Real Value of IT Work?

There are many lines of work in which it is virtually impossible for the majority of the workers to "make a difference" on the scale you're talking about. IT is one of them.

The average software engineer can apply all the principles of good engineering that he knows and build reliable, user-friendly software that will help his company prosper. That doesn't sound like the scope you're looking for. But remember that at the same time you're making life easier for your end users by reducing their headaches and minimizing down time. That is a worthy goal.

We can't all change the world but most of us have the ability to make a few people happier and help them get home to their children a bit earlier every night. That's worth being proud of.

As for enriching the corporation, at least you're helping the U.S. economy grow, which is more likely to improve the lives of a few of its citizens than if it were shrinking.

But just because you can't change the world the moment you start your IT career doesn't mean that you won't be able to do it eventually. It's that old "paying your dues" thing. I spent most of my life in the construction and support of rather unremarkable software that was not well deployed. But eventually I got into training, which is a very fulfilling activity whether it's second-graders or adult software engineers; you really are making a difference.

Then finally I got into process improvement, and I feel like I'm one of the few people who is struggling to change the IT world.

But I'm in my sixties. You can get there, you just have to be really patient.

IT, in general, does not produce any measurable results. But what we do helps others to improve on their measurable results.

Where I dervive value from IT is in educating others to get the most out of it.

"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself." -Galileo.

When I went to work in South America a few years ago, the company I went to work for had about 700 employees.

When I first started, there was a total of about 5 computers (mostly so old that they couldn't be used any more), and a few small Unix workstations (not quite as old, but....).

There was no such thing as a network, if you needed an extra telephone line, then contact the local phone company to run another one out, etc....

After we constructed a new network, centralized our phone system, established a nation-wide satellite network, etc... it took us about a year before we were down to about 300 employees.

However, those 300 employees were much better paid than before, were able to easily accomplish the work of the 700 prior employees, had significantly improved working conditions, etc....

To those 400 people who were now without a job, you can say that IT was a key destructive force to them. To the other 300, you can say that IT was a force that gave them the opportunity to shine.

As an IT support person... I'm a stage hand... my name doesn't go up in lights... my face won't be recognized on TV. Where I help the world is in the companies I choose to support. I've spent a lot of time supporting nurse's computer issues... so they can get back to doing patient care. No, I don't save lives directly, but through the companies that I work for, the work that THEY do, and the work that *I* do in supporting that effort, more than time and money get saved. People's lives ARE enriched because of what I do.

If nothing else, a good computer tech can be better than a personal masseuse... I relieve stress for others by getting their computers to do what they're supposed to do.

Hmm I've always seen my career as a means of putting food on the table, enjoying what I do a bonus.
As for viewing your own personal contribution to world happiness, well that's got nothing to do with IT. The same arguments could be used for any trade within a profit making business.
Do some work for charity or in an aide organization if you feel the need.
A colleague of mine is helping some of his friends to set up two way video/satellite links between small surgeries and a large hospital in India, so they can get advice and help when they need it in remote areas. He's feeling good about it, and it's only costing him time.

Your question centres on who you are much more than what IT is. Doing an IT job is no different to any other job - (no apologies to those I offend with this statement).
JOB = Just Off Broke - get over it.
Few people actually have a job that is also totally fulfilling to their being. As a species we tend to want to congregate with others and enjoy company. Perhaps this is because we each feel so alone with our own minds?
So to respond to your two questions:
1. What fulfills you if it is not work?
IT is an intensely negative environment in the support areas. It has a lot in common with traffic controllers with one exception - people will survive and remember you personally especially if you fail to deliver. This places a lot of stress on support people. It is extremely important to have a supportive work environment that seeks to boost the positives all the time. Recognise this and take time to give yourself personal congratulations for jobs well done, even when others do not know or recognise it. Be nice to yourself.
2. What else can you do to fulfill your potential?
Recognise that most people only get glimpses of fulfillment, the rest of the time they are striving to get that back or to reach it again. Find some activity you really enjoy that is working with others. As a support person you are already demonstrating your desire to improve the lives of others. Use that desire, along with your income, to improve the lives of people in poor communities anywhere in the world. You can change the world you live in immensely this way, and really improve your chances of being recognised by others. It does not have to be IT strictly, but you never know until you try.

Drop the act about lining the pockets of others, too. That is blame, and unworthy of anyone. Line your life with helping others, and maybe you can attract the attention of these people to contribute some of that wealth to your cause, too. It will not make you rich, but your life will become greatly enriched with other people.

I've been a subscriber to Business Week for a number of years, and according to them the US economic growth has been tied to productivity enhanced by IT since the early 90's. So, we're still the real story behind the good times, even with the dot com bust.

Moreover, I've participated in the automation of different tasks that used to be done manually over the years. It's faster, less error prone and cheaper to do these tasks through automation, and that keeps down the cost of goods and services for all of us. For instance, in servicing of loans and mortgages, some fees can be eliminated or reduced if the servicing tasks can be automated.

In fact, when I first started programming, I automated several of the most monotonous and thankless tasks in the department. No permanent employees were let go, but were shifted to less tedious and monotonous tasks. Two open positions for temps were simply left unfilled with the redistribution of tasks.

If you are really into this inner revelation, then you will come to see things for what they are.

Most jobs are simply tools to enable us to exercise our ambitions and passions. They are a means to an end.

Therfore IT becomes not the goal, but a utility to reach a goal.

Through IT I am amble to provide for my Wife and children. I am able to work away from the office when my family needs me (not always a good thing). Through IT my creative side is expressed and my analytical side is pressed.

When it comes to you children, transfer to them the same concept. That, no matter the job, it is a tool to help them express who they are and attain those goals that matter. If they can combine the two, like Red Cross, then more power to them.

The difference you make in the world is kissing the scraped knee of your child, walking on the beach with your wife, teaching you children to play and dance, and making sacrifices for their benefit. These are truly the world changers.

Think of all the jobs out there that have real value in the modern world. Now imagine them all if computers were taken away.

Computers are the unsung heroes of a great many very important, very valuable tasks. IT professionals make sure that the infrastructure for the modern world keeps working. Much of modern medicine would be impossible without computers. The telephone system has become so complex and extensive that it cannot exist at this scale without computers, and the same can be said of any other widespread means of near-instantaneous long-distance communication: without computers, these things would be functionally impossible at that scale. The ease and speed of communication we currently take for granted is far more important to continued advancement (and even maintenance of current levels of civilization) than most people realize.

How well do you think a fire department in a metropolitan area would be able to do its job if the department didn't have high-speed communication capability?

It's not the IT career that lacks value. Just check out what exactly your job is supporting, and realize that this is where the value is, and without IT personnel that value would dry up.

So, from your perspective, so long as it was providing enough to feed and house your family, it wouldn't just be morally acceptable to be, oh, let's say a concentration camp guard in charge of executing civilians, it would actually be morally unacceptable to refuse such employment if such a refusal meant your family suffered some hardship for it?

In addition, you are also saying that said hypothetical guard should not feel any twinge of guilt because it's not his or her fault but the fault of the internees that he or she is executing them? After all, by your logic, if they wanted to live badly enough they wouldn't be in that situation, thus they should be blamed for their fate.

Very interesting.

I understand (completely) what your driving at.

Not sure about your steering wheel though :-)

Not steering anywhere really, just looking for directions. (despite what some women say, we men do ask for directions every now and then.)

Certainly I should state that I admit that the application of IT efforts are dualistic as are most any products of any given field of expertice, they can be beneficial or harmfull depending on the usage.

Just pondering if those that implement said technology bare some measure of cuplability for whether it is a boon or bane in it's usage.

To continue along those lines then... Do you have issues with "bad" IT organizations? If so, what do you do when you find yourself involved in said "bad" organizations?

(if you wish you could also address what determines whether an IT organization is good or bad, but it's up to you of course...)

Dear Packratt,

You are important, even though your company may remind you that you are not part of their profit center. Because without an IT personnel your company would go out of business. You think you are not saving them money, but in reality you are saving them a ton of money. Isn't saved money earned money? If you are working for a large company the results of you keeping their network running smoothly can save them thousands of dollars just through their use of e-mail. Packratt, because you are a Linux Administrator means your are familiar in writing scripts and C++ code to perform some of the various tasks required on a LINUX/UNIX type of network. How do you think the users on your network would feel if there weren't anyone there to answer the questions or solve their problems with software or hardware.

The skills that you have developed in networking make you part of the one percent of the people in the world who are truly technical individuals. Their are many networks but only the few with knowledge to manage those networks. Most end users do not even have a clue in what it takes to make their jobs easier when they use their desktop applications.

Have a great day!

Lloyd

...the question in your original posting appears to be disingenuous.

You started by asking how to define the value of your efforts as an IT professional, but you've turned this into a referendum on morality. The connection between the two concepts is tenuous, at best.

With all due respect I think you're spending too much time contemplating your navel. These kinds of questions might have been fun to kick around back in the day with the other undergrads while gazing at the stars in an elevated state of consciousness, but you (and the rest of us) are in the real world now.

Value comes in many forms. You do your job, you make money and support your family, you put out quality products and services (either personally or as part of a group) that makes other's lives easier or better, you act as a positive role model for all with whom you come in contact...you've provided one heck of a lot of value. Do you really need to know any more than that? There's no unit of value measurement, so there's no way to keep score.

Is what you do as an IT professional moral, immoral, or amoral? The question has no answer. How do you define morality? Do you operate as a member of a civilized society, behaving according to the laws and customs of that society? In that case, you're moral, or at least moral enough. Are you perfect? None of us is, nor are we expected to be. Do you occasionally do something or participate in some activity that could be considered immoral, or amoral (I assume you know the difference)? Probably. Does that make you any less of a moral person? Not in my view.

Can you provide value and at the same time be moral? Certainly. Can you provide value and at the same time be immoral, or amoral? Again, certainly. Is there a connection between the two? I think not. Does it matter?

At the end of the day, if I'm satisfied that I've provided value and have behaved in an ethical fashion (not to introduce yet another concept into the mix) then in my view it's been a good day. My family's well fed, my customers are happy, and I have a sense of accomplishment.

What more do you want?

On no I personally facilated at least nine job losses. Course that sort of get's lost in the 6000 ish over all, in one place I might add. It was even more amusing when I got my letter saying I was surplus to requirements, fortunately as I trained up my replacement I had enough time to sort out my next job. Even stranger I'm back with the same firm though now as a contract systems engineer. It's a funny old game is n't it.

Not sure why this struck me as such a well written piece (xcept the first three paragraphs :-)...but....WOW!

Packratt don't be too hard on yourself or expect too much from your career.

I look at a job/career as what I do to fund what I want to do. The fact that I'm training to be in computers (which I love) is just a perk. Doing an honest day's work and collecting your pay, there's no dishonor in that. You should be proud to do work that not everybody can and that you do it well.

You have the power to change the world in what you do wherever you are. Trading kindness and respect with others. Raising a family. Participating in your community. Being politically active. Discussing your views with your peers. Teaching others and learning yourself. All these things change and help shape the world. You don't have to look for a cure for cancer to change and impact the world in a positive way.

Don't expect too much from yourself. Just do what you can and be a good person who cares about others.

If everyone did, we would live in a changed world indeed.

It's nice to know that we share the same view.

If you don't mind, I'm interested to know what sort of business you are doing and how is it going?

I'm a fresh graduate myself and often find myself confused about my future. On one hand, I like IT and like the idea of providing elegant solution as a software engineer. On the other, I fear that when my prime time is over, maybe 10-20 years later, I will become obsolete and replaced by young ones. I may keep my skills updated but I may not convince "evil" HR/Management ppl to hire me. It is a norm that IT turnover is very high, so I'm not disillusioned by the fact that I can stick to a company for decades.

After much thought, one would think we either go up (team leader/project manager) or be your own boss in order to be able to feed my family (in the future). I'm open to either one but I know I'll be more contented with being my own boss (probably less evil).

Especially no Wingtips and stay the hell away from my 'boys'!

Batch Abends weren't my issues & I could care less about accruals. :-)

I have spent 6 years as an IT worker in the developing work (and am just heading off on another 18 month assignment). While it can be difficult to manage in terms of children and is disruptive in terms of the constant moving, I have found it tremendously rewarding and worthwhile. From helping a Catholic diocese use desktop publishing software to publish their own paper, setting up a bulletin board for a network of social services, designing a web-site and databases for a commmunity development organistion, to helping set-up a small network, I feel that all these activities have actually helped make the communities or organisations I worked make a difference. Not in terms of the bottom line, but in terms of the delivery of their servies. My next assignment is working on a project to develop a Health Information System in a country where medical records are still predominantly paper-based. There are IT jobs out there that do contribute to making the world a better place; you just to think outside of the box and look to organisations that are not just about making a profit, but are about making a difference in people's lives. I think that is the key.

The ability of the emerging CTO role to ascend to his / her rightful role as as an integral part of your companies strategic direction initiative will go a long way in defining the value added component of your work to the ongoing success of your company.To grow companies need to either increase profitability or to reduce the cost factor of doing business, both directions are extremely difficult without the deployment of the required level of technological assistance.

Try to increase your interactions with the business component of your company to fully understand its objectives and vision of the future, and thereby assist in becoming a proactive source of information as to how technology can assist in the achievement of these goals.

Regards,

Rob McKee

From my experience working in IT:
1. The users of IT (non IT workers) can't understand our role... but they don't have to.
2. The IT "expenses" helps the companies to offer more value to their customers.
3. The IT "expenses" helps employees to be ready for change and to be closer to technologies that can help them to improve their quality of life.
4. The IT professionals have a huge complex... and is related with the "low value" the others feels about our work. That complexy makes us to be reactive instead of pro-active.
5. Without IT... you know what the world would be missing.
6. Our career depends on us on the place where we work... so to choose the right place is also important.
7. There are other ways to help and make a change to this world.. and it is not necessarily connected with our work

You get to say whether you bring value or not. It is up to each of us to bring value our employers expect/appreciate AND we can live with.

If everyone questioned whether our efforts add value or not, then did what shows up as next to do, we would all be happier. Take a stand for value, share that stand with others, and celebrate your accomplishments. Be available to give clarity to those who are emulating you.

Never look back.

If you don't feel that working in IT is worthwhile but it's where your skills, experience and earning power lie, unless you dislike your work, why not try a secondary job (job.bak) which you do feel worthwhile. I do a little private tutoring in maths and science; the work I do in IT will be obsolete in 10 years time but the help I've given to school children in progressing through school will last them a lifetime - definitely worthwhile work. This also has the bonus of preventing me becoming dependent on state benefit (or friends & family) should I become unemployed. There is also the voluntary sector although that doesn't have the last bonus mentioned.

IT in the Corporate world will always be a "$$ vacuum" and be treated as such, because the corporate world is run by bean-counters - they will NEVER see any advantage in IT....or be VERY cautious in admitting so. IT has had a bad name over the years because of this attiltude. Insufficient funding for staffing, overworking of existing staff etc all stem from this attitude. People would rather put up with a problem on their PC, rather than PAY to have a professional fix it. When they are FORCED to get someone in, that person is INNUNDATED with long term problems - and are expected to provide solutions, where a re-load (shudder from customer) is really the only answer. Not even mechanics get this attitude. THEY GET GRATITUDE, until it comes time to pay the bill.
You need a VERY thick skin to survive in the corporate IT world.....and I'm afraid to say - DON'T expect to make any radical changes, because you are fighting head-on with the most conservative core of Big Business - the accountants!

I worked for a number of years for a major computer mfg. and had access to research and development projects. In the beginning some of the technologies were exciting, but near the end of my time there the research seemed to turn much more ominous.

Someday I am afraid we may all be held accountable for the work that we did in bringing about technologies that are used against society rather than for it.

Working in the healthcare field for the last 5 years as a computer person, my fast response and good work help people get the medical treatment that they need on a timely basis.

I'm sure that you don't realize the indirect impact that you have on people. Even if it is just your time and kind words. Kindness goes out from the center like a ripple and something seemingly as minor as your interaction with others can have a great impact!

The focus of my work in the IT arena is two fold - providing tools to control processes and analyzing historical information. I use technology to do the routine, repetitive (mundane?) things of life, allowing people to do what they do best - make informed decisions.

One of the big challenges I face every day is providing management their small sip from the fire hose of data. Each wants something different and equally important.

How stable is my career? Only two of 2,500 employees at my location can do what I do. I've had a lousy boss while in this position, and I now have a GREAT boss. I know that your supervision can make a real impact upon your attitude. You can make an even bigger impact yourself.

Fortunately, I also work for a company that promotes from within and promotes in place. When applied to a level playing field, that makes all the difference in the world. We've gone through the outsourcing fling and discovered that it cost us our core IT skills. We are now returning to the in-house path for our true core IT requirements both managerial and technical.

Do I love my job? You bet.

Am I glad I chose an IT career? You bet and I'd do it again in a heart beat.

It really boils down to the three great principles of life:

ATTITUDE-ATTITUDE-ATTITUDE

My Dear Sir,
Thanks to make me fell my sanity again.
I tought that I was a lost man in earth thinking about this, but I do understand that the sucess ot IT will be when it can be consumed like water.
Best Regards
M. Belem

Of course IT is an honorable career, why wouldn't it be? The positions that are worrysome are poloticians, lawyers and insurance companies. If you are truely searching for jobs with corruption and scandel, look into those areas and leave IT alone.
BTW; if it wasn't for IT employees, how would all those exec's be checking their email and stock quotes?

I guess I know what you mean when you really analyse I.T as a cost centre oposed to it being REALLY of any help to everyone or rather the larger percentage. However I would beg to differ with you, I for one also entered into this relm of the unexpected looking to do more good than harm and in real terms I guess I have or rather i think I.T is doing more harm than good. Look at it this way....

In the whole world how many countries are really kneck high into I.T ? Truthfully speaking not that many, I.T proffessionals are a rare breed, I am an I.T proffessionalin Southeren Africa and the work I do gets the MASSES who are truthfully in dire straits what they want and when they want it. Take for example, many here suffer fromthe H.I.V virus and do not know where to get any available help from, I have created websites that deal with specific problems like AIDS orphans, A.R.V's and so on,the number of people who have been helped with that information I will never know but I guess here that they are more than those who have lost jobs that they probably hated anyway.

I believe we (I.T proffessionals) have the power to help or destroy,and I choose the first option and I suppose many do too.... I guess i could have never changed your mind had it not been for I.T because you would be there... feeling bad about all the GOOD you are worth.

Keep up the good work guys

I guess I know what you mean when you really analyse I.T as a cost centre oposed to it being REALLY of any help to everyone or rather the larger percentage. However I would beg to differ with you, I for one also entered into this relm of the unexpected looking to do more good than harm and in real terms I guess I have or rather i think I.T is doing more harm than good. Look at it this way....

In the whole world how many countries are really kneck high into I.T ? Truthfully speaking not that many, I.T proffessionals are a rare breed, I am an I.T proffessionalin Southeren Africa and the work I do gets the MASSES who are truthfully in dire straits what they want and when they want it. Take for example, many here suffer fromthe H.I.V virus and do not know where to get any available help from, I have created websites that deal with specific problems like AIDS orphans, A.R.V's and so on,the number of people who have been helped with that information I will never know but I guess here that they are more than those who have lost jobs that they probably hated anyway.

I believe we (I.T proffessionals) have the power to help or destroy,and I choose the first option and I suppose many do too.... I guess i could have never changed your mind had it not been for I.T because you would be there... feeling bad about all the GOOD you are worth.

Keep up the good work guys

There are some jobs that we can say are directly harmful to people and society; bank robbery, hit man, murderer, etc. One could make an argument that IT causes harm because it takes away jobs because it increases efficiency.. If we continue that line of thought, should we say that the people who should not develop the large farm equipment or the farmer should not use it because he could then employ people to pick his crops by hand?

I am not trying to minimize the argument. We should regularly examine what we do and why we do it. It can help us either to gain new appreciation for what we do or motivate us to find either another career that would satisfy that need or at least a new employer. Sometimes it may not be what we are doing, but who are doing it for or why we are doing it. If our goal is to build our own ego, then a job in which you are the person working behind the scenes so that others can work, be employed, concentrate on their job strengths, etc will probably not be satisfying to you. Sometimes I may work in an industry that does not thrill me, but yet I enjoy developing systems that allow my company to venture into new areas knowing that is going to help keep people employed and possibly employ new people or even just help make their job a little easier.

I know that if it were not for my running the company IT department, there would likely BE no company. The Boss has no idea as to what to do with a computer other than starting and using the programs he needs for doing his job. There are things about the day-to-day that only I know, in my small to medium sized company.

There are so many things that would be nearly impossible to accomplish if not for IT.

Derek Kidder

Hi Packratt,
Well perhaps it has chilled a bit, but I think you still have some value, as we all do. At least on the front lines of IT, there is evidence that people still appreciate that we are there. Those folks that don't have the time or the knowledge to setup there Palm Pilot, or clean a mouse, or order a new one, etc. Or even how to make their email behave the way they want it. The thanks they offer when the job is done helps to ease the pain of neglect from higher management.
I think perhaps management is looking at the fact that in the years before Y2K, IT groups "cried wolf", and the wolf really didn't make itself felt at all. Now in the years after Y2K, management looks at IT as a liability. But it's up to each and everyone of us to make it what it should be again!

Good luck!

I guess I know what you mean when you really analyse I.T as a cost centre oposed to it being REALLY of any help to everyone or rather the larger percentage. However I would beg to differ with you, I for one also entered into this relm of the unexpected looking to do more good than harm and in real terms I guess I have or rather i think I.T is doing more harm than good. Look at it this way....

In the whole world how many countries are really kneck high into I.T ? Truthfully speaking not that many, I.T proffessionals are a rare breed, I am an I.T proffessionalin Southeren Africa and the work I do gets the MASSES who are truthfully in dire straits what they want and when they want it. Take for example, many here suffer fromthe H.I.V virus and do not know where to get any available help from, I have created websites that deal with specific problems like AIDS orphans, A.R.V's and so on,the number of people who have been helped with that information I will never know but I guess here that they are more than those who have lost jobs that they probably hated anyway.

I believe we (I.T proffessionals) have the power to help or destroy,and I choose the first option and I suppose many do too.... I guess i could have never changed your mind had it not been for I.T because you would be there... feeling bad about all the GOOD you are worth.

Keep up the good work guys

I guess I know what you mean when you really analyse I.T as a cost centre oposed to it being REALLY of any help to everyone or rather the larger percentage. However I would beg to differ with you, I for one also entered into this relm of the unexpected looking to do more good than harm and in real terms I guess I have or rather i think I.T is doing more harm than good. Look at it this way....

In the whole world how many countries are really kneck high into I.T ? Truthfully speaking not that many, I.T proffessionals are a rare breed, I am an I.T proffessionalin Southeren Africa and the work I do gets the MASSES who are truthfully in dire straits what they want and when they want it. Take for example, many here suffer fromthe H.I.V virus and do not know where to get any available help from, I have created websites that deal with specific problems like AIDS orphans, A.R.V's and so on,the number of people who have been helped with that information I will never know but I guess here that they are more than those who have lost jobs that they probably hated anyway.

I believe we (I.T proffessionals) have the power to help or destroy,and I choose the first option and I suppose many do too.... I guess i could have never changed your mind had it not been for I.T because you would be there... feeling bad about all the GOOD you are worth.

Keep up the good work guys

Well if you're looking for that certain job that will give you fulfillment, keep looking. You'll probably never fimd it. Most IT jobs are just a way of paying the bills and being able to have a lifestyle that is above giving people straws with their drink. I've been in the IT field for over 20 years and of course it's not what it used to be, but life in the USA is different for us all. If you don't like your job, go on your own. Start your own business. You don't need a business degree, just great people skills and better than basic IT skills. If you don't know how to support a certain customer or situation, there are ways to link up with others that will work for half pay just to get the work. All you need is a good 6-10 clients to get you going. Talk to other independants. That road isn't easy either, but the hours and the income are more up to you.

I've been in the IT business for 25 years and like any industry any major event has a huge impact. There were two in IT. I believe what we're experiencing is fallout from Y2K and the .com fiasco.
Many organizations worked to mitigate Y2K risks for years (late 80's through the 90's. Then IT took a break (they had to)through 2000 and 2001. Huge investments were made. Some question the value of this work ... Was Y2K really all hype? Or the other side of the coin, IT did such a good job at risk mitigation, the catastrophies predicted didn't occur.
Then there was the .com nightmare which undermined confidence in the industry. So IT is re-establishing its credibility.
Through these ups and downs I've manage to find my own measures of success ... primarily through understanding the value I bring to the customer (then to the company I work for). I'm presently working in healthcare and can confirm that, without a doubt, the social benefits are priceless.

If you want to get rich, work regular hours and always feel appreciated then IT is definitely not the job for you!

I am a systems administrator at a community college and I?d like to think that I am having a positive impact for a lot of people. I think that education is really important in today?s job market and I am very excited (and proud) to be a part in it.

Our department (while under appreciated by staff) supports about 1500 PCs/servers, over 600 staff and approximately 7000 students in a multi-campus environment. Hundreds of classes are taught in our computer labs and the teacher?s ability to provide instruction is directly proportionate to our department?s ability to maintain the network and the resources provided by it.

I also support a regional workforce development center which works directly with local manufactures to give specific skills to prospective employees. The companies get workers that can do the job and people get jobs that pay a decent wage.

I feel that I am having a positive affect for those students which graduate and get better jobs or go on a 4 year institution. I am part of a system which helps them to achieve their dreams. If it appears that I have bought into the political line of education, maybe I have. But I can say that when I get up in the morning, I am thinking ?What do I get to do at work today?? not ?Why should I go to work??

I think that my job and my work are worthwhile!

I know much of what I'm about to write has been covered (or at least touched upon) by other posters, so I do apologize for any redundancy...

As previously stated, the object is to work to live, not live to work: your employment should be the means by which you fund the balance of your lifes' activities... If you are (as I am) fortunate enough to love what you do, the fact that your average state of mind will be better than that of someone who hates to go to work in the morning is in and of itself a contribution to the state of humanity.

There is a saying which I'm sure all (or at least most) of us have heard: "Think globally; act locally". If your actions toward the people with whom you interact over the course of the day are respectful and courteous, your surroundings will benefit (not to mention the state of your own health!). If you are also able to specificaly perform some action, large or small, which benefits humanity as a whole, or even some small part thereof, the world is, again, a better place.

One thing to consider: why not use your IT expertise to "better mankind"? I'm sure that you will agree, computers are a necessity to be able to compete in today's job market, whether looking for employment, or actually working... One of the things I have done is refurbish used computers, obtained at garage sales, thrift stores or swap meets (flea markets) for $10.00 - 25.00 - not state of the art, but capable of running an operating system and a word processor, and donate them to a local Goodwill, Salvation Army, Mustard Seed (fill in the name of your local favorite assistance organization...) and also training time, to allow the displaced , the homeless, recovering substance abusers, abused women and/or children, etc... to obtain something they would not otherwise be able to afford, and the training needed to operate it.

Just my $0.02

You are apparently young. I'm 58 and have held several jobs - one for 28 years. Life has taught me that most companies are as you describe. But then, isn't that why we hire ourselves out... to make a buck? When you accept the fact that life is thankless from those we deal with, but priceless within ourselves, you will begin to enjoy life. You can't look at others to provide self-worth, you have to look inside yourself. Everything you do, affects someone.. the question is how? When you return home at the end of the day, and can say you made someone feel better, or you came up with a new idea, then you know, you made a difference.. and can be proud and feel good - so then, pat yourself on the back!

Greetings.
I differ in my opinion from the mainstream. I believe if you do what you enjoy, you will become good at it. Once you are good at it, you will rise to the top. Once there, you can see clearly to make future decisions. I know that life is rarely fair, so you need to be in control of your own destiny.
Here is what I mean. If you want to be a programmer, you should love to code. You will become better, seek out opportunities to get better, and your skill set will grow. A bigger skill set means greater worth to the firm. Here is the challenge, "the firm" might be your current or another firm. That is up to you. The one thing you need to do is be realistic in your expectations. If you want $100k a year base, you will need to either contract yourself or start your own gig (and know more than Visual Basic). There are high paying jobs out there, you just need to make yourself marketable. That is your job, nobody elses. You make your own value, you also make your own opportunities. YOUR in control of YOUR life. You need to either accept this, or reject it. Your in charge of your future.

I work for a very large corporation in field desktop support. In my life I have been the big boss, the middle boss, even the little boss.At times I have been in the position to hire and fire many people, I have directed investment and purchasing which has had a very positive impact on those affected and I have had creative roles in which I was critical to the development of product that had significant impact on people's lives.

It would be easy to say this is one of the least important and influencial positions I have ever filled.

In fact, I have never been more proud of my performance or challenged by the task. It could be seen as simple and minor repair, but it has become the most rewarding of jobs. I deal with people. I make their day better or worse by my attitude and willingness to put myself in their shoes, I initiate change from the insight I gain and I empower the people around me to know that they can change anything they put their mind and heart to.

The tasks are just the tasks and the industry is just where I am planted. The real value is what I bring to it. I am well paid and that enables me, but I add the value.

I think you hit the nail on the head with this. Information Systems are not worth being bothered with unless they have a problem with it.

Many CEO's, CFO's, and CIO's don't care as long as everything works, and they would trim as much as they can from the budget until they have to wait 16 hours on the phone for support in India to pick up.

The value is shot since most if not all of the executives and management look at IT as minimum wage, unskilled labor. So take it as you will. But when the system goes down I get emergency calls, they have to pay my price.

We always wished that there was more time to do the things we want to do, things that matters. In our industry, we have a great potential to "create" time by freeing up the time that's been saved by the technological and software advances that we make when applied to the existing tasks. It is up to us how we make use of that extra time.

I've been in school for about the last 5 years seeking an education in IT. I've obtained my Associates degree in Computer Information Systems, gotten certification in PC Help Desk Specialist, PC Repair Specialist, MS Office Specialist and about ready to graduate with my BAS in Computer Information Systems, certifications in Database Administration and Web Administration. I build, repair and sell custom computers out of my home and recently closed my online computer hardware ecommerce site. And why?

As I see it lately, I feel as though I've been wasting these recent years getting a degree in a dying field. The good jobs have been outsourced and though we have a president who encourages this, the idiot people voted him back in. In my opinion, everyone who voted for Bush can only blame themselves for being out of work.

Studying Economics over the past year, it's predicted that this coming June, our economy in the US will be back to how it was before Sept 11th. We will see?

Now what do I do after spending the last 5 years educating myself in a dying field? At middle age, go on to working at McDonalds for $7-8 an hour or unloading trucks at a little more money than that and how long would my body last doing that work?

I don't have a lot of hope as I approach graduation. Now I'm at the point of learning all these new IT skills in a book, yet I've not had the opportunity to apply any of these skills? What are my chances of getting an Entry Level position while there are tons of skilled IT workers out of work?

I'm Lost!

I think if you are looking for real value in IT work, you may want to start thinking about consulting, programming, or starting your own business. In todays business world, IT workers are only as good as they bottom line that they help produce or, as you said, the amount of money they can save a company.
It is like IT has become the new VAVE Dept. of the 21st Century.
Maybe it is not what kind of work you are doing, but who you are doing it for and why?
My whole reason for doing this kind of work was to have a career that would allow me to work part-time on up into my pre-retirement years and hopefully do a lot of consulting work. I'm shooting for early retirement no matter what.

Jeremy

I think IT is still an intersting career. Every career has its ups and downs. In terms of contributing to the greater good of humankind - I think that depends on your perspective. We can't all be social workers, or Red Cross workers, but perhaps becoming a volunteer on a suicide prevention line, or something like that, can help you perceive that you are doing something for the "greater good".
Or perhaps, staying in an IT vein, get involved with ensuring that the poorer in society have a chance at education (perhaps through computer based distance education) via libraries, etc... there are ways to volunteer to make these ideas a reality.
The key to life is balance (it's NOT just a cliche!!). You need to find something that makes you feel that you are contributing - something beyond the walls of your cubicle or office. I don't think you have to give up your day job to make a contribution. Start by volunteering somewhere/anywhere. It may take you to a whole new career - your IT skills may come in handy as an "enabler" for some volunteer project...who knows where things could lead?....

I didn't get into IT to save the world; I got into IT because I enjoyed working with computers--plus, I was pretty good at it.

Stop being so jealous of wealthy people who worked hard, and took a lot of risks, to get where they are.

If you don't like your situation, you are free to do what they did: 1) get a good education; 2) develop a business model; 3) secure financial backing; 4) fight through all of the governmental obstacles that get in the way of those who want to start a new business--and then deal with the IRS, OSHA, etc., on a continuing basis; 5) put together a logical layout for your building; 6) deal with hiring, firing and other human resource issues--and so on, and so forth.

If you don't have the time, drive, education or resources to do what your employer did, be grateful that he did; you wouldn't have your current job, otherwise.

As for saving the world, I can see a future where IT pros become the last line of defense for privacy and security. If that doesn't trip your trigger, go hug some trees.

I must admit that I have a unique situation where I work, I am retired military and I have apension to fall back on, so I have a little leverage when dealing with the hierarchy. I tell them what I need (always erring to the financial high cost side to give myself "wiggle" room). Then I tell them that either I get what I need or they won't get what they want. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I have threatened to quit in the middle of projects, that gets their attention as well. But all that aside the key to happiness is that I always bear in mid that I will not get "personally" involved. I was looking for a job when I found the one I have and if this one goes away there will always be another. Also I am not tied to one particular job either, I work for a major Aerospace and Defense Corp and there is always work to be had. Today I may do network admin, tomorrow I could be doing graphic design, and after that, sweeping the floor, who knows. I simply remain mentally flexible but hold to my principles when dealing with the heirarchy. The worst they can do is fire me, but that would be their loss.

I have experienced many of the same feelings during my 14 years in IT. Sure, I'm supporting my family, but at the end of the day the best I could say I have accomplished was to help some sales folks sell more widgets faster. Not exactly world-changing.

The best question seems to be "What do you like to do?" I love to teach and want to be more involved in mentoring of high school and college students, so it seemed that the only way for me to acquire a productive life was to get back to school. Of course, that would mean some hardship for my family as our income would be severely reduced and my home office would no longer suffice as my single place of work.

I thought about this for a couple of years, all the while complaining of the lack of fulfillment in my life. Then I was laid off by my company - that was the best thing that could have happened! I started back to school Fall 2004 for a second Master's and, hopefully, a Ph.D. in Sociology. I'm the 2nd oldest student in the departement, already have opportunity for mentoring and teaching and get along splendidly with the faculty - even those who are younger than me! My only regret is that I did not take this leap when I first knew that it was the right thing to do.

I'm still consulting part-time in IT, and am fortunate to have a research assistantship through my university which pays a stipend large enough to pay the mortgage. By the time I start my core Ph.D. work, I hope to have completely backed out of IT. This may not be the answer for others who are seeking fulfillment, but I can tell you that my three daughters appreciate the fact that I have ceased to complain about work, am generally in a better mood when I am home and have more interesting things to talk about.

The bottom line - decide what you want and do what you need to do to get there!

It sounds like you are looking for a career that is more fulfilling on a different level than you are currently working at. If you are trying to make a social difference, then it may be time for a change of career.

By the way, I agree with all of the things you say about corporations and I have even told my children to look for other careers when you are ready to go to college and eventually enter the work force.

First let me say I think about 80% of the replies are on target. There are always many perspectives you can put on the issue. The bottom line is "IT" does nothing for the world, people do.

In general I believe computers are part of the evolution of man. I think as technology progresses, it will become a partner and (in some cases) a companion.

Helping people with technology in our time means designing technology that will help. (i.e. medical devices, food generators (I know . . ), etc) Ex. I have a friend with a BS is Psychology and a AS in Computer Science. He is writing a program that will assist Psycho Therapists in tracking and resolving mental patient issues. I consider that very noble, being a crazy person myself.

Ofcourse, that doesn't mean you can't quit and do something different. I just say like everyone else, "find something you like and you're good at. Do it well and everything else will fall into place".

As I read through the growing myriad of responses here, I think that some people are getting the Value of Self confused with the value of IT. Several of the responses explore what it takes to help one identify how to make one's self feel better vs. what it takes to identify the value of IT. How identify the value of one's self doesn't just hinge on a single job or location, you have or may need to do this if you develop or are having doubts about who you are or what your role in the job market or your company really is. And there is an entire medical community out there that will be glad to help you with identifying the value of your self and related issues.

To focus this response on IT really boils down to taking one action - ask yourself if the company removed all the computer equipment, servers, workstations and replaced them with basic phone systems, typewriters, paper & pens could your business still function. Chances are the answer is yes, but would it be as effecient or effective? The answer there is probably no and the business probably couldn't continue to survive. IT is not going anywhere any time soon. The face of IT is changing partly because of outsourcing, but mostly because of the face of technology itself, but there is still a tremendous amount of activity and positions available for everyone. I was laid off from my last company back in August. I was an EDI/EC Manager. My boss had quit the May before that. The only person remaining is a young (22 yo) hacker type who claims to know how to run a business IT. However, the business has only gotten worse over the course of the last 2 or 3 months - they are now considering dropping their entire Retail sales division because this person does not know how to manage EDI (which used to account for 30% of total company orders and about 75% of Retail Sales orders), they are constantly having problems with their accounting system because it is SQL server based and he does not know how to properly manage the databases and the system it is installed on, etc., etc., etc. The point here is that all too often companies take IT for granted, but they do that with accounting and most other departments from time to time until some happens that helps identify the true worth or value of their services they are providing to the company as a whole.

IT is definitely needed, but I will admit that the types and locations of the jobs are changing. The trend for outsourcing is/will be continuing until companies realize that there are a tremendous amount of hidden costs in not having onsite IT people. Some companies fail to realize that IT is much more than this set of hardware and software, thinking that just anyone can manage the system from virtually anywhere in the world. If you have noticed, lately there have already been some major reversals in this trend.

As far as myself, I have joined forces with my former boss from my old company and started to market EDI, UCCnet and RFID services to several thousand companies regionally. There is a difference between the jobs, pay, hours and activity, but I'm staying with IT and ultimately, I feel the new position will have much greater rewards than the previous one did.

Packratt, I've been where you are and I know for a fact that 99% of all people that work and have careers feel the same way you do. I?ve been in the business for 15 years now and even though the feeling of emptiness was in the back of my head for a long time, it wasn?t until 5 years ago that I knew for sure that I had made the wrong decision in getting into the IT field and thinking that a career was the answer to my problems, it was time for me to do something about it and I did. The problem is very simple, 99% of all people don?t know what they want out of life and a career is not the answer. Also, a huge percentage of these people are not earning enough money, and that also contributes to the problem.

Of all the people that I have met throughout my career and working experience, none, have really shown that they are truly happy doing what they do or been where they are. Some people might tell you that they like what they do, and to a certain point that?s true, I believe people adjust and accept their defeat by saying things like that, but then you hear them talking about the lotto or that they wish they had money so they could do what they really love doing. It?s a fact of life that workers spend most of their time looking at the clock, thinking about their personal life and the things that really matter to them, waiting for break time to come, waiting for 5:00 o?clock to come so they can go home and do what they really love doing, than doing actual work.

How do people at work spend most of their time? They spend it surfing, and wondering about other things not related to their jobs. How many times have you found yourself surfing the net looking for information and reading about things that really interest you?
Why do you think companies have such a big problem with workers surfing the net, it?s very simple, people rather be doing what they like to do.

Packratt, don?t waste another minute of your time, I know exactly how you feel and what you are thinking, you are reaching and crying out for help and that?s ok, listen to yourself. I urged you and anybody else here that wants to know how to get out of this vicious circle and wants to find their real purpose in their lives to contact me today.
I can help you find what you are looking for.
I?m still in the field, but working towards my goals and loving it.

You might be asking what is it that I do.
Well, basically I know that I have a gift; I know that I?m enlightened and I know that I can help people. I can troubleshoot the most complex computer and network problems with ease, and now I?m applying the same principle to people, I now troubleshoot people?s problems.

I?m a self made guru on life, I study and practice the art of brainstorming and this is what interests me, besides other things that I like doing. I know why people are stuck doing what they do; I know that people are miserable doing what they do. I help people by showing them a different perspective. I troubleshoot and analyze people, I motivate them and reprogram them, and I love it.
I make all my decisions base on logic, not religion or spirituality.

I?m looking for computer experts that want to work independently and want to earn more for their skills.

Carlos Miguel
cmiguel@yahoo.com