IT Employment

I would start looking for a job asap. they say that the best time to look for a job is when u have a job.
Either they are gently saying you to take what comes or move on or they are not seeing the value in the work you put in. It will be difficult and hard struggle to get back ur position. I would suggest u find another position.

Respect needs to be earned.

I'll agree with jkameleon above and suggest that one's first responsibility on joining a new company is to fit in. From my perspective, the company is giving the writer above every chance to fit in and he is not taking up the offer. I can see someone wondering, "If I cannot even depend upon so-and-so to help move a desk, how can I rely on him for something important?" Rather than being insulted by being asked to go out and get a bag of chips, one should consider that it may be an invitation to join the social culture of the company. In many companies, during the first month, one can expect to sit quietly at one's desk and avoid giving any obvious indication that one has nothing to do. Sure, at first a lot of the tasks will be make-work, but remember, especially in a small company, they are still trying to figure out how to make one fit into the day-to-day workflow.

As a supervisor, I have assinged task leads to help set up workstations for new staff. This does not reflect on the skills of the task leads, rather it is a way to get the task lead and new staff to work together and start to learn about each other.

I read the description above and see a company that is reaching out to a new employee. The company has been living without the position up until now, so existing staff need to determine what tasks to give over to the new guy. Yes, the initial tasks may well be trivial, but they are an opportunity to become involved in the new company. Do the tasks given now with a smile and trust that this will open the door to greater responsibility in the future.

I agree with Wayne M. however, if the menial tasks continue after an extensive amount of time, I would make an appt to discuss the issue and the way you feel with your supervisor/boss. If after the discussion, they still do not seem to give you the respect that your position warrants, then consider looking for another job, (doing this while you're still employed is of course, best financially).

It really is up to you, based on how much you feel that certain tasks are beneath you. However, don't hold yourself too high. All my IT positions started out as Admin Asst positions and even after I was IT dept manager, I'd still help with clerical duties (like receptioning in a pinch). As long as your main duties reflect your position, don't be afraid to help out where your company may need you (including running out for things). Showing a willingness to help out wherever you may be able to, can really help your relationship with the company and/or executives.
I've had a cpl of bosses who were more than willing to help me out of a personal bind because they knew I was an asset to the company...because I could and would do anything and everything.
Tink

The main point of my post wasn't just random whining because I have to move things. I think it's complete BS to EXPECT that from people without a second thought since it was NEVER mentioned in any job description but told to me AFTER I was hired.. it's like if my friend who's a police officer is told he has to fix computers if asked, even though it's not at all part of the job he's being paid to do. Anyways, I can live with it (Need the exercise/workout, anyway).

The main point I was getting at was that I thought it was a network administrator position (and that was the ONLY reason I applied for the job), i.e. manage the entire network, only to find out that I'm pretty much a helpdesk tech, albeit paid more than most helpdesks I see; **** it's not the money or even the work I do (because I don't mind that really), it's the fact that if the job had said "Support Technician" or "Helpdesk" or something like that I would NOT have even applied for it; it would not fit in with my own career goals; I've DONE helpdesk work for around two years (well, PC support/troubleshooting, at any rate), and I want to move UP in the world. I realize the whole pay your dues thing (don't 100% agree with it since I believe that TALENT should be rewarded, regardless of experience, but that's another debate) and I don't mind that, but come on, as a manager would you really hire someone for one position and THEN tell them after they were hired that they're not going to be doing that? If so, then no offense but I'm glad I don't work under you.

I manage machines, not people (which is the way I like it) since I AM the IT dept here.

But I see your point. If they did not detail what your tasks were to be, or what they expect of you at the time of interviewing or hiring, than I would be miffed too. The "small company" bit works to a degree, but usually it is noted in the interview to make sure the hiree understands this beforehand.

As well, I don't think they should EXPECT such a degree of menial work out of you without showing some respect to your position. Such as they could approach you with "I know it's not part of your job but since we don't have anyone else could you help with..."

When I reflect upon it, I realize that the jobs I was in where I worked basically everywhere even when my job title changed to IT, they still showed me the respect of my IT position. They didn't treat me like a go-fer and order me to do tasks, but rather asked me if I had the time to.

I think that if you do not feel your employer is showing you some degree of respect (especially if you ARE helping out), and making your feelings known to the employer doesn't change anything, than seek a better employer to work for.
Tink

now that I think about it, I ended up leaving my last job because of similar treatment. I was the IT dept there too (for 5 years! and everything during that time was great..they treated me well) until they hired an experienced programmer to create an extensive DB for them. He was older than me and had management experience too. He had them hire a new tech with the excuse that they wanted to move me out of the "menial techie work" and into BETTER things. So the Graphic Designer left about the same time and I moved into her position, which soon after became obsolete. Which meant I ended up in Customer Service. Blech!
My husband says it just shows that the new programmer was threatened by my abilities and basically forced me out. I really don't know. I thought he was a nice guy, but then again I've never been in a corporate environment, I'm a small company kind of gal and could be naive to the workings of an alterior motive.
Tink