I'm at a loss

I just started a new job through a Tech Agency, a temp to hire job working at the largest supplier of point of sale systems for hotels, restaurants, casinos, etc. They are rated one of the biggest IT companies in the area. That's all and good but I'm going through class training at the company and what I will be doing is providing phone support to hundreds of hotels around the country, not so much Windows/Networking support, but support using the hotel's complex point of sale system (that runs in windows). The program hotels use is very complex and it just feels like I'm wasting my time and energy learning about hotel's systems when my area of study/interest is A+, Network+, Cisco, Windows, etc. And there doesn't really seem like I can move on to other things within the company related to my areas of interest because they are solely point of sale system seller/supplier.

I'm strongly considering quiting (been there 1 week doing just elearning, shadowing some techs and classroom training). I want to do helpdesk (I worked at an ISP for 3 years doing support) to eventually get into Systems Administration and maybe Network Administration. But I dont want to do helpdesk for some complex hotel program. See my conundrum?

Any thoughts/suggestions?

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blackmage439

I don't mean to sound rude; this is just a general question to satisfy my curiosity. Why did you take the job in the first place? Or did they not tell you that the job only involves supporting their proprietary program?

It doesn't take a genious to know that quitting a job this early in the game looks extremely bad on a resume, and possibly worse in a background check. If you want to drop this job, fine. From the sound of it, I don't blame you. No one should have to do something they absolutely despise. Just be prepared to except the responsiblity (when dealing with potential employers) of pointing out that this job was not what you had expected.

Also, are you sure this isn't just a case of the 1st Week Jitters? I've gotten that at every job I've had in my life. Otherwise, go out there and find yourself something you'll enjoy doing!

mog27

blackmage439 wrote:

I don't mean to sound rude; this is just a general question to satisfy my curiosity. Why did you take the job in the first place? Or did they not tell you that the job only involves supporting their proprietary program?

It doesn't take a genious to know that quitting a job this early in the game looks extremely bad on a resume, and possibly worse in a background check. If you want to drop this job, fine. From the sound of it, I don't blame you. No one should have to do something they absolutely despise. Just be prepared to except the responsiblity (when dealing with potential employers) of pointing out that this job was not what you had expected.

Also, are you sure this isn't just a case of the 1st Week Jitters? I've gotten that at every job I've had in my life. Otherwise, go out there and find yourself something you'll enjoy doing!

How will this affect my resume? Im not going to put on there a little short temp job I had that I quit after the 2nd week. You leave that stuff out. It will only catch the eye of someone if there is a gap in between jobs, which there isn't for me.

As for background checks, I don't know much about them, but I don't think this at all will be a big deal. Could you provide detail on how this could be?

I took the job because I thought it would be a little different than what it is.

Paul Boz

I'd stick with it until you can line up something else. There's nothing wrong with working a job you don't particularly like, so long as you're making attempts at bettering your career (certifications/school/finding a new job) while employed at said crappy job. Don't put yourself out of work just because it doesn't appeal to you. Shitty work is better than no work, after all.

Sie

Paul Boz wrote:

Rubbish work is better than no work, after all.

What he said but with cleaner language

sprkymrk

I'd hang on until you find something else. While this POS system might seem like a waste of time right now, it will give you experience in POS systems in general, how they work, how they interoperate with Windows, and a couple of other things. Still, I have to agree with you on getting out ASAP - but try and have another job lined up first. Since you're a temp you can always take time off to go on interviews, what are they going to do, fire you?

Good luck, I really feel for you.

blackmage439

mog27 wrote:

How will this affect my resume? Im not going to put on there a little short temp job I had that I quit after the 2nd week. You leave that stuff out. It will only catch the eye of someone if there is a gap in between jobs, which there isn't for me.

As for background checks, I don't know much about them, but I don't think this at all will be a big deal. Could you provide detail on how this could be?

I took the job because I thought it would be a little different than what it is.

First off, I'm sorry if I sounded too blunt.

Ok, this short thing won't affect your resume if you don't put it in your work experience, that much is true.

This probably won't be a big deal in a background check, but I have personal experience with knowing that a B.C. can hinder your job prospects. My boss told me about the applicants that applied for my new job before me. The first two failed their background checks and were immediately removed from the interview process. Another one looked great on paper, but this person had apparently worked for another school district in the past. His B.C. revealed he had encountered problems in that job, and was also removed from the applicant list.

Then again, I was fired (well more like "let-go") from a job at Subway a few years ago, and I've never been asked about that yet...

And yes, I hate employers who don't adequately describe the job before you start...

Vogon Poet

Hmm. Quit after one week? If the job requirements were seriously misrepresented, yes.
But if they are one of the largest IT employers in the area, consider the value of social networking. In other words, getting to know the other employees and establishing yourself as an intelligent and responsible IT professional. I'm not saying spend years there, but 3 months isn't out of the question. One of the most effective means of getting a job is often the least talked about. It's often who you know. One year from now, a co-worker may be a hiring manager, or at least have a tip about an opening.
On the other hand, bad jobs can really drain the life out of you. (obligatory disclaimer statement)
Good luck whatever you decide.

sthomas

I would stick it out for a while, use the time to get more certifications and look for another job. Working at a job you don't like will give you motivation to get more certs. Any tech experience is better than none, and it is easier to find a better job when you already have a job. Good luck!

nel

in my opinion i would rather be working anyday than on the dole! (unemployed that is

)
besides gaining experiance and the £££'s use this as a learning curve and learn from your mistakes. who knows a post may appear internally which you could apply for which would be more to your liking. besides unless your gods gift i dont think anyone is lucky enough to say fine i quit! then pick a job the week after. these things take time. from my experiance i am on 2nd line helpdesk support - something i dont love (or hate) but im gaining experiance, getting certs in my own time and earning sum cash and just waiting for my chance to step it up to the next level to really push myself.

so stick with it ....like the guiness advert says "Good things come to those who wait"! aswell as been one of the best pints in the world - the adverts bloody right! haha

put in the hard work and it will pay off my son!

binarysoul

I could be wrong, but maybe you've rushed to judge the job

True, POS is not where you wanna be, but since you said you worked for an ISP, I'm not sure why you didn't wait to get a helpdesk job? If you take this job, because you needed it, then you may stick with it for a while.

If you can pay bills and don't need a job, then hey, even after a week if you don't like something, you better not do it

It's for the benefit of you and the employer

Good luck and keep us posted !

TechJunky

mog27:

My advice to you would be to stick it out....

I currently work for one of the biggest POS dealers in america, the biggest in my state and I too thought that the job was going to be super easy and non technical. The POS software that we sell/install/modify etc all runs on windows based platforms, and all the applications are SQL driven. I have gained more SQL experience from these databases than any other past employment. Plus you deal with Crystal reporting and how to customize them etc. There is a lot that goes into a true POS system.

I on the otherhand kind of do jack of all trades. I setup customers Domain Controllers, setup all workstations on the domain, limit access rights for all users, program and install the customers pos databases, custom reporting if needed, custom sql scripts, network router installation, cabling, hardware installation/troubleshooting etc.

One thing is for sure, I NEVER am bored. If you will be doing more of helpdesk type position, then yes, I could understand where you are coming from. The lack of hands on to support a system as complex as these is insane. To be completely honest, only 1 out of our 3 dealers actually trains their employees to the standard that I would expect all application helpdesk employees to be at.

Stick it out atleast for 6 months and see if its for you.

TechJunky

Also, this job could possibly open up other doors if you are good at what you do.

I have been offered numerous jobs, all making more than what I am currently making at my current position at my company.

We support over 100 customers, this is a great way to either show them the lack of skill you have, or just the opposite.