocopier doesn't work, call computer support. There's
electronics in it, right?
9. When you're getting a NO DIAL TONE message at home, call computer
support. We can even fix telephone problems from here.
10. When something's wrong with your home PC, dump it on a tech's chair with
no name, no phone number, and no description of the problem. We love a good
mystery.
11. When you have a tech on the phone walking you through changing a
setting; read the paper. We don't actually mean for you to DO anything; we
just love to hear ourselves talk.
12. When we offer training on the upcoming OS upgrade, don't bother. We'll
be there to hold your hand after it is done.
13. When the printer won't print, re-send the job at least 20 times. Print
jobs frequently just disappear into the cosmos for no reason.
14. When the printer still won't print after 20 tries, send the job to all
68 printers in the office. One of them is bound to work.
15. Don't use online help. Online help is for wimps.
16. If you're taking night classes in computer science, feel free to go
around and update the network drivers for you and all your co-workers. We're
grateful for the overtime when we have to stay until 2:30am fixing them.
17. When you have a tech fixing your computer at a quarter past one, eat
your lunch in his face. We function better when slightly dizzy.
18. Don't ever thank us. We love this AND we get paid for it!
19. When a tech asks you whether you've installed any new software on this
computer, lie. It's nobody's business what you've got on your computer.
20. If the mouse cable keeps knocking down the framed picture of your dog,
lift the computer and stuff the cable under it. Mouse cables were designed
to have 45 lbs. of computer sitting on top of them.
21. If the space bar on your keyboard doesn't work, blame it on the mail
upgrade. Keyboards work much better with half a pound of muffin crumbs, nail
clippings, and big sticky drops of Coke under the keys.
22. When you get the message saying "Are you sure?", click on that Yes
button as fast as you can. Hell, if you weren't sure, you wouldn't be doing
it, would you?
23. Feel perfectly free to say things like "I don't know nothing about that
computer crap". It never bothers us to hear our area of professional
expertise referred to as crap.
24. When you need to change the toner cartridge, call tech support. Changing
a toner cartridge is an extremely complex task, and Hewlett-Packard
recommends that it be performed only by a professional engineer with a
Master's degree in nuclear physics.
25. When something's the matter with your computer, ask your secretary to
call the help desk. We enjoy the challenge of having to deal with a third
party who doesn't know jack **** about the problem.
26. When you receive a 30-meg movie file, send it to everyone as a
high-priority mail attachment. We've got plenty of disk space and processor
capacity on that mail server.
27. Don't even think of breaking large print jobs down into smaller chunks.
God forbid somebody else might get a chance to squeeze into the queue.
28. When you bump into a tech in the grocery store on a Saturday, ask a
computer question. We work 24/7, even while at the grocery store on
weekends.
29. If your son is a student in computer science, have him come in on the
weekends and do his projects on your office computer. We'll be there for you
when his illegal copy of Visual Basic 6.0 makes your Access database flip
out.
30. When you bring us your own no-brand home PC to repair for free at the
office, tell us how urgently we need to fix it so your son can get back to
playing DOOM. We'll get right on it because we have so much free time at the
office. Everybody knows all we do is surf the Internet all day anyway.
Joe Black
tattle@wt.net
If I wasn't doing IT I'd would be demolishing and renovating kitchens, baths, basements ... you name it. If I was loaded it's volunteering for Habitat for Humanity ... so come on Mega-Millions!
In most tech companies that I've worked for in the past, IT is the "power-tech entry" position:
If you have *no* technical skills, you get put in Sales.
If you have *some* technical skills, you get put into Support.
If you are truly skilled in tech, you get put in IT.
And, when you are at that point as described above where you are debating your path, then someone usually will recommend that maybe you should move to Development. Yeah, those guys that never really call you for much. The ones that you see staying as late as you only one or two days a month instead of the 4 to 5 days out of the business week that you end up staying late. And, they tend to get much better compensation, too.
Now, from the company's perspective, there is only one thing in your way from moving down that path; "Can you program in {Insert programming language of company's product here}?" And, if you at the point of questioning the wisdom of your working in IT, it is very likely that not only do you know what the developers code in, but also have a pretty good idea of the standards they have to adhere to for the project. Your next step is to write a little *something* to show the powers-that-be that you are ready to move over.
Enjoy the drop in stress levels and welcome to Development.
If you have *no* technical skills, you get put in Sales.
If you have *some* technical skills, you get put into Support.
If you are truly skilled in tech, you get put in IT.
And, when you are at that point as described above where you are debating your path, then someone usually will recommend that maybe you should move to Development. Yeah, those guys that never really call you for much. The ones that you see staying as late as you only one or two days a month instead of the 4 to 5 days out of the business week that you end up staying late. And, they tend to get much better compensation, too.
Now, from the company's perspective, there is only one thing in your way from moving down that path; "Can you program in {Insert programming language of company's product here}?" And, if you at the point of questioning the wisdom of your working in IT, it is very likely that not only do you know what the developers code in, but also have a pretty good idea of the standards they have to adhere to for the project. Your next step is to write a little *something* to show the powers-that-be that you are ready to move over.
Enjoy the drop in stress levels and welcome to Development.
Working for a mortgage company has given me insight into two things:
1. A company exists to make money, not make Micro$oft richer!
2. Even though the game has changed, someone who knows the ins and outs can still do well with income property.
Not only would I get out an get into real estate, I have many resources available to me right now that can help get me started. I know of one fellow IT guy that got out of the game to become a real estate agent. Wise move.
Forget this computer nonsense! I'm cashing out and cashing in!!!
1. A company exists to make money, not make Micro$oft richer!
2. Even though the game has changed, someone who knows the ins and outs can still do well with income property.
Not only would I get out an get into real estate, I have many resources available to me right now that can help get me started. I know of one fellow IT guy that got out of the game to become a real estate agent. Wise move.
Forget this computer nonsense! I'm cashing out and cashing in!!!
Good Day All..
Jack Wallen,
Great Article, Fantastic assessment, there's a few more to the 10.. but you've nailed it bullseye!!!
So let's see..
The main part of the feedback I have is the part about quitting.
I believe I'll always have the customer service attitude and make-up.
All of my clients are what make the job interesting worthwhile and opportunistic.
On extremely rare instances I get clients that could stress one out but not sure if its my demeanor or nature -- but for the most part I can work with pretty much most everyone.
My provision is simple.. if you have an issue I'll do my best to address it, if I can.
If I cannot then I provide options and possible solutions.
It's often extremely hard for me to leave client's high and dry.
Most often they become good friends who also provide me opportunities from the people they know.
Like a few others have written here..
I like the changing circumstances that puts my troubleshooting, problem solving, thinking cap engaged.
I love communication so it also gives me ample ways to convey my knowledge to people so they get it.
I get a lot of satisfaction knowing what I provided had helped someone beyond their issue.
I enjoy the newness of technology, information, knowledge.
Do you realize the exponential growth we have been a part of just within the past 10 years let alone the past 50 years?
I did take a detour in my profession about 6-8 years back -- I wanted to get into holistic health / massage / alternative health... I did alright but the market was saturated where I was. I ended up engaging my natural skills in computer technology, networking, systems, etc.. and got back into the IT domain.
I think my next venture would be into the blending of technology and medical systems.
I've taken anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage, hydro/aroma therapy.
I have a natural affinity with computers, electronics, application, software, networking, audio/video.
I have a diverse interest range that keeps my mind super active.
So I am thinking a venue change from corporate America into medical systems.
However, I did also take note of comments made of farming.
I like the idea of getting off the grid and have taken steps already to go that route.
Eventually self-sufficiency is my goal but also establish strong neworking connections with various diverse people - friendships that create a kind of community to utilize resources to the highest extent without the negative impact.
I am still mulling it over in my mind and I feel opportunity will come about within the next few years.
Currently where I work, I LOVE my job..
I love the people interaction, the diverse issues that beset me on a daily basis.
The knowledge and research required to address various events.
The understanding of people's issues and fully getting what they need and how to best fulfill it.
I tend to have the motto of treating everyone fairly and addressing peoples issues all within a timely manner.
I also value the contact with the people -- so this goes true for my clients, the janitors / custodial service, security systems, mail/postal delivery people, etc..
With all that -- it appears I would want to stay.. but the flip side of this record....does have pull-me-down effect.
What proves most challenging is my direct IT management grouping.
I know my pay isn't as good as it can be. BUT then again it's not as bad as it could be either.
Our support within our own IT division -- sometimes makes me wonder if others have the same perspective that customer service isn't just to the clients but its also to your own peers and co-workers.
That being said... Supervisors, managers, VIP's, Directors, CEO, CIO's etc.. not only answer to their chain of command above as their customer service.. BUT they also answer to their people they manage.
The time versus the pay often isn't equivalent noted in compensation. Often we're salaried - OT is often the norm in some fashion.
As I mentioned I love technology and what it has to offer, but sometimes too much definitely isn't good.
When the rate of advancement and evolutionary development has you constantly taking classes and getting certifications and being exposed to so many new things -- its a bit overwhelming.
As for competition, yes the possibility of someone better in line is there AS is also true that someone worse in line is also available. I've learned I cannot worry or be concerned with that. What I need to stay focused on is delivering my deliverables and making sure I provide the best that I can.
If someone can outperform me, that's fine and perhaps the job we're applying for is well suited for them. There are other positions and other possibilities.
One of my handicaps is that I am a little slow on the learning curve, which hinders my growth but.. I also take whats necessary to learn and master things. Once I master something - my mind goes into overdrive and I begin seeing improvements, efficiencies, quality enhancements, etc.
My advantage ironically is my weakness of slow learning -- and add to it the ability to go outside of the box in various levels. Aside from the computer technology which I am not an expert on but advanced... I also have interests that span the gamit in knowledge. I can apply understandings I have from diverse fields to the current problem or circumstances that I face. And my ability to tap into diverse knowledge and information is quick.
Times shift, Times changes... The constant is change.
I think ultimately we have to ask ourselves if what we do provides us meaning, happiness and some sort of satisfaction. If it doesn't then the writing appears on the wall to move on. The other thing we need to look at is --- the grass greener on the other side? Sometimes its not and sometimes it is. I know and recall people would leave their jobs only to get hired into another part of the department that they wanted to get into but couldn't because of the red tape and just the factors involved of their current job and the policies of hiring from within versus from outside.
Our profession most assuredly has a lot of demands on it.
We get the demands from all sides and all circumstances.
We face a turbulent environment that changes with every day that passes.
At the moment, I find myself playing it by ear. Making the best of what's there.
Wherever any of us ends up or goes.. I wish us all good luck and good journey.
Sincerely,
Satori.
Jack Wallen,
Great Article, Fantastic assessment, there's a few more to the 10.. but you've nailed it bullseye!!!
So let's see..
The main part of the feedback I have is the part about quitting.
I believe I'll always have the customer service attitude and make-up.
All of my clients are what make the job interesting worthwhile and opportunistic.
On extremely rare instances I get clients that could stress one out but not sure if its my demeanor or nature -- but for the most part I can work with pretty much most everyone.
My provision is simple.. if you have an issue I'll do my best to address it, if I can.
If I cannot then I provide options and possible solutions.
It's often extremely hard for me to leave client's high and dry.
Most often they become good friends who also provide me opportunities from the people they know.
Like a few others have written here..
I like the changing circumstances that puts my troubleshooting, problem solving, thinking cap engaged.
I love communication so it also gives me ample ways to convey my knowledge to people so they get it.
I get a lot of satisfaction knowing what I provided had helped someone beyond their issue.
I enjoy the newness of technology, information, knowledge.
Do you realize the exponential growth we have been a part of just within the past 10 years let alone the past 50 years?
I did take a detour in my profession about 6-8 years back -- I wanted to get into holistic health / massage / alternative health... I did alright but the market was saturated where I was. I ended up engaging my natural skills in computer technology, networking, systems, etc.. and got back into the IT domain.
I think my next venture would be into the blending of technology and medical systems.
I've taken anatomy, physiology, pathology, massage, hydro/aroma therapy.
I have a natural affinity with computers, electronics, application, software, networking, audio/video.
I have a diverse interest range that keeps my mind super active.
So I am thinking a venue change from corporate America into medical systems.
However, I did also take note of comments made of farming.
I like the idea of getting off the grid and have taken steps already to go that route.
Eventually self-sufficiency is my goal but also establish strong neworking connections with various diverse people - friendships that create a kind of community to utilize resources to the highest extent without the negative impact.
I am still mulling it over in my mind and I feel opportunity will come about within the next few years.
Currently where I work, I LOVE my job..
I love the people interaction, the diverse issues that beset me on a daily basis.
The knowledge and research required to address various events.
The understanding of people's issues and fully getting what they need and how to best fulfill it.
I tend to have the motto of treating everyone fairly and addressing peoples issues all within a timely manner.
I also value the contact with the people -- so this goes true for my clients, the janitors / custodial service, security systems, mail/postal delivery people, etc..
With all that -- it appears I would want to stay.. but the flip side of this record....does have pull-me-down effect.
What proves most challenging is my direct IT management grouping.
I know my pay isn't as good as it can be. BUT then again it's not as bad as it could be either.
Our support within our own IT division -- sometimes makes me wonder if others have the same perspective that customer service isn't just to the clients but its also to your own peers and co-workers.
That being said... Supervisors, managers, VIP's, Directors, CEO, CIO's etc.. not only answer to their chain of command above as their customer service.. BUT they also answer to their people they manage.
The time versus the pay often isn't equivalent noted in compensation. Often we're salaried - OT is often the norm in some fashion.
As I mentioned I love technology and what it has to offer, but sometimes too much definitely isn't good.
When the rate of advancement and evolutionary development has you constantly taking classes and getting certifications and being exposed to so many new things -- its a bit overwhelming.
As for competition, yes the possibility of someone better in line is there AS is also true that someone worse in line is also available. I've learned I cannot worry or be concerned with that. What I need to stay focused on is delivering my deliverables and making sure I provide the best that I can.
If someone can outperform me, that's fine and perhaps the job we're applying for is well suited for them. There are other positions and other possibilities.
One of my handicaps is that I am a little slow on the learning curve, which hinders my growth but.. I also take whats necessary to learn and master things. Once I master something - my mind goes into overdrive and I begin seeing improvements, efficiencies, quality enhancements, etc.
My advantage ironically is my weakness of slow learning -- and add to it the ability to go outside of the box in various levels. Aside from the computer technology which I am not an expert on but advanced... I also have interests that span the gamit in knowledge. I can apply understandings I have from diverse fields to the current problem or circumstances that I face. And my ability to tap into diverse knowledge and information is quick.
Times shift, Times changes... The constant is change.
I think ultimately we have to ask ourselves if what we do provides us meaning, happiness and some sort of satisfaction. If it doesn't then the writing appears on the wall to move on. The other thing we need to look at is --- the grass greener on the other side? Sometimes its not and sometimes it is. I know and recall people would leave their jobs only to get hired into another part of the department that they wanted to get into but couldn't because of the red tape and just the factors involved of their current job and the policies of hiring from within versus from outside.
Our profession most assuredly has a lot of demands on it.
We get the demands from all sides and all circumstances.
We face a turbulent environment that changes with every day that passes.
At the moment, I find myself playing it by ear. Making the best of what's there.
Wherever any of us ends up or goes.. I wish us all good luck and good journey.
Sincerely,
Satori.
well friends, I have been thru all this as mentioned, but, I believe we should not surrender to these. mostly or IT peoples like challenges, reach new highs. Even other economic sector including own business has same problems. Quitting just to avoid confrontations to the issue doesn't help in life. So, cheers!!
I have a lot of knowledge and experience invested in IT, so quitting is not an option.
I'm too old to start "new business" like suggested in other posts ....
I'm too old to start "new business" like suggested in other posts ....
I have 15 years in IT, I've worked in some decent places and I've worked in some places that were pure hell. What works for me is to leave work at work. When I walk out the door I'm done for the day. Once in a while I'll spend some time at night or on the weekend working on a problem that I wasn't able to resolve during the day but most of it I do during business hours. My job isn't my identity, it's just my career. I'm anotherncbeachbum, not the IT guy.
Having outside interests helps too. I make time to get out and play. I also limit my weeks to 45 hours max. I have coworkers who work 60+ and still feel behind. Organize yourself to be efficient, drop the parts out of work that you don't need and don't be afraid to close your door.
Another thing that is important is setting boundaries. I've become a master of this. When our finance person wanted to "spend the morning reviewing the inventory" I told her that I didn't have the time and to just notify me of the problems. I'd rather have to hunt down 5 PCs than to look over each PC on the spreadsheet and confirm it. If something comes across my desk that isn't IT related I dispose of it, redirecting them to the person who can help them.
Having outside interests helps too. I make time to get out and play. I also limit my weeks to 45 hours max. I have coworkers who work 60+ and still feel behind. Organize yourself to be efficient, drop the parts out of work that you don't need and don't be afraid to close your door.
Another thing that is important is setting boundaries. I've become a master of this. When our finance person wanted to "spend the morning reviewing the inventory" I told her that I didn't have the time and to just notify me of the problems. I'd rather have to hunt down 5 PCs than to look over each PC on the spreadsheet and confirm it. If something comes across my desk that isn't IT related I dispose of it, redirecting them to the person who can help them.
why o' why didn't I tried for a job in the bank or the public sector...
This article could be carbon copied for any career with some minor edits. It seems that IT folks blog and complain about it more than anyone though.
You think nurses, accountants, retail workers, etc are universally happy? If you are endlessly bemoaning your horrible existence (no matter what career you are pursuing) you either went into the wrong field or have a bad attitude in general and would be miserable anywhere.
Everyone wants to hit lotto, win American Idol, or be Americas Next Big *whatever* and have money rain on them from above for doing nothing. Reality is that for 99.999% of us, that isn't going to happen and we are, instead, going to have to go to a job to earn money so we can have a nice life with friends and family.
Anyone who is so burnt out on the field that all they can do is complain about it and take it out on their *business partners* (not "users"... if you view the folks who are working *their* miserable jobs as your "users" your attitude is already bad... you are all *business partners* working to sell your collective product) should just go *see how green the grass is somewhere else*.
IT is *consistently* one of *the* highest paid fields. Just because so many IT workers think they are "under paid" at $90+K a year doesnt change that fact that these salaries put IT workers in the top 10% of earners. Especially these days when so many folks cant find a job *at all*, much less a nice 6 figure one.
So save that money for a few years.... Buy fewer BMWs and iPads.... Put it away instead and BUY THAT FARM so you can see just how easy and stress free "living off the land" really is.
You think nurses, accountants, retail workers, etc are universally happy? If you are endlessly bemoaning your horrible existence (no matter what career you are pursuing) you either went into the wrong field or have a bad attitude in general and would be miserable anywhere.
Everyone wants to hit lotto, win American Idol, or be Americas Next Big *whatever* and have money rain on them from above for doing nothing. Reality is that for 99.999% of us, that isn't going to happen and we are, instead, going to have to go to a job to earn money so we can have a nice life with friends and family.
Anyone who is so burnt out on the field that all they can do is complain about it and take it out on their *business partners* (not "users"... if you view the folks who are working *their* miserable jobs as your "users" your attitude is already bad... you are all *business partners* working to sell your collective product) should just go *see how green the grass is somewhere else*.
IT is *consistently* one of *the* highest paid fields. Just because so many IT workers think they are "under paid" at $90+K a year doesnt change that fact that these salaries put IT workers in the top 10% of earners. Especially these days when so many folks cant find a job *at all*, much less a nice 6 figure one.
So save that money for a few years.... Buy fewer BMWs and iPads.... Put it away instead and BUY THAT FARM so you can see just how easy and stress free "living off the land" really is.
and become a professional manure/pedicure technician.
And have a garden to boot!!!
And have a garden to boot!!!
After 9 years in IT I came to the same conclusion as you did, so now I am studying to driving licence instructor, it pays as good as IT, and less stressful.
quite a change of carrier, huh,
quite a change of carrier, huh,
Something quasi-medical, with way more jobs than qualified applicants, but not so much of the blood, guts and death. Also, the customers appreciate you! Probably won't replace 6 figures of income though.
I grew up on a 10 acre fruit orchard (mainly apples) in north-central New Mexico. I really enjoy working it on the weekends... I mean after the insanity of a 40-60 hour IT work week I'm ready for some fresh air and sunshine. Sometimes I feel like I could drop IT in a heartbeat and do that all of the time for the rest of my days.
I love cider, both the non-alcholic and the alcoholic kind.
You might never make a fortune making cider, but you can consume the excess.
I take my kids apple picking every year to the orchards just outside the city. My wife makes applesauce, apple butter, dried apples, pies etc. Its a fun exercise.
You might never make a fortune making cider, but you can consume the excess.
I take my kids apple picking every year to the orchards just outside the city. My wife makes applesauce, apple butter, dried apples, pies etc. Its a fun exercise.
Man-o-man, this is SO right!!
I am now at that stage where I am looking a a career change, but what stops most is the money, so if you know it's time to quit, you need to make sure your life is a little simpler - low mortgage, low living costs and low entertainment expenditure.
I have been in the gam e for just 15 years after 5 years of training and getting up to speed, whta I have noticed is that most IT guys say, they'll do some training and keep up with tplay, but never do, so in the end everyone will fall back in their abilities. But 20 years is a long investment and the rewards, well a fast-paced techno world means you either overwork or fall behind. I have concluded that a career change is probably the best way. I'll find something that I would like to do, but realise it'll be low pay, so there's the sacrifice. But the rest f you still on th up-and-up, prepare yourself for a career change by finding and developing an interest in something else that'll be your lifeline later on in life.
Heads up to those with the balls to change career, and no credit to those who stick it out due to pride - I'll be at your funeral whe you're 50!! Not meant meanly, just seems to be the trend!!
I am now at that stage where I am looking a a career change, but what stops most is the money, so if you know it's time to quit, you need to make sure your life is a little simpler - low mortgage, low living costs and low entertainment expenditure.
I have been in the gam e for just 15 years after 5 years of training and getting up to speed, whta I have noticed is that most IT guys say, they'll do some training and keep up with tplay, but never do, so in the end everyone will fall back in their abilities. But 20 years is a long investment and the rewards, well a fast-paced techno world means you either overwork or fall behind. I have concluded that a career change is probably the best way. I'll find something that I would like to do, but realise it'll be low pay, so there's the sacrifice. But the rest f you still on th up-and-up, prepare yourself for a career change by finding and developing an interest in something else that'll be your lifeline later on in life.
Heads up to those with the balls to change career, and no credit to those who stick it out due to pride - I'll be at your funeral whe you're 50!! Not meant meanly, just seems to be the trend!!
Great article. As an independent consultant, I have experienced all 10 reasons. Some additional ones which may be extensions of the ones above :
11) Overdosed on IT.
Yes, just like getting drunk, one can overdose on IT work because there is so much of it. And once you overdose you get sick, and you swear you will never do IT work again. But then you recover, and you slowly ease into the IT role, and before you know it, you binge and you overdose again. Discipline and control are required to set limits on what IT work you want to do and how much time you are willing to spend.
12) A life of extremes.
Independent consultants go through boom and bust cycles which can be hard on cash flow. I have been through the 2001 tech bubble implosion and the 2008 financial crisis. I did fairly well from late 2004 to mid 2008 but now it is more difficult, being older and competing with a huge pool of unemployed candidates, college/university graduates, technically-qualified immigrants, smart savvy young people. There is the mental and emotional turmoil one goes through when little or no work is available to pay the bills and to live.
13) Age.
As an older engineer, it feels that experience, seasoned thinking, maturity, and proven people skills are not valued by everyone, or put another way, some clients are looking for 30 years of experience in a 25-year old package at low cost. It takes effort to find those clients that would value your package. And how do you even get your foot in the door when clients are receiving an overwhelming number of resumes/applications ? One way is to canvass your industrial/commercial areas door-to-door in person, and a second way is to set up a web presence to attract clients.
14) Tired of helping colleagues who do not reciprocate.
I am a helpful person to both clients and colleagues, and I do not ask for return favors because I give willingly. In my own experience, I have educated/nursed/assisted colleagues in their IT problems which at times impacted my deliverables yet when I needed the same in very rare instances they were "unavailable" or "did not know the topic". In other cases, they took advantage of my helpful attitude to get work done so they could have a good weekend. Disheartening. There is the old adage that says - do not take my kindness for weakness.
15) Incompetence and cleaning up the mess.
I have come to hate cleaning up messed up systems and projects left by incompetents. Maybe it is part of the job but why can the people who did the work in the first place not own up and fix the work they did rather than "strategically" exit stage left and feign that it was not their doing, it was someone else that caused the problems.
16) Lack of knowledge of computing fundamentals.
Computers may be everywhere but an understanding of the fundamentals among the general populace, clients, and some IT people is sorely lacking. My first computer classes in high school 35 years ago consisted of understanding bits and bytes, computer subsystems, number systems, and programming in BASIC. Today, high school computer classes in my city test how well you can use Microsoft applications. This issue of knowledge also applies to both technical and non-technical people entering the IT field. It can be very difficult to explain a solution to someone who has no basic understanding of the technology.
So, you deliver a decent solution to a client who then manages to virus up or damage or destroy your work in spite of the training you gave. You are the one that messed up, not the user, because you did not build a fool-proof solution. Quote : "Never argue with stupid people. They just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."
Try working the residential/home computer market and after a short while you will begin to start dreaming of farming, green fields, blue skies, and white puffy clouds.
17) Technical forums
Reading technical forums, I am appalled at some of the unprofessional behaviour, lack of knowledge, failure to research the topic, slandering, flaming. Why ? Lack of education ? Improper upbringing ? Personality disorders ? Caffeine depravation ? Do I want to be associated with such crowds ?
18) Internet resources
There is a plethora of knowledge, information, free software, instructions available on the Internet for the masses so that anyone with some desire can do their own IT work. There will still be demand for systems-level engineering of computing systems and networks by qualified personnel but how much ?
19) No time to enjoy computers.
You deliver computing systems and solutions to your clients for them to do useful work. But you get home, and you do not want to even look at the TV screen, let alone a computer because you had a day full of them. You would like to scan all those family photos into an electronic album, or play a game of chess with the computer, or try your hand at flight simulation. But no time, and the desire gone, having been spent on the customer.
20) Personality.
My personality may not be suited to the IT world. I belong to a class of people that are classified as Highly Sensitive Persons, which statistically is about 20% of the North American population. Basically, your sensors are on all the time. Some people are sensitive to weather, light, sounds, even electromagnetic radiation from cell towers or working in datacenters. Some have a deep understanding of the IT system, they can "feel" the network humming or groaning, they can sense good and bad people, they are able to manage awkward situations. But this is draining physically, mentally, and emotionally.
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/tech-manager/?p=4640&tag=nl.e550
For those with strong, highly-energetic, and less-sensitive personalities, IT is great.
So, what are my options ? I have a combined engineering and science background so :
1) Move into datacenter work, network design, or IT infrastructure work, and leave customer support/desktop support/emergency support to others.
2) Move into an engineering research and development role which allows me to concentrate on more technical matters and less with people.
3) Offer my experience and knowledge in engineering + science + IT to scientific expeditions.
4) Find a place near mountains with lake, meadow, orchard, and a nice-sized garden plot, near a small town for odd supplies, a basic Internet connection, a shed for making wine and beer, and a workshop with computers and stuff.
11) Overdosed on IT.
Yes, just like getting drunk, one can overdose on IT work because there is so much of it. And once you overdose you get sick, and you swear you will never do IT work again. But then you recover, and you slowly ease into the IT role, and before you know it, you binge and you overdose again. Discipline and control are required to set limits on what IT work you want to do and how much time you are willing to spend.
12) A life of extremes.
Independent consultants go through boom and bust cycles which can be hard on cash flow. I have been through the 2001 tech bubble implosion and the 2008 financial crisis. I did fairly well from late 2004 to mid 2008 but now it is more difficult, being older and competing with a huge pool of unemployed candidates, college/university graduates, technically-qualified immigrants, smart savvy young people. There is the mental and emotional turmoil one goes through when little or no work is available to pay the bills and to live.
13) Age.
As an older engineer, it feels that experience, seasoned thinking, maturity, and proven people skills are not valued by everyone, or put another way, some clients are looking for 30 years of experience in a 25-year old package at low cost. It takes effort to find those clients that would value your package. And how do you even get your foot in the door when clients are receiving an overwhelming number of resumes/applications ? One way is to canvass your industrial/commercial areas door-to-door in person, and a second way is to set up a web presence to attract clients.
14) Tired of helping colleagues who do not reciprocate.
I am a helpful person to both clients and colleagues, and I do not ask for return favors because I give willingly. In my own experience, I have educated/nursed/assisted colleagues in their IT problems which at times impacted my deliverables yet when I needed the same in very rare instances they were "unavailable" or "did not know the topic". In other cases, they took advantage of my helpful attitude to get work done so they could have a good weekend. Disheartening. There is the old adage that says - do not take my kindness for weakness.
15) Incompetence and cleaning up the mess.
I have come to hate cleaning up messed up systems and projects left by incompetents. Maybe it is part of the job but why can the people who did the work in the first place not own up and fix the work they did rather than "strategically" exit stage left and feign that it was not their doing, it was someone else that caused the problems.
16) Lack of knowledge of computing fundamentals.
Computers may be everywhere but an understanding of the fundamentals among the general populace, clients, and some IT people is sorely lacking. My first computer classes in high school 35 years ago consisted of understanding bits and bytes, computer subsystems, number systems, and programming in BASIC. Today, high school computer classes in my city test how well you can use Microsoft applications. This issue of knowledge also applies to both technical and non-technical people entering the IT field. It can be very difficult to explain a solution to someone who has no basic understanding of the technology.
So, you deliver a decent solution to a client who then manages to virus up or damage or destroy your work in spite of the training you gave. You are the one that messed up, not the user, because you did not build a fool-proof solution. Quote : "Never argue with stupid people. They just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."
Try working the residential/home computer market and after a short while you will begin to start dreaming of farming, green fields, blue skies, and white puffy clouds.
17) Technical forums
Reading technical forums, I am appalled at some of the unprofessional behaviour, lack of knowledge, failure to research the topic, slandering, flaming. Why ? Lack of education ? Improper upbringing ? Personality disorders ? Caffeine depravation ? Do I want to be associated with such crowds ?
18) Internet resources
There is a plethora of knowledge, information, free software, instructions available on the Internet for the masses so that anyone with some desire can do their own IT work. There will still be demand for systems-level engineering of computing systems and networks by qualified personnel but how much ?
19) No time to enjoy computers.
You deliver computing systems and solutions to your clients for them to do useful work. But you get home, and you do not want to even look at the TV screen, let alone a computer because you had a day full of them. You would like to scan all those family photos into an electronic album, or play a game of chess with the computer, or try your hand at flight simulation. But no time, and the desire gone, having been spent on the customer.
20) Personality.
My personality may not be suited to the IT world. I belong to a class of people that are classified as Highly Sensitive Persons, which statistically is about 20% of the North American population. Basically, your sensors are on all the time. Some people are sensitive to weather, light, sounds, even electromagnetic radiation from cell towers or working in datacenters. Some have a deep understanding of the IT system, they can "feel" the network humming or groaning, they can sense good and bad people, they are able to manage awkward situations. But this is draining physically, mentally, and emotionally.
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/tech-manager/?p=4640&tag=nl.e550
For those with strong, highly-energetic, and less-sensitive personalities, IT is great.
So, what are my options ? I have a combined engineering and science background so :
1) Move into datacenter work, network design, or IT infrastructure work, and leave customer support/desktop support/emergency support to others.
2) Move into an engineering research and development role which allows me to concentrate on more technical matters and less with people.
3) Offer my experience and knowledge in engineering + science + IT to scientific expeditions.
4) Find a place near mountains with lake, meadow, orchard, and a nice-sized garden plot, near a small town for odd supplies, a basic Internet connection, a shed for making wine and beer, and a workshop with computers and stuff.
Seems to me like the job is getting more and more demanding as users demand ability to bring their own devices into the workplace and take that data home with them. When people can buy slick technology at the store and demand its use in the corporate world, all bets are off in terms of planning a managed environment. That is, unless you have a huge budget for it.
I don't agree with payment issue. I never had to worry and none of friends had to worry till now. And which job doesn't have stress in today's world, if you want tog et little ahead.
After 20 years in the AF and an additional 12 with a private company, I was laid off for 18 months. Why? I was the highest paid and gave the biggest savings. My manager was not happy since he wanted me to stay. Well, you do alot of reflecting and wondering when that happens. I realized that I had gotten too comfortable and while I stayed up on the technology, I didn't follow thru with certs... bad move. I got a position as a Business Analyst and realized that there is ALOT less stress in this environment. Is it what I want to do? Not sure since, it is all contract work. I would really love to open a hobby shop but have to wonder how profitable it would be in this economy. May just have to make the jump. Anybody have financing???
I was out of IT for aprox 2 years, and no matter how hard we think it is in the IT world trust me it's harder on the other side.
I'm glad to be back in IT again, this is my home and I'm glad to be here.
I'm glad to be back in IT again, this is my home and I'm glad to be here.
IT is "still" the better market nowdays, so considering the difficulties finding a job in another domain (and a less difficult job btw otherwise no point looking) i won't move.
I though about farming too, but working primary sectors is too harsh... particularly physically speaking... I guess it depends on "why" one decided to move onto IT, but for myself, starting coding at 12yo, there is no question, it's a way-of-life. Coderz Rulez....
I though about farming too, but working primary sectors is too harsh... particularly physically speaking... I guess it depends on "why" one decided to move onto IT, but for myself, starting coding at 12yo, there is no question, it's a way-of-life. Coderz Rulez....
I choose writing as my career after IT. With enough knowledge in certain IT areas, I could start with instructional manuals to sell on CafePress, then I would move into fiction/fantasy. Who knows, one day you may read one of my books and think... "Huh."
If anyone offers me a job as a glamour photographer I'll quit Prodco tomorrow, and only because it's after 5 pm here.
the minute I find out that I can make better money, working other profession, I'll quit IT.
all these aside, there is always something new which we all have to keep up with and that sucks.
all these aside, there is always something new which we all have to keep up with and that sucks.
OMG! Stop whining! Are you f'ing serious? Get over it and go back to work.
Sure, there are some valid points here, but every job has its ups and downs. The simple truth is that there are those of us that belong in IT (the ones that love technology and still feel like it's Christmas when they get a new computer -- after 15 years), and those that don't. Feel free to quit or you're one of the latter.
Stress: I don't have stress. Stress is an attitude. I get things done when I can get them done. I can't go any faster and I can't do any better than that. You don't have to be stressed just because the client is.
Hours: I've worked 15 years where I get off most days in less then 8 hours. God forbid you look at technology in your off hours. Sorry, but I buy iPhones, EVOs, iPads, Xooms, etc because I love technology. I read up on Linux and Windows Server 2009 for the same reason. I still play with this stuff if I didn't have an IT job -- only I'd be sad that I didn't have any real-world application for my technology. That feels empty.
Pay: Yeah, that part can suck. The upside? Making six figures. Every business owner has this problem.
OK, I could address every one of these points, but I don't have the time. You get the idea.
Sure, there are some valid points here, but every job has its ups and downs. The simple truth is that there are those of us that belong in IT (the ones that love technology and still feel like it's Christmas when they get a new computer -- after 15 years), and those that don't. Feel free to quit or you're one of the latter.
Stress: I don't have stress. Stress is an attitude. I get things done when I can get them done. I can't go any faster and I can't do any better than that. You don't have to be stressed just because the client is.
Hours: I've worked 15 years where I get off most days in less then 8 hours. God forbid you look at technology in your off hours. Sorry, but I buy iPhones, EVOs, iPads, Xooms, etc because I love technology. I read up on Linux and Windows Server 2009 for the same reason. I still play with this stuff if I didn't have an IT job -- only I'd be sad that I didn't have any real-world application for my technology. That feels empty.
Pay: Yeah, that part can suck. The upside? Making six figures. Every business owner has this problem.
OK, I could address every one of these points, but I don't have the time. You get the idea.
Yepper, I think about leaving the field all of the time. For most of the points made in the article, but I'd like to add one more. The pace of change in IT. I'm no Luddite, but I am sick of retooling myself to head off obsolescence with my "current" skillset. Life is too short to hole myself up reading and studying to learn the latest crapware that floods in everytime I turn around only to have it become yesterday's obsolete technology. Oh, and don't even get me started about certifications!
Off to my Cabin now....I wish
Off to my Cabin now....I wish
As you know laws do not change often, still they earn 2 or 3 times more than an IT. They have only one book to study, IT people must continuously learn.
As the title states I quit my job thinking investments, rentals etc would allow for early retirement. But then the Wall street elite decided no no no we haven't got enough out of you yet and blew up everything. So forced to go back into the I T W o r l d ! . I was able to find a job @ 1/4 of what I was making but felt luckier than most to have a job and benefits etc. and paying my mortgage.
Well a year into that, weight was off the scale, looking at new management that made it clear that current pay scales and benefit packages are a thing of the past and your going to have to ADJUST to the real world (translation "no benefits for you').
So after crunching the numbers I resigned. New management cried and fussed knowing they needed the knowledge base for awhile until they could secure their bonus packages. I made it clear that all it took was same pay, benefits, hours etc and I would stay. But they made it clear that it wasn't in their hands and could only "promise" to bring pay and benefits back to the level we were accustomed to as soon as possible (as if she was part of my team).
So that was easy, I said put it in writing. After lots of excuses she just could not and would not. It's amazing what you learn when you hold management types feet to the fire (they either turn and run or THEY COMMIT and FIGHT for the team) . Needless to say this type turned and ran.
Hence forth I started remodeling my home to work out the Stress and lose weight. All most everyday someone would stop by and ask if I had a card as they needed work done on their home. I would explain "I'm the home owner" not the contractor. They would compliment me and move on. One day I said "Yes I do" and gave the owner of one of the largest Brick, Block and Stone companies in town my card ("StoneWorks.. it's a Verb!").
To make a long story shorter, I starting getting calls and jobs to do Masonry work. It is hard work but the bricks/stones and mortar do not flake out and change their .lib/.dll on me with out notice and DO NOT NEED UPGRADES. I have since became a Master Mason and have joined the ranks of very few in our community that can do that kind of work. We don't get paid as much as IT people but our work will last Centuries and will bring utilitarian function and beauty for generations to come.
I have always been a true Craftsmen whether I was coding, converting banks or laying bricks and stone. I.T. to me now is just Vaporware, Smoke and Mirrors, the latest study/media of "How to Con Someone out of something, anything" Caveat emptor is never been more alive and well in the httpd://WWW (Wild Wild West). Just not my thing.
Mason's just do what mason have done for Centuries, make stone, brick and mortar beautiful, lasting and functional for many generations to come. My legacy in the DP/IT/DB industry has already come and gone, my legacy as a Master Mason in this community is just beginning and with skill and craftsmanship my children's children's will get to feel, touch and smile at all the works I leave behind.
Payton Carter, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Well a year into that, weight was off the scale, looking at new management that made it clear that current pay scales and benefit packages are a thing of the past and your going to have to ADJUST to the real world (translation "no benefits for you').
So after crunching the numbers I resigned. New management cried and fussed knowing they needed the knowledge base for awhile until they could secure their bonus packages. I made it clear that all it took was same pay, benefits, hours etc and I would stay. But they made it clear that it wasn't in their hands and could only "promise" to bring pay and benefits back to the level we were accustomed to as soon as possible (as if she was part of my team).
So that was easy, I said put it in writing. After lots of excuses she just could not and would not. It's amazing what you learn when you hold management types feet to the fire (they either turn and run or THEY COMMIT and FIGHT for the team) . Needless to say this type turned and ran.
Hence forth I started remodeling my home to work out the Stress and lose weight. All most everyday someone would stop by and ask if I had a card as they needed work done on their home. I would explain "I'm the home owner" not the contractor. They would compliment me and move on. One day I said "Yes I do" and gave the owner of one of the largest Brick, Block and Stone companies in town my card ("StoneWorks.. it's a Verb!").
To make a long story shorter, I starting getting calls and jobs to do Masonry work. It is hard work but the bricks/stones and mortar do not flake out and change their .lib/.dll on me with out notice and DO NOT NEED UPGRADES. I have since became a Master Mason and have joined the ranks of very few in our community that can do that kind of work. We don't get paid as much as IT people but our work will last Centuries and will bring utilitarian function and beauty for generations to come.
I have always been a true Craftsmen whether I was coding, converting banks or laying bricks and stone. I.T. to me now is just Vaporware, Smoke and Mirrors, the latest study/media of "How to Con Someone out of something, anything" Caveat emptor is never been more alive and well in the httpd://WWW (Wild Wild West). Just not my thing.
Mason's just do what mason have done for Centuries, make stone, brick and mortar beautiful, lasting and functional for many generations to come. My legacy in the DP/IT/DB industry has already come and gone, my legacy as a Master Mason in this community is just beginning and with skill and craftsmanship my children's children's will get to feel, touch and smile at all the works I leave behind.
Payton Carter, Colorado Springs, Colorado
IT - Idiot Technology
IT- Intelligent Technology
I am standing in the middle position and today I have no choice, but in future i will try to find out the good and natural one.
IT- Intelligent Technology
I am standing in the middle position and today I have no choice, but in future i will try to find out the good and natural one.
I Fully agree to the 5th point which is a fact I am facing in many organization I work with. IT is interesting if you work in a proper organisation but still there are days you do not get sleep due to happening in the office. I thing other profession will not fetch a decent pay compared to IT, even if you are farming.
it made me laugh, and feel not so alone in the tribulations of IT. don't get me wrong, i'm very lucky to work in a great firm, where i'm respected and given a realistic budget and people are very appreciative of my efforts, but there are *those* days, for sure. i do love my job though, even when Windows' entropy (and Adobe's software) is making me wonder why i still do this.
i have to admit, the thought of a future where i'm going to be obsoleted is distressing, but it's something i have to consider. i'm certainly doing my best to keep up, but there's only so much time and energy i have at 40 to put into learning new stuff...in fact, what i'm often focused on learning right now is the stuff that was "new" 5 years ago. there's just so many areas in IT these days, even at a small firm (like 35-40 people) and each of them is deep and complex, so it's very hard to keep up. it seems most wise to specialize, but trying to cover all the bases in order to be flexible for the possibilities of a future job role just seems like the most sound decision. it does feel like i'm always behind the times though, as i'm simply not in a position to spend 20 hours a day doing my job AND keeping up with the new horizons in tech.
i have to say though, i think the cloud is the future in many ways, but after 10 years watching how the business goes i've concluded that the cloud has significant limitations that will keep it from becoming the dominant infrastructure for firms like mine anytime soon. there's simply too many potential fault points for it to be considered anywhere near as reliable as in-house tech. i think for very small firms (less than 10 people) certain aspects of it are far more cost-effective than in-house, particularly email. so, my job is safe for the foreseeable future.
as for people...i've realized i'm fortunate that the staff in my firm are not trouble-makers, whether intentional or not. i've definitely enountered the dichotomy between expectations and the reality of doing a job that hardly anyone understands, but it seems that IT people have a bad reputation to a large degree because many of them are socially maladjusted (arrogant, dismissive, contemptuous of people who don't have their understanding of technology, impatient, unwilling to simplify explanations for laypersons). it's far easier to change your own attitudes to effect improved relations than to wait around for others to do so...tech is one of those areas that most people are never going to understand any more than they absolutely must. my experience has been that being personable and explaining things in very simple terms often goes a long way toward easing tension between stressed-out users and stressed-out "disaster managers"!
as for the money, i'm still hoping i'll find that job that has all the benefits, none of the downsides, and pays at least $60K a year...
anyway, thanks again for the article. it was a great way to start my day!
i have to admit, the thought of a future where i'm going to be obsoleted is distressing, but it's something i have to consider. i'm certainly doing my best to keep up, but there's only so much time and energy i have at 40 to put into learning new stuff...in fact, what i'm often focused on learning right now is the stuff that was "new" 5 years ago. there's just so many areas in IT these days, even at a small firm (like 35-40 people) and each of them is deep and complex, so it's very hard to keep up. it seems most wise to specialize, but trying to cover all the bases in order to be flexible for the possibilities of a future job role just seems like the most sound decision. it does feel like i'm always behind the times though, as i'm simply not in a position to spend 20 hours a day doing my job AND keeping up with the new horizons in tech.
i have to say though, i think the cloud is the future in many ways, but after 10 years watching how the business goes i've concluded that the cloud has significant limitations that will keep it from becoming the dominant infrastructure for firms like mine anytime soon. there's simply too many potential fault points for it to be considered anywhere near as reliable as in-house tech. i think for very small firms (less than 10 people) certain aspects of it are far more cost-effective than in-house, particularly email. so, my job is safe for the foreseeable future.
as for people...i've realized i'm fortunate that the staff in my firm are not trouble-makers, whether intentional or not. i've definitely enountered the dichotomy between expectations and the reality of doing a job that hardly anyone understands, but it seems that IT people have a bad reputation to a large degree because many of them are socially maladjusted (arrogant, dismissive, contemptuous of people who don't have their understanding of technology, impatient, unwilling to simplify explanations for laypersons). it's far easier to change your own attitudes to effect improved relations than to wait around for others to do so...tech is one of those areas that most people are never going to understand any more than they absolutely must. my experience has been that being personable and explaining things in very simple terms often goes a long way toward easing tension between stressed-out users and stressed-out "disaster managers"!
as for the money, i'm still hoping i'll find that job that has all the benefits, none of the downsides, and pays at least $60K a year...
anyway, thanks again for the article. it was a great way to start my day!
I've been a journeyman developer for about 30 years and I know exactly what you are talking about.
A few years ago I wished that I could get into something else and lo and behold it happened!
But this was no fairy tale.
I had taken a multi-year sabbatical to take care of my aged mother. At the time I had the financial resources to last a few years so I wasn't worried, heck with my knowledge I could get a job anywhere.
WRONG!
When I did try to go back to work the screeners looked at two things and two things only:
Years out of work
Age
And they did not want an old 'dinosaur'. Regardless of my abilities.
So what to do? I was not qualified for anything else and it was especially hard because my degree was from the 'School of Hard Knocks'.
So, I took anything I could get, construction, labor providers, farm work, etc.
I took a moving and storage job and broke my back at it, literally.
Finally, I found a company that took a chance on me.
I've now been with this company for five years. I am a principal software engineer (.NET, C#, Silverlight, SQL Server, etc) and am well respected by my peers.
Read my lips, "I will die with a keyboard and mouse in my hands.'
Trust me, if you think IT is tough you've never had a 'real' job.
A few years ago I wished that I could get into something else and lo and behold it happened!
But this was no fairy tale.
I had taken a multi-year sabbatical to take care of my aged mother. At the time I had the financial resources to last a few years so I wasn't worried, heck with my knowledge I could get a job anywhere.
WRONG!
When I did try to go back to work the screeners looked at two things and two things only:
Years out of work
Age
And they did not want an old 'dinosaur'. Regardless of my abilities.
So what to do? I was not qualified for anything else and it was especially hard because my degree was from the 'School of Hard Knocks'.
So, I took anything I could get, construction, labor providers, farm work, etc.
I took a moving and storage job and broke my back at it, literally.
Finally, I found a company that took a chance on me.
I've now been with this company for five years. I am a principal software engineer (.NET, C#, Silverlight, SQL Server, etc) and am well respected by my peers.
Read my lips, "I will die with a keyboard and mouse in my hands.'
Trust me, if you think IT is tough you've never had a 'real' job.
I've been thinking about becoming an English teacher. Its very difficult as the sole IT "guy" at my organization to keep up with anything. Most of the points mentioned I've experienced in varying degrees. I am at least respected by the employees and generally well liked.
I would remark a fact that is not completely described in the "technology" point. At the end IT staff are working mostly with hard and soft from big companies that won't things be stable at all. They want you to move even when you're OK still. The MARKET CANT STOP. The products are never stable. We are always on the move.
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