IT Employment
This is page 2 of the discussion. Read the opening post
by ocean1
by d50041
by mstoumba
WOW
What a bunch of winers. I can't tell you how many really good I.S. people I know that are out of work and have been for along time. If your boss trust's you to run his business and take care of the computers for him outside of the office, count it as a blessing and do it. He know's that if his employes have a working computer at home they might do a little something at home as well as the office. That gives the boss what he needs and you get a couple of hours out of the office. Their are a bunch of people out of work that would gladly do your job if its to much of a burden for you.
by haileyan
There are plenty of IT jobs out there. I think you are missing the point.
I do find it more than a little bit degrading that all of the sudden I am treated like a "personal task monkey." Yjere was a time when I did not mind doing work on the side. I enjoyed making an extra few hundred dollars over the weekend. At the time I needed the money and it was at my discretion.
Had I known this would be expected of me I would not have taken the job. However, I was liberty to do so as I was not out of work. I simply made a move from one firm to another. Had I been out of work for an extended period of time and were I just thankful to have any job, I would likely not complain one bit.
Don't sell yourself short. I aspire to become better and better at what I do. I want to aquire new skills and make a better life for myself. I cannot do that working on people home computers like an entry level PC Tech. That is how I started and I have no desire to go back.
One thing I know for certain is that you never get respect from attorneys for backing down. So I will continue to fight for right. Eventually some major problem will pop up while I am an hour away from the office and they will never let me go again.
I may look for other work and at that time you are welcome to apply for my position. But no sooner.
by angloman
Yeah, and ask if they need their lawn mowed too...
Two words:
JOB DESCRIPTION
Some are more concise than others, but everyone should know what duties they are responsible for. I guarantee the quality of applicants would diminish greatly if a prospective admin were told he would be babysitting home PCs too.
I agree that "giving them what they want" is the best solution - after nearly 20 years in retail before taking the leap into IT, sometimes the customer will NOT understand "why" until you give them EXACTLY what they asked for. Seems illogical, but they will get the point.
by docwade
Give me a break - this isn't a matter of whining, it's a matter of someone trying to decide how far to go to please the boss. As soon as everyone buys in to the mistaken idea that you should be happy with whatever job you have, then they'll all happily slide into the role of the mindless, spineless chimps that Corporate America thinks it wants. I've been in IT for 10 years, I've done Network administration, Corporate desktop support, Configuration management, etc..., and I'm still not opposed to working on home PC's, but when I do, it's MY time, and I charge for it - $100/hr. I've done Executive support, ON COMPANY TIME, but on the CORPORATE PC, NOT their HOME systems. I've also supported Executives' home systems, but they paid me cash, like any other home user would.
The important thing to remember is that you must be comfortable with your role. If you feel that you're being taken advantage of, let the Executives know - that may be enough. If they keep on taking advantage, start looking for another job. But always remember that the WAY you say things is more important than what you say.
by jnoble9
First and foremost, yes, the jobs are available.
Having been a "personal task monkey" in the past, I found a very effective method of dealing with the problem. (Similar to many of the posts here)
1. We documented every change to every system, as we were in the Financial vertical, it was required as part of our Security and Systems policy. Adding Change Control to any and every system will cost extra time, effort, and money to an organization. As the manager, I had to document all of the time that my staff utilized, either with "Break/Fix", "Projects", or "Critical System Repair (CSR)". Note that CSR and Break/Fix were different.
2. As part of the Business Continuity Plan, we determined that mobile employees, and remote employees were a crucial part of the process, and as such, needed to have their remote systems upgraded to support the new applications, services, and to meet the new standards. This allowed us to design a solution with like hardware (standards), secure and lock down the systems, and utilize Terminal Services/Citrix tools to limit the need for locally installed software.
3. As for my personal time, I used to charge $50 per hour plus T&E with a minimum of 3 hours, to go out to any "home pc" engagement. As it was MY PERSONAL TIME. I found that I was still being abused, not just by my "customers", but also by my spouse, for not being home. So, over the past 3 years, I have raised my rates, and I now charge $250 per hour with a minimum of 1/2 day, plus T&E. It's amazing, I still have personal "customers", but I don't get called out for stupid problems. The "customer" base I have has shrunk, however, I make even more money from the few that I do have. And since I can dedicate more time with them (minimum 1/2 day), I find that I can be more thorough, and therefore, more effective to them.
I hope that this works out for you, and if it assisted you in any way, then it was worth my time.
Regards.
~j.
by bndplus2
Employment law is a mixed bag; there are lots of things that employers do that they shouldn't - even things that they CLEARLY should not do - but, since they oftentimes think they might stand a chance of winning, they're willing to take that chance (which cracks me up - if they had to pay you extra - overtime, whatever - that's nothing with regards to the legal fees they'd have to rack up in order to defend themselves. For some reason, if it's an expense other than employee payroll, they could care less about spending it... *shrug*).
Firstly, I'm a LAN admin who has been (illegally, and knowingly so, at that!) classified as exempt. I work in California and state law says that unless I make something like 87K per year I CAN'T be exempt from overtime (SB 88 (http://tinyurl.com/4kq4q and http://tinyurl.com/3p9rg, section 1, A, 3, H). Since I don't supervise anyone or meet the other criteria, I shouldn't be exempt. Period.
I log my hours worked over and above 8 in a day or 40 in a week. This includes all my vacation days when I work (which is essentially ALL of them - ever!) as well as weekend checking in on things.
What I have tried to do is get some of that back in comp time; my mininal week is 50 hours (MINIMUM!), so I try to take a few hours here and there in order to get some of it back (as I don't plan on suing my employer, which is a bummer, because they have willingly misclassified probably 50 or so people - some given the reason for being made exempt that the company doesn't want to pay them overtime! Talk about cajones...). Although I don't get much of it back, if any at all, really, I make the effort.
Being exempt is a double edged sword. It was originally intended to relieve the employer of the burden of having to suffer financially in case of a crisis which required extended hours for a period of time. In return, we aren't supposed to punch a clock and can take long lunches if we want, without losing pay.
Problem is - conveniently, I might add - nobody ever defined what a "reasonable" period of time is when it comes to extended hours. Some consider no less than 70 per week to be acceptable - it all depends on how people want to interpret it. They will all, virtually, interpret it in their own best interests. On the other hand, being exempt means that your work is measured by what you are required to accomplish, not the time to accomplish it. For instance, if you get your tasks done in twenty minutes, you're supposed to be able to go home. And answering a page on a vacation day also means that day was worked - if even for 45 seconds to call someone back and tell them you'll deal with it later - so therefore you should not be required to take a vacation day for it. Please keep in mind that exempt is DIFFERENT from salaried - make sure you understand that! Exempt means no overtime compensation, ever. Salaried means that anything over 8 or 40 in a week gets overtime (unless you have agreed to work 10's or 12's, in which case you give up the over 8 in a day overtime). I know plenty of salaried people who also get overtime... Also, be aware, the Bush administration is trying to make almost every worker on the planet exempt from overtime? So, come late August, those who were protected may no longer be. But it may also be repealed, as it still needs senate approval. If you want to know more about this, see http://tinyurl.com/6non4 for some background, and if you want to do something about it, contact your local representatives and express your opinions on it.
May apologies for droning on and on, however this issue of requiring many of us to work and work and work without any regard for our personal or family lives is a big issue for me. I started having more than enough to do, then things escalated to the point where it was and has remained utter chaos. I know there are some of you that think "hey, we're exempt and if you don't like it, tough, go find another job". Although I think that's a valid thought to a point, my question is "how much is too much"?
I must sound like a Union-happy, gung-ho left-wing whacko - and I'm not sure that I'd blame you for thinking that, really. However, the laws are the laws, and that's that. Employers take advantage of them at the expense of their employees. If the employees stood their ground, if anything just to make sure that what they were expected to do was legal, then we'd ALL be better off. Unions have their pro's and con's, although in most situations I think they do more harm than good. However, sometimes, we need to stand up for ourselves, and unfortunately a Union is the best way to do that. Which sucks?
Know your rights. Look into whatever your state's laws are regarding wages and hours. Don't be afraid to ask questions (but make sure you can't be retaliated against for asking! Not sure what other states are like but in California it's supposed to be illegal. Not that it ever truly stops retaliation, but it's a deterrrent).
As for this situation, first, research your state laws regarding your position and whether or not you should be exempt at all. Keep it as an ace in your sleeve in case things get nasty. Second, if you have any type of policies, look closely at them and see what it says. It may have the catch-all of "or other duties, as assigned". But then again, it may not. Third, do you have an employment contract? A job description? If so, find them and look them over. Fourth, LOG YOUR HOURS. ALWAYS. In case of a dispute, you will need that. Also, as an FYI, it's illegal for you to accept a working contract that violates state or federal laws. So, if they ever tried to argue that you said it was OK to not be paid overtime, if you didn't meet the criteria the law sets forth, then it wouldn't matter WHAT you might have agreed to? Or at least it's that way in California?.
Lastly, have a talk with them about it and how you don't think it should be your responsibility. Don't bring up what you've found works on your behalf, at least not at first. You don't want to come off as threatening. An honest, open dialog could really work to your advantage if you are diplomatic enough (by the way, I thought the way you initially handled it was totally prudent and professional - too bad he went crying to mommy?). Also, if you have a benafactor, start talking with them about this and see if they can't get you a backdoor into the executive conference room. Having someone at a high level to help you is something I have found is absolutely necessary in todays workplace. And, just because you are supposedly exempt doesn't mean they can have you doing this that and the other. One of the things that comes to mind here is that if you do enough of that other stuff - the menial type stuff (like home PC repair) - you CAN lose your exempt status, as you aren't performing the same level of work anymore. Like I said, look into your state laws. And I mean really LOOK? Read them and understand them. They're confusing, but if you look hard enough, they will become more clear. If you find terms or definitions or situations like yours that were fought out in court, look at the case law and see what the arguments were. Understanding what happened in X case could really bolster your understanding of the situation and help you with a more successful argument or defense.
Also, it would appear to me that your responsibilities have increased. Perhaps re-negotiating your paycheck might be in order. Or, maybe it's not a matter of money but of time (I know that's the situation with myself, at least?). If so then you should start looking elsewhere, for sure. Their time is billed at probably 225 per hour; if their time is so clearly of value to them, then why shouldn't yours be of value, too?
As for being an at will employee, there is only one state that I am aware of (Montana, I think) that is a right to work state: so, everywhere else, they can fire you for whatever reason, whenever, with no notice, and do so legally. Even if they don't like the color of your hair? For the most part; there are things such as implied contracts and so forth, but they don't stand up well to legal challenges. Are you starting to get the picture that the laws were written to favor the employer? Good. Because they were...
Apathy is infectious, and it seems to be the American way. Why we as a community haven't started looking to organize is beyond me. If not with a traditional union, perhaps make our own with a bit more of a realistic view. Or not?
Best of luck.
by gsg
by pmwpaul
The problem depends on how it's seen. From the lawyer's viewpoint, their time and effort is very important-irregardless of what it's spent on. If they see you as having a lot of extra time then a little extra work should be no problem.
If you see yourself as being very busy then this extra work is a major problem. The first time the system goes down and you're unable to fix it in a timely manner because you are installing a new web cam for somebody, things will come back into focus.
Try this: if you've got to spend three extra hours working on somebody's home computer then you should be able to come in three hours later than your regular time. Schedule appointments with lawyers first thing in the morning and "miss" them because you were working late at somebody's house.
They will either change policy or get you an assistant. Or, if they are real jerks, replace you with a real "monkey."
by gumby_blake2
Hmmm....this issure is not uncommon. I am a Network Admin myself and have had similar requests. The best approach will depend on your needs and company's.
I have no issue myself with helping staff on their home PCs BUT, and this is the important bit - you must establish the rules of engagement beforehand.
Dont' see this as being a monkey, look at it as being extra value you can give the company and an opportunity to improve your working relationship with other staff.
Many replies have been posted about insurance & mileage and liability - these definitely need to be covered with your manager, and/or someone that is prepared to back you up if something goes wrong. If the work is in hours, or out of hours, and what priority it takes against your "normal" tasks then the same applies.
I am flexible for staff issues. For example I can do work in hours {supported by my manager} out of hours - overtime applies and I complete a normal onsite timesheet and get it signed. I claim mileage in my normal expenses. Repairs are best effort, which is recognised by alll parties.
Staff PC problems are a CHALLENGE - you have many posts about the issues to be covered, and an OPPORTUNITY - you are able to help fellow workers, and improve working relationships. It is up to you to decide which one of these is the larger.
by bndplus2
Sorry to sound sarcastic, but what I see the issue being expressed is that he's already busy enough and can't dedicate the time necessary to do his job properly AND take care of these babies systems at home.
Another thing: I view their apparent lack of thought and consideration for his position on this to be a lack of RESPECT for him: if he fixes their systems at home, then they will tend to want him to be even more subservient than they would if he just did his job at work - things get somewhat personalized, and believe me, these guys are NOT going to view him as an intillectual peer and want to buddy up to him. Attorneys, in general, think they're better than everybody else as it is. Him going to their home is more like slave labor than an appreciation of his skills. Their lack of willingness to compensate him shows this quite clearly.
I will agree that there is opportunity, in that while he is at their home he should try to make the best of the time he spends there. However, from what I see, this is pretty clearly an example of them viewing him as a paid slave that they can do with what they want. At least if it was in their workplace, there would be a lot more of the professionalism retained. Once you enter someone's house, there's a personalization that takes place that adds some familiarity to the mix. This is all bad. Hell, I had a CEO that used to call me to his house all the time, even when I had system issues. I told him to pound sand until I got the systems back up, and then - and only then - would I attend to his relatively "piddly problem". Fortunately, he respected me for telling it like it was, although I will admit that I took a chance on that.
I would still encourage him to try to avoid going to other peoples homes altogether. Another thing that bringing in their systems does is add some accountability for the user - if they have to unhook it and drag it into work every time they screw it up, I'll bet you that eventually they'll screw it up less and less.
Unfortunately, after all that's been said about this subject, I still view it as a major problem for this poor guy.
And not one thing has ever been mentioned about this guy working extra hours that he wouldn't be able to spend with his family... That equates to a lot more than dollars. You can't buy your childrens time back.
And, oh, as far as working X hours straight: I got him beat: 76 hours straight (15 minute naps here and there) for an NT-2000 migration... Joyous, it was...
Peace.
by shay
I am a recruiter that places IT professionals with Law Firms and I can tell you that attorneys are the most difficult users in existence, but you do have job security. Because law firms are ALWAYS looking for people with legal IT experience.
If you do not want to be doing this work at home, there are several legal factors you can bring up. Sometimes I place people on a contract basis and when the partners mention at home work there are several things I make them aware of, and usually this stops the at home work.
1. If the employee injures themself in your home, not only is the homeowner liable for the injury but the firm becomes liable for the injury because that home office is now under the same scrutiny per OSHA as the work office. Which is a HUGE amount of liability to incur.
2. Just because you declare an employee "salaried" does not mean they are exempt from overtime. They have to meet some very specific criteria to qualify as exempt from overtime. I've inclued the computer employee exemption, only if you meet this criteria are eligible to not be compensated for overtime.
Computer Employee Exemption
To qualify for the computer employee exemption, the following tests must be met:
The employee must be compensated either on a salary or fee basis (as defined in the regulations) at a rate not less than $455 per week or, if compensated on an hourly basis, at a rate not less than $27.63 an hour;
The employee must be employed as a computer systems analyst, computer programmer, software engineer or other similarly skilled worker in the computer field performing the duties described below;
The employee?s primary duty must consist of:
1) The application of systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users, to determine hardware, software or system functional specifications;
2) The design, development, documentation, analysis, creation, testing or modification of computer systems or programs, including prototypes, based on and related to user or system design specifications;
3) The design, documentation, testing, creation or modification of computer programs related to machine operating systems; or
4) A combination of the aforementioned duties, the performance of which requires the same level of skills.
Hope this was helpful, and don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to consider a new position, as I work with law firms with much more understanding rules than those!
Shay
Sr. Technical Recruiter
DPI Technical
by super_it_mom
by chuckyg
by buckeyetek
by racard
by garyq9
Are we talking about Home PC repairs during the 9 - 5 working hours, or outside of those hours?
Any work carried out after the contracted hours is subject to extra compensation over and above the salary package - whether that be in cash, time in lieu etc.
However, I think its too easy to slip into the 'Network Admin is God' mentality that such things as helping out your employer with non-mission critical stuff is beneath you.
If my employer wants to pay me $75,000 p/a to wash all the cars in the staff car park, I'm going to joyfully fill my bucket with warm soapy water.
As it is, the 'Network Admin' in a high school does everything from configuring security on Cisco routers to replacing stolen mouse balls. The requirement of the job is to keep PEOPLE happy - which entails keeping the equipment they pay you to maintain working.
Get over it - a PC is a PC, wherever it lives. I'd rather work in a place where the people responsible for paying my wage (and remember, every expense in a Partnership Law firm comes from the partner's own pocket) are happy that I am willing to go the extra mile to solve their problems.
GaryQ
by bkwade
...good of your employer? Through spending time writing a message here? I fail to see how that's possible.
Anyway, I have been there and hated it. I have seen people become the company monkey-boy (or girl) more often than not from this sort of thing. When it happened to me during regular work hours, I didn't really care. What frosted parts of my anatomy were the weekend, holiday, and night calls I got because the boss's kids had stuffed the home network full of malware/worms/viruses (again) to the point where it was causing his Internet connection to become "unacceptably slow." I am not kidding. Not doing any company-related work, he just couldn't get to a friggin website fast enough so he made the call. To this day I still go to shakes over that.
I am aware that there are many programs that solve those issues, but the problem lies in getting the users to follow a directive when you have no real administrative control over their actions. And don't you dare dream of secretly locking a few things down because all that means is another trip back to unlock them when Kazaa fails to connect.
Further, I fail to see where salary makes a bit of difference in this situation. Just because you employ me does not mean I must be at your beck and call during non-office hours. If you really do believe that, however, I'll hold a position open for you! Along those same lines, what if I were on an hourly wage? Would that give me any more rights? As a matter of fact, it might behoove me to spend more time on the company clock if that were the case.
Method of payment is really a red herring argument at best. Unless it makes your situation easier to swallow when you flavor it with BS like that. Personally, I can't stand the taste.
The downside of all this is that in my local market, it is hard to say no to what is basically unpaid home support when you see IT people getting laid off all around you. We are a fire-at-will state with most IT opportunities being petroleum-related making them "bouncy" and subject to immediate termination or outsourcing. That made it easier to suck up a few house calls. Well, that and his daughter was a hot little mama! Whoooooo!
Now that I have vented, I have to admit I have no useful advice for people in this situation beyond looking at your local opportunities to see how much power you may be able to bring to bear in a meeting. Good luck.
BW
by mowens
by mlevs
by stan
by birchsa
A network admin doing pc support is a waste of your skill set. Do you have a job/position description? No doubt this mentions supporting the buisness infrstructure and doesn't mention anything about home pc support!
If there is such a huge demand for pc support, perhaps they should employ a pc support person?
by {ms}warrior
I?m an independent consultant, in Suffolk & Nassau County, Long Island, NY, I have to be licensed and insured in order to go into someone?s home to work on their computer.
I carry 1,000,000 of insurance just to be safe.
The reason I have insurance is so that I don?t get sued for accidentally breaking something, or mistakenly leaving a patch cable out where someone can trip, fall and get hurt. Without insurance, the home owner can sue me personally and probably would take all my assets. (House, car).
I don?t think one employee can sue another employee at the office for leaving a wire out for someone to trip on? They would get workmen's comp. But what if it is at home? Yes you can sue, or be sued, by the homeowner, or the homeowner?s insurance company?
I?m sure that most company office insurance does not cover anyone?s personal home address for liabilities.
What about Workmen?s Comp? Do you get workmen?s comp if you get hurt in someone?s house fixing their personal computer? Workmen?s comp covers you while you?re at work. Does it cover you while you?re not at work?
I carry a License so that if there is a problem then I have the right to sue the home owner for damages. I would be a Licensed Professional providing a service. The homeowner hired me to fix their home appliance. I could sue if I had to. What if I tripped over their Cable TV wire while walking through their house and broke a leg. I can legally sue them for lost wages and such. I dont think workmen's comp will pay if your not at the office?
If I was unlicensed, then I was not supposed to be in the homeowners? home doing any work in the first place. I think, legally, only home owners and licensed professionals are allowed to perform any work for a home owner. With out a license all you get is a broken leg and what ever money the homeowner?s insurance company wants to pay, if anything at all.
Then again, what if the home owner doesn?t have enough home insurance to cover the damages you incurred? Let?s say that they had $250,000 worth of insurance, but your insurance bill is over $300,000? Who pays? Not your company?s office insurance? You do?
What I would suggest is to make any work that must be performed at the home owners a consultant type gig, contracts suggested, Get a DBA, get insurance, get a license, Get Paid for the extra work you do. Make it worth your while! Don?t fight against the work, Negotiate the extra $$$ you could make consulting! If they had to hire an outside consultant to fix the home users pc?s they could pay as high as $125 per hour. Make them an offer they can not refuse.
I worked for a retirement fund company in NYC. They had approximately 500 users. I made about $70,000 per year as a network administrator, a few years back. I made almost $40,000 extra fixing everyone?s home computers. I did their computers, their family?s computers, their friends? computers. So much so, that I started my own consultant business in 1998. Making good money since. Don?t have to worry about who?s telling me what home to go to? I choose now.
A License cost about $100, Insurance cost about $1200 per year. What is the amount of hours required fixing the home users pc worth? How much extra can you earn?
Or, have the company pay for your license, pay for extra insurance to insure you when you have to go to the users home, pay for your mileage, pay for the time it takes to fix the computer.
Also, have the company provide you with adequate documentation regarding their insurance policy just to prove they are not misleading you.
Insist that all home computers have remote access capability in order to avoid having to go to their location.
Another thing to look at is you should demand that the lawyer must be present while you?re at their home fixing their computer. Don?t step foot into their home without them present. You never want to be left alone with the Lawyers spouse or children. This might be a deterrent to sending you out on your own in the first place!
Sexual harassment charges are tough to deal with.
by mattk
I was in exactly the same situation at a previous job. Here is how I made it go away:
First, I reminded management that I was already fixing personal machines in the office during my down time. At the time, the General Manager's was on my bench getting a memory upgrade. It did not help.
I resubmitted my position description, requesting a modification. When it was handed back to me, I added the "Extracurricular" activities myself. Eventually, I got it back signed.
The above coincided with my annual review. I justified an extra 1/2 percent on on my annual increase for the increased responsibilities.
I required that an adult had to be there if there were children in the home (anyone under the age of 16).
I submitted travel vouchers for the mileage I put on my own vehicle.
The first time my phone went off at home (after business hours) I invoiced the company for my time based on the local average for computer repair (65.00 per hour, minimum of one hour, billed in whole hours after the first).
The first time the mail server went down while I was at a marketing manager's home removing a virus he picked up on a porn site, I was called into the office. I explained where I was and what I was doing, and fixed the mail server. Then I went back out to the manager's house.
When the ERP system went down while I was at the Materials Manager's house (45 minutes away), management sat fuming, watching everyone sit around doing nothing while I was on my way back. Interestingly, traffic was particularly heavy that day and increased the delay. While the general manager and controller stood over my shoulder I told them all about the trouble I was having removing spyware that was on the Materials Manager's home computer.
The last thing I did was to document my activities and present a report to my boss. I used a pie chart to show him that in the third month my activities at exec's homes were occupying a full 18% of my time in the third month. I then gave him a summary of the invoices that I had submitted (The company did not pay them, I was "salary"). I included a summary of things I did at the homes. I also submitted a memo addressed to all employess that warned them that if I came to their home and discovered anything illegal or potentially detrimental to the company's good name that I would report that to the appropriate authorities. He did sign and distribute that one the next day.
Four days later I received a new position description, missing the extracurricular responsibilities.
It takes time, but you can get it on line. I did not become a network administrator to perform benny home PC consulting as a perk for the execs.
If that does not fix it, time to find a new employer.
by galt
by haileyan
by sneh_ace
That is the only right way what i am looking...
But before that you have to take other employees in your confidence and tell them about the truth that due to Tommy's daily game problem you r not able to constrate on their problems ...
See these type of problems will be everywhere so looking for new job is not the solution.
by haileyan
by mstoumba
I'm with ya. If a company want's me to play with computers ( "what they pay me to do" ) on the moon durning business hrs or whatever I'm there.
Read my post above
by haileyan
by hermang
by timseery
I work at BAE SYSTEMS. There are about 250 job opens just within our business unit alone.
Send your resume to jobs@baesystems.com
My group just hired someone from a law firm and she doesn't know what to do with all her free time she has now.
by moiz.ab
Though you are salaried no company nor any collegues working can ask their employee to solve the house pc problem.
Simply say "No"
You have been recruited for commercial services and you are not levied to do personal task.
Ya you can do it if your collegue is near to you or you have good relation may be in you convienient time or on holidays buy not always.
by kbarry
I have had a similar experience myself, and have looked back on it many times and every time I learn more about what I should have and should not have done as I get wiser. Here are some of my thoughts on this complex issue.
For your immediate security and future at work, do whatever makes them happy and gets you paid. Do not push the envelope until you have formed a better understanding of your situation and your options.
This is not just about being asked to do something that may or may not, depending on who you ask, be a legal situation or an inappropriate request. You would not be questioning your situation if you did not have doubts. If there is a doubt, there is no doubt.
I would seriously brainstorm your two obvious choices.
1. Stay with the firm.
2. Leave the firm.
There are pros and cons for whichever road you travel and both will require you to learn and grow in a unique way. You must be able to accurately compare your options.
Be VERY discrete about this process.
Do not allow anyone involved in any way with the firm be involved with this process!
Find objective, unbiased, individuals and/or groups to work with you on this. This is necessary to insure your thinking is not rigid or influenced in a way that prevents accuracy or relevance and increases the objectivity and experience quotients.
Perhaps this could be a thesis on office culture/politics. There will be professors, TAs, students at a local university that will help. The finished product would be beneficial for many and will be of great value to you in the future.
Perhaps this could also be an evaluation of your talents and skills. Introspection and professional profiling are important and needed to gauge your market value and value to the company.
Learn how to present information in a manner that is not challenging but positive and enlightening to the firm. They might only need there glasses cleaned.
The following is from Dale Carnegie?s Golden Book.
Basic Techniques in Analyzing Worry
1. Get all the facts.
2. Write out and answer the following questions:
a. What is the problem?
b. What are the causes of the problem?
c. What are the possible solutions?
d. What is the best possible solution?
3. Weigh all the facts ? then come to a decision.
4. Once a decision is reached, act!
This will not be easy. This will not be fast. This will be enlightening and rewarding professionally and personally.
Good luck.
by luiggi
I'm noticing a lot of comments suggesting the job market 'isn't so bad'. However, I live in Canada and I really must disagree. I have been out of an IT position for nearly two years, not for lack of trying. When I applied to one job, they literally laughed me out of the office. Perhaps it's because I'm a woman, or perhaps it's because I look very young, but that really isn't the issue here.
What the issue really is, by all standards, is how our original poster is being mistreated. I am currently working on a 'helpdesk' for a computer related company. We do ecommerce and such. They have also been changing my duties to include things I should not be doing, such as telemarketing. When I told them how I felt about this I was basically told 'too bad for you'.
I must agree with those that suggest you do exactly what they want. Make sure you document everything and take more time than that sort of job would normally take. If questioned, blame it on the fact that these are personal computers, not company computers. Then suggest they hire someone just to take care of them.
In the meatime, hang in there! Hopefully we'll be seeing you post soon to say something has changed.
by kaje
I've read many of the posts/replies and think it comes down to only one question: "What do YOU want to do"? I recall the line, "If they get me insurance, I may have to take a hike". OK, go. Stop looking for another excuse to leave.
Now, if that was merely a reflex, take a look at your responsibilities for the company's systems. I'm sure you have a compliance policy in place, so since a company asset, (you), is deemed responsible for the home systems as part of the company support, ensure that ALL systems are in compliance, (licensing, APPROVED software, company policies, ie, "no porn or personal use"). Ensure that the hardware is the same, create an image and deploy accordingly. If, during the course of your periodic audits of "company assets", you discover changes to software or hardware, return the system to spec, (losing of all the high scores).
Of course, this is ridiculous and is not worth either side's trouble, but at least it gives you somewhere to draw lines. Remember, you WILL lose pi**ing contests, but maybe you can work with the system to keep the abuse to a minimum.
by jsowellxii
by mshort77
by d_bones
by deepakd_fic
Hi All,
In my previous jobs i worked at my managers home systems, but now days i dont work and generaly send someone to do it who charge them a good amount also. Once i have got a managers System to office network and that system was full of thousand of virus, which it spreaded to office network also, then i brought this news infront of the Managment as this happend, then they banned home computers to be connected to the office network and it worked me for not to work on home systems in office or home.
On weekends i always deny to work in office or anywhere stating that i have some work that i cant disclosed.
But if i get bored sometime at home on weekends or so i visit office and do some pending issues and tells management that i worked on weekend.
One more good abilities of a network administrator is to tell management that we are work hard.
by camjes
by davidg8
by sleepin'dawg
Back in the days of of pre NT4 (3.52)I got cornered by a senior partner who requested at home service and I was a little taken aback since he seemed to take it for granted that this was part of my duties as the IT honcho. So I treated it exactly that way. I was already working on flex time so the following day I took off the equivalent amount of time and put in an expense voucher for my mileage.
When the managing partner questioned me, as I expected he would, I told him exactly why I had not been in the office (I also took time for travel) and why I filed a mileage voucher. His initial reaction was to LOL but a memo was soon circulated that personal computer repairs were not to be charged to the company but the service was available at $X/hr and that mileage to and from the office would be charged. All arrangements were to be made through me. If a computer were brought into the office, it would only get checked during off duty hours and the same fees would apply. Mileage was to be charged at the company's standard rate which was the rate the post office granted their employees using their personal vehicles for business.
I thought the rate a bit excessive but as the partner explained to me, it would weed out any nuisance calls and while the mileage was mine he expected 25% of the hourly rate was to be retained by the company for, as he put it, billing, legal and record keeping costs as well as to ensure that my services weren't abused. It turned out he was right and I had a profitable semi-independant sideline. I moved on from that company but to this day all my personal and company legal business is still handled by that partner. He was one of the people who instilled in me that you work for yourself not a company or anybody else. You work AT the company and WITH an individual and while he may be in charge, you work FOR yourself. People will take advantage of you only if you permit it. Check out your local labor laws and stand up for your rights. You may never get rich but you will be able to hold your head up and look at yourself in the mirror and know that at the very least you are your own man and at the end of the day whatelse really matters???
by skipperusn
What a great story - I would say that - That lawyer was an older Gentalman - from the old schools of law...:)
And he/you are correct - you work for yourself - you give them 8 hours of your time - they pay you for that time... If they don't pay you what you feel you are worth - its up to you to move on or get more money - or stay ... :O - I am Responsibable for my life - novell concept these days... but 100% Ture..
by dnehrkorn
by nycguy
Next time you have to visit his home to service a computer, take a fall in his driveway or home and lie on the ground screaming oh my back, my aching back. I can't move my legs, someone call a doctor, someone call my lawyer.
Seriously, if his secretary happened to make better coffee then his wife, would he force her to brew the family coffee?
by grolan
The basic problem here is lack of a comprehensive IT policy for the firm - and you should use this situation as the impetus to develop one.
I'm in charge of IT for a government agency. One chapter of our policy deals with home p.c.'s. It states in part that while we require personally owned home p.c.'s that are used to communicate *in any way* (even just by email or sneakernet) with the office network to run personal firewall and antivirus software (and we provide links to free products that may be used) - any support for said p.c.'s will be limited to issues of configuration of security or remote access software, and is solely at the discretion of IT.
In practice, we sometimes exceed that and will work on personal p.c.'s as time allows and only if they are brought in to the office (usually in exchange for a free lunch)- but the IT policy gives us cover if we wish to decline. You could work one out that would fit your environment, and if the partners insist that you do house calls, you should have them sign off on a policy that spells out the terms, limits, additional compensation, liability coverage for things like unlicensed software or kiddie porn or whatever you find on the home p.c.'s, etc. (I would especially pay attention to the latter - so that you are protected if someone's machine contains illegal content, etc.)
If it's in policy and management has signed off, there is no dispute over what's allowed and what isn't.
by int
I agree with some of Galts ideas.
I would say: " does the people at home use their home pc's for business purposes? No, then there is no legal agreement to support undocumented personal pc's when there is no link to the company. Yes, Only on business hours and only when your main tasks for the business are completed. So, document your workload and time-effort scale on a dayly basis.
In the worse case take it to a union and let it be evaluated.
Good Luck
INT
by gumby_blake2
bndplus2,
Yeah I can see where you are coming from, but I still consider this to be an opportunity. Like all sysadmins I am flat out like a lizard drinking myself. No sysadmin worth his/her salt is usually otherwise.
However this is still an oppotunity. Putting in the little bit extra can improve working relationships.
It may not be recognised and appreciated all the time, but if not then your "normal" work is not appreciated either which is a separate issue.
Don't ever expect that something magic will happen just because you fixed someone's home PC but it can help.
Putting in the extra is not designed to further impact on home-life either, but I don't think this is what the original poster had in mind. Their issue was "I don't want to fix home systems because that makes me a monkey".
This issue is not a yes/no question - it could be seen as being a monkey, but look at the positive side - maybe they are asking because they think you have the skills & knowledge to help.
Maybe they are saying "You are my monkey so I want you to fix my home PC", which is a bad thing. I usually like to give people the benefit of the doubt - innocent until proven guilty.
I agree about lawyers thinking they are superior, and I think the same with sales people who think the world revolves around them. Given time you can work out which way the people asking for help are coming from - if it is because you are their monkey, then stuff them but you might be surprised if you give them the chance.
by dkhird
I had a visit from the local police department on this very subject. I asked them to answer one question before they got out the billy clubs... are you happy with what the city did to your vacation rules? They all kinda looked at one another and said "Uh, no...".
So I explained to them about the Bush administration and the Department of Labor, etc. An hour later, we were sitting around, drinking root beer and discussing the principles of representative democracy.
So, cops are just like everybody else, if you are nice to them and empathize with their troubles, you can accomplish just about anything.
by mek804
You should make it clear that it is beyond your purview to work
on personal equipment. Being salaried does not mean that you
are enslaved. If they had a motor pool, would they expect the
mechanics to come to their houses to work on their cars?
My response to requests to work on home computers is: when I
get time, I'll look into it. Mysteriously, I would never, ever have
time. Or if I did, it would be right when their family dinner
started. That crap would come to a halt real fast...
mk ; )
Since this is a law firm, they are taking advantage of your good nature. Don't do it. The question is: What is in it for you?. If nothing, forget it.
If you want to do it, negotiate so that your salary is reviewed to your satisfaction.
by j2will
You're situation is much like a rocket scientist being forced to tutor grade schoolers in math. the operable word here is "forced." It's one thing to be asked -- shows they respect you and esteem you as a person -- than to be told, which reduces you to chattel, unappreciated scum. But, we are dealing with lawyers who are an "elite" group in their own minds.
You have my sympathies.
As far a legalities go, lawyers are the worst to stretch the fine points of the law. You might try your state's employment commission or its equivalent to determine if it is legal or not and what you may or may not be able to do about it.
There are many good suggestions here. I especially like the ones on cost analysis, waiting until a major problems occurs, and charging mileage.
I think I would do all of them. In addition, I would enforce corporate IT policies on the home computers. I don't know anyone who doesn't have a bootleg copy of something on their computer and games are a usual no-no on corporate machines.
If they scream about the time it takes to fix problems, you might think of using a basic ghost image of a corporate machine and improve your efficiency by using it for all problems on their home machines.
When the time comes they start calling you at home and expect you to come fix their systems, you can apply any corporate HR policy concerning comp time. It there is none, you might fill out a billing for the extra hours (at overtime and holiday rates) and request the IT department be reimbursed for your time. You might even consider doing that for the regular hours as well.
Before starting all these maneuvers, I would make sure I had a more agreeable job lined up. It's been my experience that when you get into a situation like this, you are usually on the losing end of the stick no matter the legalities involved.
Personally, after taking a closer look of your problem, I would find another job as soon as I could. If they think so little of you to violate your autonomy in this manner, they think little of you at all. This is not be a good place to work. For me, they would have taken all the enjoyment out of coming to work and being part of the team. Even if this is resolved, I would be constantly wondering what other forms of personal disrespect would be coming down.
May God give you strenght and guide you in your decision.
Regards,
Jim
by asheehy
I have been in this situation and it sucks. But there are ways to perhaps have a win.
If you do the math right you can pitch to these people an employee purchase program through a 'Dell' like organization. That way, these penny pinching 6 figure guys can get new hardware (they always like that), their employees can buy cheaper computers when they buy new, and all of these computers will come with good phone support (making it not your problem).
They win, the other employees win, and you win.
To really drive this home, take some of the other suggestions i have seen posted about being unavailable for important fixes because you are 'up in the hills' fixing CoH, Rabbit Reader, or explaining why wireless devices sometime do not work well.
You will run into a couple of pack rats that will want to keep their P90's. So, what you do is set up a charity donation of all of the machines replaced with the employee purchase program machines. Law firms love positive PR. Try and see if any of the big wheels have a pet charity and try and use that as your charity. That will add almost instant support.
People like this are playable, you just need to find the strings.
by it cowgirl
It is a lawyer thing. I was a practicing attorney for over 10 years and was the IT geek at every firm.
I do not know why, but attorneys are the worst wanting home computers included in the "work zone" and there is a simple solution.
The law office should have a policy in place regarding porn, software piracy, email retension with backups, and lockdown policies... (It is required.) Simple agree and remind them that all such home computers included in the Law Office IT support are subject to those same rules and no unauthorized persons (children, spousees...) are allowed to use those computers and all serial numbers and all websites and emails are to be mnitored and kept in line with all other law firm equipment.
If a server goes down or virus emergency at the office, merely call and let them know you are currently at the VP's home cleaning all the porn sites and other unauthorized sites or wiping it off because they have downloaded non-supported Law Firm software, songs or plugins. Lock it down.
Keep track of all extra hours, time, mileage, costs and add to your expense report.
Also if part of your position, add to your job description and get signed by your boss. Do not wait till nights to go fix their personal macines, if it is part of your job, go now during the time you should be pushing patches or sending ackups of site, then spend all day at their home requesting ice tea or soda and lunch! Have some fun.
Should last a week or until the first emergency at the office.
OK, what do you call a lawyer with an IQ of 25?
Your Honor.
by alarena
If you read my stupid answer, and remember that I say "many attorneys...", you'll know why I thank you. My sister is an attorney and my brother-in-law is a judge. I would not ask either for an opinion on this. They might find a way to make money or gain power from it. I think of both of them as losers, personally. My buddy Steve is an attorney in Media, PA. Normal as an Eagles fan. Go figure.
You hit dead center. Requirements. So, how do you lock down? What is a lockdown policy for a home user? I've looked for over 20 years and have no cure but laying down the law and enforcing it. That's my lockdown. Money. Free visit, or dinner? Fine. Cousin IT trashed your system? I make them pay.
by hal 9000
It is most likely a very good idea particularly if they access the business network from home through their own PC's.
While not in my job description is is part of my overall Security package particularly after MS made it so easy for this type of connection to the networks. After all these home units represent the biggest threat to security as they mostly lack the necessary security to keep my networks secure. The best thing about these so called professionals is their complete lack of understanding about things IT related.
I have a Surgeon friend who constantly is running a computer without current AV protection and I only hear from him when he gets an infection and then all hell breaks lose as things have to be put right immediately once he gets an e-mail telling him that his computer has an infection. But at the same time when I know his AV is about to expire it is impossible to get in to install a new copy of the software as it just is not important to him. Earlier this year I spent 6 months attempting to gain access to his home computer to renew the AV product which of course was only important when he could no longer get an INTERNET connection then I had to go down there immediately and fix the problem. Luckily that time it was a phone line problem and I took the chance to update the AV products.
Now if he was accessing his business network through that computer it would be imperative to install all the security possible and keep it up to date to prevent anything from affecting the network.
It is something that you should factor into your budget and at least that way it will show the partners just how much it is costing them and it just might make your life a bit easier as well.
Col
by alarena
If you went into this job "eyes wide open", then you probably expected this. If not, work on your resume and then go elsewhere. Or let them treat you like a monkeyboy. Know that the role of monkeyboy came from them. You picked it up because of the way they handled you.
You responded in such a way to anger someone in power; it may not have been the "no", but the way you said it, or simply that persons' makeup. When this person went to the partners, do you imagine that putting you "in place" wasn't one of his goals? Why would they suddenly think it was a good idea that you service ALL of their homes? These are smart people, but many are accustomed to using whatever means they can find to get their way including lying and deceit. Normal personalities are not a "high count" in the law firm census. On some level, they wanted to humiliate you. It's a by-product of power hungry people. The need to show superior strength when challenged.
Legally, you have no obligation to enter a home off site and work on a privetely computer used by "the public". If they want to make salaried a license to put you on 7/24 then you have a right to compensation for "unusual" requests. It's up to you. I'm E-Mailing my childhood friend who is an attorney and will show him this.
I usually will visit the Medical Directors home or a PT Aides home (last Wednesday) for customer service reasons, or just to help. And for the good feeling it gives me. But then, I work for good people. My rules are strict even for them. They can get hardcopy before I visit if they want. In a nutshell... If cousin "IT" the expert has changed vital settings or worse, then my price goes from 0 to fair market value.
I suggest that you find a friend among those lawyers. Pick the smartest one if you can. Express your concern and ask legal questions. And if you have a friend in the press have them call and leave a message, or visit for a lunch date. And good luck. Me, I'd find something else. You're working for jerks.
by johnj
I will bet that nowhere in your job description does it say you are expected to work on other employees' PCs. Check with the HR dept. and use that for ammunition.
I am in a different situation, working in a school, and occasionally have students and teachers ask me for advice on their home PCs. Before I wised up, I would offer to work on the PCs for free, but no more. Now I ask for payment and will quote prices. Fixing home PCs is a huge time waster, since by the time the owner realizes it needs to be fixed, it's almost too late.
by mrpjb
by husp1
by sharkbited
by robertkross
I too work at a law firm and I am forced to deal with these same issues even as far as fixing the childerns pda's and mp3 players.
I was not told about this when I took this job. When I questioned supervsioin about this they stated it was part of the job. I know my choice to take this job would have been altered given what I know now about what the "expect" from the network administrator. I think the big problem here is that these people do see value in what the IT department does or can do. Given time to research and test products and Ideas departments should be able to do great things beside fixing a 13 year olds IPOD.
Haileyan used the word monkey to discribe how he feels I would chose a differnt word that starts with the letter b and ends with itch.
I am hopeful that my next position puts me a large department where I can get away from this sort of thing.
by husp1
by garyq9
Do you enjoy your job?
I work in 4 schools and have to support everything from a Compaq SAN array to a 14 year old monitor. Everything that comes across my desk is non-standard.
I am paid a contract rate that I am happy with, my work environment and hours are flexible, and I get along well with my colleagues and the staff I support.
If someone wants me to come out to their place to solve a tricky computer problem, I do so. If the School Principal (Managing Partner) agrees that the task is related to my employment, then I bill my time to the school. If it is purely personal, I let the person know my hourly rate and they pay me. Its simple.
I am certainly not going to report porn to the Police or confiscate equipment because someone is running Kazaa on it. I'll solve the problem to the best of my ability, collect my pay cheque and pay my mortgage. And I'll smile while I'm doing it.
If supporting PCs offsite is haileyan's biggest issue at work, I think s/he is doing pretty well. You are there to provide a professional service. Provide it. Ask the partners to prioritise your tasks - if they value the running of Half Life on their home PCs more than they value the function of their mail server, who are you to argue? They are paying your wage.
Enjoy your work - take the salary, and do what you can to accomodate people. You'll stress less.
GaryQ
by johanncox
I have had similar issues in the recent past, but they were easily fixed. On the side, I consult for various businesses, and so I carry my personal business card everywhere. When ANYONE at my office asks for help off-site, they immediately receive one of these cards. No one is above this reaction. I have been questioned only a few times, but each time I respond as following: I do not work outside of my office environment for free. My time is worth a great deal to me, as I will not be able to regain the lost minutes or hours such activities rob me of. If they bring their equipment in during hours, it "may" be looked at within a few days. Computer security and desktop maintenance always seems to pop up. :)
Otherwise, get a pimp.
by josemurr
I agree, blackmail is wrong but what do you do if you have to go to the company president's house to fix his corporate pc and catch his son red handed using his father's corporate pc to surf porno sites.
Such was my case, I explained this to my supervisor and believe it or not he blew it off & told me never to talk about it again.
This presented a major security issue here because the pc is directly connected to the corporate network thru a wireless vpn via a cable modem.
Using blackmail is definitley wrong but if it violates security of the corporate network then it should be reported, but reported to the right person.
Regards
Joe
by info
by ldsibert
by tekcis
by networks
Dear Administrator,
I was in a same fix couple of years back, and when I was sure that there is no way out I planned out this scenario as per office policies & strucutre. And I defined 2 rules for computers in personal use;
1) I reinstalled the bugging PCs as per inpractice procedures (as in office)
2) I configured auto-services for securities & recoveries
3) Implemented local policies to avoid installations by users themselves
4) Clearly communicated that their will be no on-site personal services other than networking
See, you have to go through this botheration once, rest you 'll act like a GURU not a Monkey.
Good Luck!
by ebmercado
The only thing I can advice you, learn to say "NO" the next time they ask your service. It's legally not part of your job and responsibilities for the company you work with.
I think they will understand if you open politely this matter.
by seanc
Hi,
Firstly I do not like to see my fellow hard working professionals in these situations. Secondly, I take my hat off to you for asking for advice on this matter.
Thirdly, some of the previous responces are a bunch of Crap. I think some of the people need to look a little further than their elbow and do some constructive laterall thinking.
If they need their machines to conduct company business then you are responsible for them. However, there is a solution for this. The normal end-user only knows what they need. They do not have any insight into the best and most efficient way of doing it as regards to IT. You have to convince them of the best IT solution that will be more productive for the company. Given the fact that you already work long hours, you need a solution that does not detract from your primary duties but also allow the Lawyers to work at home easily. As you have a controlled environment, I suggest you extend this to home machines. If they want you to support the hardware, they should have laptop computers that they can bring to the office. If they just want home machines then the only way to support them properly is to use MICROSOFT TERMIANL SERVER with a CITRIX CLIENT running on the desktops. This will mean that no matter what they have on the home PC, it will not affect them working and they will have the same environment as in the office.
If you need any further advice, let mw know.
USE THE TECHNOLOGY !!!!!!
by seanc
Hi,
Firstly I do not like to see my fellow hard working professionals in these situations. Secondly, I take my hat off to you for asking for advice on this matter.
Thirdly, some of the previous responces are a bunch of Crap. I think some of the people need to look a little further than their elbow and do some constructive laterall thinking.
If they need their machines to conduct company business then you are responsible for them. However, there is a solution for this. The normal end-user only knows what they need. They do not have any insight into the best and most efficient way of doing it as regards to IT. You have to convince them of the best IT solution that will be more productive for the company. Given the fact that you already work long hours, you need a solution that does not detract from your primary duties but also allow the Lawyers to work at home easily. As you have a controlled environment, I suggest you extend this to home machines. If they want you to support the hardware, they should have laptop computers that they can bring to the office. If they just want home machines then the only way to support them properly is to use MICROSOFT TERMIANL SERVER with a CITRIX CLIENT running on the desktops. This will mean that no matter what they have on the home PC, it will not affect them working and they will have the same environment as in the office.
If you need any further advice, let mw know.
USE THE TECHNOLOGY !!!!!!
by bleyd
by bfilmfan
That is what your true job title should be.
And if you are friendly with one of the other partners in the firm, ask that person for legal advice. You do work for a law firm...
by mikev9
by sstolar
by mch2
First, IANAL. (apparently, you've got enough of them in your life) I cannot speak to the legality of the scope of your job responsibilies, but let me say this:
Lawyers are basically working all the time. I can see where they would consider their home computing equipment to be part of their business. Not having accounted for this in any policies and procedures is a grievous error. That said, it's probably too late to attempt to exclude that equipment from your responsibity. If all of the partners agree that it's in their (and therefore, their company's) best interest for you to support their home-based equipment, you probably have no choice. You may, however, have the power to reject the request for "home visits" depending upon a job description or the wording used to advertise the job before you accepted it (ie. travel not expected). I also would be surprised if you could be forced to perform the services offsite after "normal" business hours.
That said, I *have* had experience with this, so let me share it with you. In each *new* instance (job) in which the CEO or owner has requested service of his home computer, I *nicely* asked him to bring it to me, which he did. At that time, I explained that it is not normal for someone in my postition to be servicing a computer that is not a company asset and that I cannot accept any liability associated with providing a service that is not covered by my job (essentially, this is a freebie). In almost every case, it was the last time I was asked to provide service and I even received gift certificates and other gifts for providing assistance. In the cases of the "repeat offenders," I encouraged them to let me order mobile computers for them to take between the office and home, so that 1)I could provide better service, in the office, and 2)The equipment would be covered under my written policies, including those that make the users responsible for obeying the acceptable use agreements.
If your objections are related to your ego, you will have a hard time convincing your employer that should not be servicing private equipment. If you can state your case, without emotion, and prove that the quality of your normal work will suffer, causing an increase in cost, you should prevail. If not, your best recourse is to seek alternate employment.
by saxist
by dngunraj
I faced the same problem. I work for a government agency and people decided they wanted to bring in their personal computers so that I could "look at it."
That's exactly what I did. I looked at it, then I looked at them. As stipulated in Department Regulation, no machine untagged (without an Asset ID # and barcode) is allowed within the premises because that would be a horrible security violation, subject to penalty.
The other problem I had to conquer was that people wanted to call my mobile number so I can answer some questions. My response was an odd glare and an instant reminder that no service comes without a cost, whatever it may be. They said I would pay your for it. In that case, I am sure I would be happy to consult them.
Plain and simply, IT or not (but especially IT), you have to have to teach people how to treat you. I believe in classical conditioning, but there are other ways out there. If you lay down then people will walk all over you, unless you are laying down the law. Don't let 'em treat you like this; if they valued you and your services they would act differently, and it's time they do in light of this. Enumerate your proliferations, as well as your concerning. And for the sake of us all... STAND UP FOR YOURSELF!!!
TTYL,
-Dean.
by now left tr
yet an IT Department Manager?
Does not add up ramnet@
Windows 2003 Server????
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