Apply for lesser job or something different?
Discussion
Feel like I need to give a bit of background on where I am now, currently an IT Technician for SME's. This means managing the helpdesk and being a systems administrator for companies of between one and one hundred people. It's always been tough going but a rewarding job. I really enjoyed working with my team and clients.
The trouble is that the buisiness has started to grow, we've taken on bigger clients and my work load has become in my view unsustainable. More and more work is put on my desk and I've tried to talk to my boss about it but he's uninterested and keeps giving me jobs out of the office that he thinks I would enjoy until I come back to angry emails from clients asking where I've been.
On top of this we've had other members of the team leave and the people that we've had to replace them are not as good again increasing my work load.
I see that I need to leave which I was thinking it was time to do a few months ago but where to go has me stuck. I could easily do a helpdesk job anywhere but I fear that I would get bored and wouldn't end up doing a good job. I could apply for a more advanced position at a company but my work load stops me from getting qualifications (tried to do a MCSA last month, ended up working the three weekends before it).
Another option would be to do something entirely different. I wouldn't be adverse from starting again somewhere (started as an apprentice where I am now) but doing what has me stumped.
If anyone has been in a similar situation or have any advice it would be greatly appreciated!
The trouble is that the buisiness has started to grow, we've taken on bigger clients and my work load has become in my view unsustainable. More and more work is put on my desk and I've tried to talk to my boss about it but he's uninterested and keeps giving me jobs out of the office that he thinks I would enjoy until I come back to angry emails from clients asking where I've been.
On top of this we've had other members of the team leave and the people that we've had to replace them are not as good again increasing my work load.
I see that I need to leave which I was thinking it was time to do a few months ago but where to go has me stuck. I could easily do a helpdesk job anywhere but I fear that I would get bored and wouldn't end up doing a good job. I could apply for a more advanced position at a company but my work load stops me from getting qualifications (tried to do a MCSA last month, ended up working the three weekends before it).
Another option would be to do something entirely different. I wouldn't be adverse from starting again somewhere (started as an apprentice where I am now) but doing what has me stumped.
If anyone has been in a similar situation or have any advice it would be greatly appreciated!
Have you got data to back up your claims?
Find objectivity and argue the case with your superiors. Find data --> get insights from it.
Number of cases? Increase in number of clients/users supported? Throughput? Time to resolve cases? Find the metrics that matter.
What will they want next? Managers don't want you to bring them problems. Ideally they want solutions.
1) suggest possible solutions, what needs to happen next e.g. I need your sponsorship
2) if you can't think of solutions, explain the problem statement (with data), then describe what happens if you do nothing as a team. Linking it back to client disatisfaction and revenue wouldn't be a bad idea.
If your managers aren't interested after doing this, then they are setting you up to fail and you need to start moving on.
It also sounds like you are somewhat dissatisfied with your career. Worse thing to happen to the average permie is they become institutionalised and feel worthless about going elsewhere. You need to recognise the value you bring, the skills you have. Sit down, think it through. Where do you want to be in 5 years? Backward plan from there.
Being at the bottom rung of the ladder can be a very frustrating place to live when you can't move up. The solution is to change the ladder!
Here is a very succinct 4 minute video with priceless career advice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T22QxTkPoM
Good luck!
Find objectivity and argue the case with your superiors. Find data --> get insights from it.
Number of cases? Increase in number of clients/users supported? Throughput? Time to resolve cases? Find the metrics that matter.
What will they want next? Managers don't want you to bring them problems. Ideally they want solutions.
1) suggest possible solutions, what needs to happen next e.g. I need your sponsorship
2) if you can't think of solutions, explain the problem statement (with data), then describe what happens if you do nothing as a team. Linking it back to client disatisfaction and revenue wouldn't be a bad idea.
If your managers aren't interested after doing this, then they are setting you up to fail and you need to start moving on.
It also sounds like you are somewhat dissatisfied with your career. Worse thing to happen to the average permie is they become institutionalised and feel worthless about going elsewhere. You need to recognise the value you bring, the skills you have. Sit down, think it through. Where do you want to be in 5 years? Backward plan from there.
Being at the bottom rung of the ladder can be a very frustrating place to live when you can't move up. The solution is to change the ladder!
Here is a very succinct 4 minute video with priceless career advice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T22QxTkPoM
Good luck!
Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff