Sysadmin and/or Management?

I was recently laid off after having worked 10+ years in a jack-of-all-trades role (supported help desk, desktop, laptop, mobile, byod, in-house app, third-party software, executives, etc.). I was 1st and 2nd tier, didn't/couldn't move into 3rd tier. I enjoyed the work, end-users, culture, and pay was good. Now the reality, I maybe overqualified and aged out of my pay grade, compared to others who'll work for less. I should not have gotten too comfortable. I should have sought other opportunities, even leaving, regardless of current good pay.

I guess the perception in the industry and its job market is that tier 1 and 2 are stepping stones, you don't stay in those roles permanently, they are jobs that lead to no where. In my opinion, I think it's unfortunate that's the perception. I enjoy the work and I think I'm pretty good at it, given my experience. I can handle all sorts of users, see things that others may not, etc.

On the positive, I got the kick in the butt. Now what?
Seems like Sysadmin and/or Management are the way to go?

When I was in school, I wanted to be a Sysadmin--that's what everyone wanted to be. Out in the real world, I had second thoughts. When a system blows up, it's on you to get the business and people working again. At least in desktop support, there's a spare desktop you can put in.

However, there have been times in tier 1 or 2 where something critical fell on my shoulder, which impacted the business/people. So now I'm thinking, why not have the title/pay to go with that stress, and move into Sysadmin.

I could see myself getting into management, if it still had good technical involvement. I enjoy the technical side and where I excel at. My former manager actually exhibited this. He was very smart, and understood technical things that you would think a manager should not need to know.

I think a manager could move into Sysadm versus I think the opposite may not be so true. (Sorry, don't mean to offend anyone, brainstorming.) A manager can keep up with the technical side, whereas a Sysadmin may not have the opportunity to manage. What are your thoughts? Is there such a position ... Where you're a manager but still (maybe heavily) involved in technical aspects. Thanks.

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LordQarlyn

Well, I got started in IT as system admin, back in 2009, and recently was promoted to IT Services manager, with four teams under me. Yet we are a small operation here, so I still get plenty of hands on IT, I do much of the Windows Server tasks, aside from accounts creation, but I do GPOs, creating groups, work on software solutions such as near-field card scanners and hospitality software. My hands on network experience was sufficient to help me pass the CCNA R&S exam. I also take care of information security for our network as well.
There is no reason why any particular IT role couldn't move into management, the skills in IT and management may not be complementary but neither are they mutually exclusive. Of course to be an effective manager in IT, it helps to have a solid technical background.

Panther

Yeah, probably in a small shop, manager would be more involved with technical stuff. Interestingly, I've observed Network Managers to be quite involved with technical stuff, when the network was down or an issue, if not a Network Admin troubleshooting, they would be troubleshooting/fixing. I felt they had to know their sh*t.

I maybe bias with server admins. The ones I've experienced tend not to be people person. Difficult to ask for help. Talk down to people. Not approachable. So I can't imagine them translating to manager.

EANx

Tier-1 is definitely a stepping-stone but there's nothing wrong with a career at tier-2, especially a senior tier-2 (what I call tier-2.5). A solid tier-2 person can troubleshoot everything within his specialty and has been-there-done-that. Tier-3 really is the same except they also have some of the design and engineering as well, unless there's a totally separate DME shop. I know some fantastic tier-2 people that are happy where they are, working complex tickets, knowing that if they lost their job they'd have a new one before they left the parking lot.

That's the question everyone should be asking themselves while still employed. "If I lost my job today, what's my plan? How quickly can I realistically get a new job?" Then do what you need to do to make that answer better.

networker050184

Sounds like maybe a support desk lead/manager type role might be something you'd like. You get to stay close to the type of tech you like and also progress a bit career wise.

At the end of the day if you like doing support as a job then stick with it. Not everyone's goals in life revolve around pursuing their career to the highest level. Much more to life than 9-5!

Panther

I think a lead might be a good start. I'll see if I can find volunteer opportunities. Or, help manage tier 1 and 2 operations (or even tier 3, server stuff). There is one opportunity. coming up. The commitment is a bit tough. The hours isn't too bad. However, may need to be available business hours. My goal right now is find job first.

Panther

LordQarlyn wrote: »

IT Services manager

Thanks for the keywords to Google.

Panther

EANx wrote: »

Tier-1 is definitely a stepping-stone but there's nothing wrong with a career at tier-2, especially a senior tier-2 (what I call tier-2.5). A solid tier-2 person can troubleshoot everything within his specialty and has been-there-done-that. Tier-3 really is the same except they also have some of the design and engineering as well, unless there's a totally separate DME shop. I know some fantastic tier-2 people that are happy where they are, working complex tickets, knowing that if they lost their job they'd have a new one before they left the parking lot.

That's the question everyone should be asking themselves while still employed. "If I lost my job today, what's my plan? How quickly can I realistically get a new job?" Then do what you need to do to make that answer better.

Lesson learned for me for sure. On the upside, got kicked in the butt to take action now. Hopefully I'll find a shop that doesn't see my years of experience as a negative (overqualified) but a bargain.