Burnt Out-Career advice

falcon101

Hello Fellas,

Feeling a little stress and burnt out at my current position since major cost cutting adjustments coming down the pipe this week so I wanted your opinion on some thoughts and possible next career step.

I am an IT Manager for a firm in California where I started in 2004 as a PC TECH hired by the ole IT Manager (my friend) then eventually promoted to IT Super >IT Manager when he left in 2007.

I had 2 guys helping me out with 12 sites, 12 Servers, 13 Routers/Firewalls, 100 employees, 500+ Real Estate agents (limited support)

I am the ONLY one doing everything now. By everything, i mean EVERYTHING that has to do with IT. Too much to list here but Server and Network Management, Router/Firewall (NOT CISCO), Email System (NOT EXCHANGE), User tech support and all sw/hw troubleshooting. This also includes Purchasing/Ordering of IT stuff and data circuits.

The company took a big hit with the housing collapse and we are running on a skeleton crew with NO benefits and not a pay raise in 2 years. I just got my BS and have 10 years of IT experience with various technologies, A+ (2005) and MCP (2000) and make $XXK (can you say underpaid!)

What are the options out there? Should i stick around and wait until the market turns around and get my planned MCPIT and N+, CCNA??

I am very frustrated with my job although i have FULL control over ALL IT but i need more challenge and need to get involved with CISCO and EXCHANGE stuff...and yes make MORE money!! (2 kids and living in in SOCAL is rough, although the wifey works also)

thoughts?

nhan.ng

there aren't alot of places that willing to pay 70k nowaday....

Turgon

falcon101 wrote: »

Hello Fellas,

Feeling a little stress and burnt out at my current position since major cost cutting adjustments coming down the pipe this week so I wanted your opinion on some thoughts and possible next career step.

I am an IT Manager for a firm in California where I started in 2004 as a PC TECH hired by the ole IT Manager (my friend) then eventually promoted to IT Super >IT Manager when he left in 2007.

I had 2 guys helping me out with 12 sites, 12 Servers, 13 Routers/Firewalls, 100 employees, 500+ Real Estate agents (limited support)

I am the ONLY one doing everything now. By everything, i mean EVERYTHING that has to do with IT. Too much to list here but Server and Network Management, Router/Firewall (NOT CISCO), Email System (NOT EXCHANGE), User tech support and all sw/hw troubleshooting. This also includes Purchasing/Ordering of IT stuff and data circuits.

The company took a big hit with the housing collapse and we are running on a skeleton crew with NO benefits and not a pay raise in 2 years. I just got my BS and have 10 years of IT experience with various technologies, A+ (2005) and MCP (2000) and make $70K (can you say underpaid!)

What are the options out there? Should i stick around and wait until the market turns around and get my planned MCPIT and N+, CCNA??

I am very frustrated with my job although i have FULL control over ALL IT but i need more challenge and need to get involved with CISCO and EXCHANGE stuff...and yes make MORE money!! (2 kids and living in in SOCAL is rough, although the wifey works also)

thoughts?

It's a common problem. I suggest you hang on to the paycheck as long as you have to while you look for another job. Meanwhile make things easier on yourself at work anyway you can. Reset customer expectations and push back a little bit so you dont make yourself ill.

SrSysAdmin

nhan.ng wrote: »

there aren't alot of places that willing to pay 70k nowaday....

Oh come on man, things aren't THAT bad. Sure the economy is down, but plenty of companies are willing to pay 70k+ for an IT expert that knows what they are doing.

garv221

falcon101 wrote: »

Hello Fellas,

Feeling a little stress and burnt out at my current position since major cost cutting adjustments coming down the pipe this week so I wanted your opinion on some thoughts and possible next career step.

I am an IT Manager for a firm in California where I started in 2004 as a PC TECH hired by the ole IT Manager (my friend) then eventually promoted to IT Super >IT Manager when he left in 2007.

I had 2 guys helping me out with 12 sites, 12 Servers, 13 Routers/Firewalls, 100 employees, 500+ Real Estate agents (limited support)

I am the ONLY one doing everything now. By everything, i mean EVERYTHING that has to do with IT. Too much to list here but Server and Network Management, Router/Firewall (NOT CISCO), Email System (NOT EXCHANGE), User tech support and all sw/hw troubleshooting. This also includes Purchasing/Ordering of IT stuff and data circuits.

The company took a big hit with the housing collapse and we are running on a skeleton crew with NO benefits and not a pay raise in 2 years. I just got my BS and have 10 years of IT experience with various technologies, A+ (2005) and MCP (2000) and make $70K (can you say underpaid!)

What are the options out there? Should i stick around and wait until the market turns around and get my planned MCPIT and N+, CCNA??

I am very frustrated with my job although i have FULL control over ALL IT but i need more challenge and need to get involved with CISCO and EXCHANGE stuff...and yes make MORE money!! (2 kids and living in in SOCAL is rough, although the wifey works also)

thoughts?

You're qualified for a better position. In SoCal 70K = about 50k out east where I'm located. My advice, put your resume out and begin the process of looking for another job, it cannot hurt and you will feel better about your situation by taking some action.

Bl8ckr0uter

SrSysAdmin wrote: »

Oh come on man, things aren't THAT bad. Sure the economy is down, but plenty of companies are willing to pay 70k+ for an IT expert that knows what they are doing.

I just got an email about a position paying 90k (im in the midwest). I believe your certifications are a bit dated, time to recert and redo your resume. With 10 years of progressive experience, the "right" certs, and a BS, I wouldn't expect to make less than 100k. Real talk, I want to be in the 6 figure range in a few years anyway or at least knocking on its door.

I am not being a jerk but what does your resume look like? You aren't working with cisco or exchange are you working with Novell and Juniper? An A+ and a MCP from 2000 does not scream pay me 100k. Have all 10 years of you experience been at this company? That may is a problem. I have talked with several recruiters who have said they don't like people who have spent all of their careers at one company (unless it is a big name company) because those workers tend to be rusty. I agree with them, to a degree. I have delt with people who have 10+ years at the same company doing the same helpdesk stuff. They were rusty and had only learned enough to do their jobs. I am not saying this is you but I am just throwing this out there.

I honestly think that it is time to move on, but I think you need to seriously think about what you want to move into. I don't know many generalist that make 100k.

tpatt100

Yeah don't buy into the "you can't make more" mentality. Sit down and focus on what you are currently doing and write it down. Then find areas you are weak in and focus on making those areas stronger. Emphasize your strengths and refresh your resume.

It seems to be easier to find a better paying job when you have a job. Employers tend to offer more when they know they have to lure you away from the current job.


Good luck

earweed

I'd definitely be looking for something elsewhere. Put together a good resume (professionally if necessary) and start looking. I'm sure with the experience you have (although you probably actually lack experience managing a crew of people due to you being the IT dept) you should be able to get a gig paying what you make now or more. Since you are the IT manager try to work with your upper management about getting you some help in the meantime.
With all your experience I probably wouldn't bother with the Net+ but it would be to your advantage to have the MCITP and CCNA.

Bl8ckr0uter

earweed wrote: »

With all your experience I probably wouldn't bother with the Net+ but it would be to your advantage to have the MCITP and CCNA.

He said he doesn't work with CSCO, the last thing he needs to do is start paper certifying himself. He needs to cert on the stuff that he has. Maybe a VCP, something storage related, a security cert (possibly CISSP) and some MS and/or Linux Server certs. I think that would be the best way for him to get ahead in a reasonable amount of time.

earweed

knwminus wrote: »

He said he doesn't work with CSCO, the last thing he needs to do is start paper certifying himself. He needs to cert on the stuff that he has. Maybe a VCP, something storage related, a security cert (possibly CISSP) and some MS and/or Linux Server certs. I think that would be the best way for him to get ahead in a reasonable amount of time.

True, forgot about him not having Cisco stuff. He should get certified in stuff he works with. He didn't give a whole lot of info on what he does work with. But I was thinking more along the lines of what he should work on to make him more attractive as a potential employee elsewhere. If he's working with Linux servers then he should first get some Linux certs as those would be easier for him and the same goes for the MCITP if he works with Windows servers.

Bl8ckr0uter

earweed wrote: »

True, forgot about him not having Cisco stuff. He should get certified in stuff he works with. He didn't give a whole lot of info on what he does work with. But I was thinking more along the lines of what he should work on to make him more attractive as a potential employee elsewhere. If he's working with Linux servers then he should first get some Linux certs as those would be easier for him and the same goes for the MCITP if he works with Windows servers.

Yea. You have to keep in mind that this guy is experience. I consider myself entry level still (less than 5 years experience). My job at my experience level is to make my resume attractive enough to get call for positions. I technically shouldn't be thinking of specializing at this point because I am still "getting my feet wet". If he were at the same experience level I'm at, then yeah I would say get the CCNA. But this guy ha 10 years in, plus he is a manager level. If he wants to stay a tech, he probably just needs to get his certs to match his knowledge. If he wants to go higher, time for framework certs and a MBA.

loxleynew

Like others have stated it's time to move on. You should have moved on 2 years ago but that's in the past. Figure out what you want to work with. More systems? network? security? management? Then go after certs for those areas you desire right now and continue a job search in the meantime.

Have you asked your bosses for a raise? I mean paying only 1 IT guy 70k for a company that size is ridiculous.

falcon101

This is EXACTLY why i posted here. I want to hear the truth no matter if it is not to my liking and believe me guys i absolutely appreciate that.

I had thoughts about posting my resume but ill give some quick info....

I manage, administer, maintain and support the following:

Win2003/2008 Servers with AD
SQL2000/2005 (Basic)
Kerio Email System (kerio.com)
Fortinet Firewall Systems
Barracuda Spam filter
Veritas Backup Exec
TrendMicro WF Business
Office 2003/2007
Mac OSX
ALL types of User support requests


I have Knowledge of and experience with: (I not an expert but this technology i lightly have worked with or use it)

Exchange 2003
VmWare 3.5
RedHat Linux


-I have asked for raise 2 months ago and was told "well get back to you"

-I have deployed Fortinet/FOrtigate UTM devices which i am very proficient in. They are comparable to sonicwall. I have basic knowledge of working on a CISCO router (1800, 2600) i.e Configuring interfaces, access-lists, routing tables etc etc.

-I know its an "interview answer" and cliche' but I am a quick learner and can pick up things pretty quickly. I had a chance to work with an Exchange server for few months while helping a Consultant out so I am not oblivious to those technologies.

-reply-to knwminus....thank you for being straight up. i need that kind of talk to get me a little motivated here.

-I have 2 yrs with a Computer Consultant, 1 year as Software software and 6.5 years in this company from a PC TECH>IT SUPER>IT MANAGER (did manage 2 people)

I truly appreciate the candid responses.


I am contemplating in posting my resume'

Thanks.

veritas_libertas

Do you want to move into another IT Manager position? Where do you want to be in a couple of years?

phantasm

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Do you want to move into another IT Manager position? Where do you want to be in a couple of years?

Yup. Figure out your 5 year plan and go from there. If you want to be in management then work towards that. If you'd rather be in the tech side then work to be there. Either way, I'd update a few certs and see where it goes.

garv221

Exchange 2005?

falcon101

garv221 wrote: »

Exchange 2005?

2003...my bad..honest mistake.


veritas_libertas,

I would like an IT Manager or a Sr. Sys/Net Admin position.

brad-

burnout happens to everyone, in lots of different feilds. I would say look outside of your job to make your day better. Pick up something new. Go to the gym, take a martial arts class, get a dog, shave your head...you get the idea.

skyline

Burn the building down?
Get an Axe go stabby?
Start a Pant-less wednesday


Any vacation time allotted? if so take it, if not go see a doc go on stress leave for a bit.

Bl8ckr0uter

falcon101 wrote: »

I would like an IT Manager or a Sr. Sys/Net Admin position.

To me these are very different things. At a small company, an IT manager would be more hands on but at a big gig (think 100K+) the IT manager delegates the fun stuff to grunts.

veritas_libertas

falcon101 wrote: »

I would like an IT Manager or a Sr. Sys/Net Admin position.

Sounds to me like like you enjoy the tech side. If that is true than I would start certifying on what you are using. Also, be sure to only certify on stuff you want to deal with on a daily basis. I work on Lotus Notes on a daily basis but I hate it, let me repeat that, I hate it! With that in mind I do not put it on my resume.

falcon101

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Sounds to me like like you enjoy the tech side. If that is true than I would start certifying on what you are using. Also, be sure to only certify on stuff you want to deal with on a daily basis. I work on Lotus Notes on a daily basis but I hate it, let me repeat that, I hate it! With that in mind I do not put it on my resume.

Thanks for the suggestion. I was and am planning to stick to MS and CCNA certs.

Burn the building down?
Get an Axe go stabby?
Start a Pant-less wednesday


Any vacation time allotted? if so take it, if not go see a doc go on stress leave for a bit.
Today 06:39 PM
brad- burnout happens to everyone, in lots of different feilds. I would say look outside of your job to make your day better. Pick up something new. Go to the gym, take a martial arts class, get a dog, shave your head...you get the idea.

Although thats funny,I think you guys think I'm this depressed loner guy with no life...actually i love life and my kids its just work sometimes that gets me down....I'm not shaving my head or stabbing anyone...jeez..

erpadmin

Falcon,

Like you I have over a decade of experience. And like you, there were times I just wanted to hang it all up and quit. Happens to everyone.

If you can get current certs, then the amount of time you've been with your job will HELP you, and not hurt you, with respect to those who have said otherwise. Employers (especially mine) love stability. That's what you have to sell when you interview at the next place, that you are stable and loyal, provided that the next employer will be as well. That's what you're going to have to sell when you are asked why you stayed for so long. Stability and loyalty, but you felt now was the time to move on.

You do want to find something that you want to do for the rest of your career. Being a jack-of-all-trades is a game for the young, and that I do agree with Brother Knwminus on. In your 30s and 40s, it stops getting cute, as you are starting to find out. In your case you have kids, and I'm sure you want to spend time with them and help raise them, instead of being burnt out from work. That's why, if you do get a MCITP EA and a CCNA, find a sys admin job while you still have your job. $70k plus wifey working, even in So. Cal, is a decent enough wage. Assuming she makes at least $30k, you guys are bringing in gross $100k. Assuming you're not poppin' bottles at da club like you were single, you probably have a good chunk of change. And if you don't, that's another discussion entirely.

Find something you want to specialize in, focus on getting that while still maintaining your current job, and then get yourself an upgrade. If you need to do it quick (i.e. self study might be a bit slow), do a bootcamp. The fact that TE has a number of them advertised for cisco, like the one I'm reading now, tells me those are ok to do provided you have the money. But it might be a good investment in your case if time is of the essence, especially since you're degreed.