Need a pep talk and maybe some advice!
bloodshotbetty
Member Posts: 215
My contract at my previous job ended last week due to there not being enough work to go around. I wasn't too bummed, as I was looking for better opportunities with better pay. Three days later I landed another role supporting standardized testing software. Now, I did not particularly want to take this role- the commute is far (45+ minutes) and I am hesitant to do software support. However, it is only 3 months and they are paying me $30/hr. Which is...ridiculous. But they needed to quickly onboard over 40 techs and I think were a bit desperate.
And...I hate it. We were told we were hired on as Level 2 techs. I was told we would get some light SQL experience, AD, and do some network troubleshooting. But the call center is a total cluster****. I do not fault them- their call volume is SIGNIFICANTLY hire than they anticipated, but they are not ready to onboard Level 2 people. We are doing very basic customer service work. VERY basic. I am concerned my skillset is going to stall. I am new enough to IT where I don't feel I can have a 3 month gap in my resume where I am doing customer service work (I have PLENTY on there already) I understand that IT is largely customer service, but I am not doing any tech work. Period. I am looking for other opportunities in the mean time. But- I leave work miserable every day.
Would you guys stick it out? The pay is....unbelievable. It would go along way for me financially. But at what cost to my sanity/career?
I have been communicating with my recruiters and they know my concerns (and everyone elses concerns.) They understand we are working way below our skill level but were hopeful things would get better. I trust them in that regard- they have a good reputation, are a small firm, and have been very attentive.
What can I do to make this experience better?
And...I hate it. We were told we were hired on as Level 2 techs. I was told we would get some light SQL experience, AD, and do some network troubleshooting. But the call center is a total cluster****. I do not fault them- their call volume is SIGNIFICANTLY hire than they anticipated, but they are not ready to onboard Level 2 people. We are doing very basic customer service work. VERY basic. I am concerned my skillset is going to stall. I am new enough to IT where I don't feel I can have a 3 month gap in my resume where I am doing customer service work (I have PLENTY on there already) I understand that IT is largely customer service, but I am not doing any tech work. Period. I am looking for other opportunities in the mean time. But- I leave work miserable every day.
Would you guys stick it out? The pay is....unbelievable. It would go along way for me financially. But at what cost to my sanity/career?
I have been communicating with my recruiters and they know my concerns (and everyone elses concerns.) They understand we are working way below our skill level but were hopeful things would get better. I trust them in that regard- they have a good reputation, are a small firm, and have been very attentive.
What can I do to make this experience better?
A+ certified
Bachelors of Science in Social Work, Augsburg College
Working on: Network+
Comments
No hiring manager is going to hold that position against you, especially since you were lied to. If they do, you don't want to work for that company anyway. You said the pay is great so take the 3 months to study, pay for and pass another certification test. Outside of IT, take the money to pay off a bill and find satisfaction elsewhere.
Good customer service and people skills are a sought after commodity in IT, if you have those and tech chops you'll make yourself very valuable. If you worry about being pigeon holed in a helpdesk role, that's understandable - best advice is to keep learning, pay your dues and be as involved as you can in the environment your find yourself in.
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TLDR: Do 3 months. Enjoy the money and use these 3 months to get a cert or look for other jobs that you do like.
Life is short and you spend too much of it at work to settle for something you hate. Unless of course you just really need the money. Survival comes first.
Network, and meet new people, study in your spare time (if you have any). Make the best out of a bad situation.
And No, 3 months in your CV is nothing. You're not losing anything.
Keep applying for jobs...that shouldn't stop anyway, but have fun doing it!!
1.You don't need the money i.e. you or your significant other is rocking a silver or black AMX
2. You are currently going to school
If you hit 1 and 2 then by all means just leave. If not I would say just stay it is only 3 months.
Like someone else said ..... Just think of this as an exercise in patience.
As far as your skillset stalling, that's completely up to you. Just because your job isn't using the technologies in your tool bag doesn't mean you can't refine those at home.
On the other hand, look at me, I make 0 dollars an hour at the moment.
A+ certified
Bachelors of Science in Social Work, Augsburg College
Working on: Network+
Remind yourself that this is temporary, make the most of the experience, enjoy the influx of cash, and search for something better daily.
2022 goal(s): CRISC, maybe CGEIT or TOGAF
"You tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try." - Homer Simpson
*Bachelor's of Science: Information Technology - Security, Master's of Science: Information Technology - Management
Matthew 6:33 - "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
Certs/Business Licenses In Progress: AWS Solutions Architect, Series 6, Series 63
The pay is likely due to the fact your employer already knows turnover is high and the work is unexciting or in this case the time requirement is short and they need people to stay on the whole duration. Good pay usually means tedious work. In three months, come back and let us know how you survived
_____
"Grammar and spelling aren't everything, but this is a forum, not a chat room. You have plenty of time to spell out the word "you", and look just a little bit smarter." by Phaideaux
***I'll add you can Capitalize the word 'I' to show a little respect for yourself too.
'i' before 'e' except after 'c'.... weird?