So, here is my dilemma. I'm currently working in a helpdesk position for a small-medium sized company, and I received a job offer elsewhere where I would be a level 2 helpdesk that provides support to external clients. I'll explain the 2 situations below, and my apprehensions.
Current Job - IT Technician for small-medium company
- Salary: $41k. 3 weeks vacation, 5 sick days
- IT Staff: 3 people: Director of IT, IT Manager, IT Technician (me)
- I can't stress enough how easy it is to work with my boss. There is no stress whatsoever, and he is extremely patient with me.
- I'm currently a helpdesk in a company that runs primarily Mac and Linux Servers. All employees use Apple devices.
- I've always been a Windows guy, but I've really started to love working with the command line, and recently decided I want to pursue Linux+, RHCSA, and RHCE
- This fall we will be moving to a new building, which means good experience rebuilding our IT infrastructure. We are also migrating to 95% Ubuntu servers after the move, as well as Cisco Meraki
- Pros:
- I get to work with the physical servers, and handle (or try to handle) all tickets ranging from level 1-3. I have a good opportunity to really learn to be a Linux admin here.
- Cons:
- Some days are very slow, where I have hours to do nothing, and a lot of the tickets I handle are granting permissions to dropbox folders.
Job Offer - Level 2 helpdesk/System Admin
- I interviewed for this job last week, and they called me today offering a position
- Salary: $45k, 3 weeks vacation, 0 sick days (sick days are discretionary)
- This position will be 99% Windows Server 2008/2012 remote administration via email/phone, with some Remote Desktop support. Ie: I will not get to physically touch any servers, routers, or switches like in my current position.
- Pros:
- This company provides IT support to up to 100 different companies. I would be busy all day long, theoretically improving my IT skills
- They provide paid training (40 hours/year)
- Cons:
- They keep their job posting for System Admin up on their website year-round, which could mean they have a high turnover ratio based on burnout
- Every minute of every day is tracked. If you finish a task at 2:57 PM, you are expected to be on the next one no later than 2:59 PM
- During my interview, I overheard a level 3 yell at a level 2. Supposedly the level 2 finished a ticket at 1:53 PM and had informed a client that they would call back at 2:00 PM to see if the issue had been resolved. The level 3 scolded them by sternly saying "So what, you're just going to do nothing for the next 7 minutes?"
My Concerns
- I'm afraid that I might see a few red flags with this new employer, and I would be considered cannon fodder until I get burnt out and replaced.
- It's hard to find good bosses to work for, and I currently have that. Yes, my position can be slow sometimes, but I use that time to study for certifications etc.
- I will get great experience helping to rebuild our current IT infrastructure when we move, and I am able to have access to all servers, routers, and switches.
- I'm really only chasing $4k extra, with the prospect of being busier. It will be in Windows Server 2008/2012, but I may be handling mostly monotonous level 1 tickets: password resets, creating users, granting remote desktop privledges, etc...
What do I do guys? My gut feeling tells me I should stay at my current position, but I'd like to have everybody's input.
