Should I stay or should I go?

A little over a year ago I took a new position with a new company. I was hired (for what I thought) was to be a Sys Admin in a test lab. The lab where I work develops some custom security/policy software. I've spent less time doing "sys admin" work, and more time testing the software and helping to write security policy. As note, pretty much I'm the only person testing the software.

I don't mind writing security policy (I've been knee deep in GPO's and have worked on some pretty interesting issues), but I really do not like the software testing. I will add we have licenses to pretty much all of Microsofts library so I have had some time to play around with different things. I'm also stuck in the back corner of the office, and have almost 0 contact with anyone (everyone else is writing code, so they have their headsets on and get "wired in").

I'm starting to think that maybe I should start seeing what else is out there. I like the company I work for (they let me get two SANS certs plus my CISSP), so I feel some loyalty to them. Should I talk to my boss and just say "look I don't like what I'm doing, let's look at some options" or should I just put my resume out on the open market and see what bites? To add one more point, I have spoken to my boss last year about some of the issues I'm having, and it seems that the people who have been in my chair before me, have brought up the exact same issues.

So TE, what do you think?

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Comments

Mishra

Always tell your boss that you would like to seek more SysAdmin/Engineering type role in the company first.

Everyone

Do they have a production environment that perhaps you could transition over to? Having all your experience in a test lab may make it a little more difficult to find something elsewhere.

rwmidl

Everyone wrote: »

Do they have a production environment that perhaps you could transition over to? Having all your experience in a test lab may make it a little more difficult to find something elsewhere.

I've got a quite a few years under my belt in production, so that I'm not worried about.

KeithC

Since your boss already is aware of the pending doom. Why not make some suggestions to ease your frustrations? If nothing pans out then look else where since you were hired for one job and were misled.

cyberguypr

rwmidl wrote: »

To add one more point, I have spoken to my boss last year about some of the issues I'm having, and it seems that the people who have been in my chair before me, have brought up the exact same issues.

I am assuming the outcome of that talk last year was absolutely nothing. I would talk to him again an remind him that it's not the first time you are bringing this up. Be clear on what your issues are and communicate what your ideal solution would be. Sometimes people complain but don't dive suggestions on how to solve the problem. By telling him what you would like to happen you leave the ball in their court. Also, don't leave the issue open ended as it seems happened last year. Set a date to review the outcome of this talk, maybe a month down the road and see where he stands and what he can do to help. If you get nothing in that follow-up meeting, then I'm afraid is time to move on. At least you are giving them a chance to make you happy. It's their loss if they are not willing to work with you. It is a two way street.

networker050184

I'd start looking for something new. You already expressed your concern last year and nothing has changed so I doubt anything will.

rwmidl

networker050184 wrote: »

I'd start looking for something new. You already expressed your concern last year and nothing has changed so I doubt anything will.

The reason nothing changed is two-fold; 1) I never really pursued it any further when I discussed with my supervisor last year and 2) the customer won't change. From what I have gathered, the customer wants someone "physically" onsite to manage the equipment but there really isn't enough to do to make it a full time job. What they really want is a full time tester with a small bit of sys admin functions mixed in. I know I'm being somewhat vague, but that is intentional on my part.

To add one more element, my boss isn't local. I know I need to talk to him, but I'm questioning whether I should wait until he is in town next (no idea when that will be), do I call him? I'm one to think that face to face is a better option, and I only want to send an email as last resort, to me something like this an email can't handle (unless I'm giving my notice).

Turgon

rwmidl wrote: »

A little over a year ago I took a new position with a new company. I was hired (for what I thought) was to be a Sys Admin in a test lab. The lab where I work develops some custom security/policy software. I've spent less time doing "sys admin" work, and more time testing the software and helping to write security policy. As note, pretty much I'm the only person testing the software.

I don't mind writing security policy (I've been knee deep in GPO's and have worked on some pretty interesting issues), but I really do not like the software testing. I will add we have licenses to pretty much all of Microsofts library so I have had some time to play around with different things. I'm also stuck in the back corner of the office, and have almost 0 contact with anyone (everyone else is writing code, so they have their headsets on and get "wired in").

I'm starting to think that maybe I should start seeing what else is out there. I like the company I work for (they let me get two SANS certs plus my CISSP), so I feel some loyalty to them. Should I talk to my boss and just say "look I don't like what I'm doing, let's look at some options" or should I just put my resume out on the open market and see what bites? To add one more point, I have spoken to my boss last year about some of the issues I'm having, and it seems that the people who have been in my chair before me, have brought up the exact same issues.

So TE, what do you think?

They essentially have you where they want you. So you either suck it up or change it. Unless you dig software testing or working with a test model then you need to get out of there. I would however consider a couple of things.

A lot of companies need software testers and people to run test environments and reference models these days and there are careers in this genre. Get in with a large software house, particularly those doing financial trading or voice integration and there could be a good career there. Alternatively look at large companies who have a reference model where they test changes before they hit the live environment. ISPs, service providers and banks have these.

Be aware though that a lot of professionals doing software testing or looking after models are under valued and underpaid. But if you get into the seniority of the thing running testers or models of consequence that can pay well in the long run.

I should add that a lot of certified people holding down jobs are unware of the UAT and models going on around them as they are busy looking after the 'IT' but not engaged with the core business. This was the case when I worked for the UK's largest telco. We designed, and supported our own network solutions and developed and tested applications but it was all outside the control of the invisible IT department who were simply contacted on the helpdesk to 'provide'. They made sure the phones worked, provisioned laptops and printers, kept the email running and took calls about internal applications being down but they went nowhere near the datacentres where the money was made. 10 million customers.

networker050184

If your boss isn't on site then a phone call is your best option. I definitely wouldn't do it in email.

As far as who's at fault for why it didn't change is irrelevant IMO. Do you like the job the company asks you to do? If the answer is no then find a job you like. I understand loyalty, but employment is a two way street.

cyberguypr

networker050184 wrote: »

If your boss isn't on site then a phone call is your best option. I definitely wouldn't do it in email.

As far as who's at fault for why it didn't change is irrelevant IMO. Do you like the job the company asks you to do? If the answer is no then find a job you like. I understand loyalty, but employment is a two way street.

True. I couldn't be doing something that I dislike every single day. The minute you stop having fun at work it's just not worth it.

rwmidl

Thanks for all the advice guys! I might try to "anonymize" my resume tonight and just throw it on here to get any advice as well.

Devilsbane

networker050184 wrote: »

I'd start looking for something new. You already expressed your concern last year and nothing has changed so I doubt anything will.

Agreed.

Your boss might actually care that you don't like what you're doing. But that doesn't change the fact that somebody has to do it. While he might love the chance to stick you right where you want to be, he has to look out for him.

And you have to look out for you.

Turgon

rwmidl wrote: »

A little over a year ago I took a new position with a new company. I was hired (for what I thought) was to be a Sys Admin in a test lab. The lab where I work develops some custom security/policy software. I've spent less time doing "sys admin" work, and more time testing the software and helping to write security policy. As note, pretty much I'm the only person testing the software.

I don't mind writing security policy (I've been knee deep in GPO's and have worked on some pretty interesting issues), but I really do not like the software testing. I will add we have licenses to pretty much all of Microsofts library so I have had some time to play around with different things. I'm also stuck in the back corner of the office, and have almost 0 contact with anyone (everyone else is writing code, so they have their headsets on and get "wired in").

I'm starting to think that maybe I should start seeing what else is out there. I like the company I work for (they let me get two SANS certs plus my CISSP), so I feel some loyalty to them. Should I talk to my boss and just say "look I don't like what I'm doing, let's look at some options" or should I just put my resume out on the open market and see what bites? To add one more point, I have spoken to my boss last year about some of the issues I'm having, and it seems that the people who have been in my chair before me, have brought up the exact same issues.

So TE, what do you think?

The thing that strikes me is you have a strong portfolio of certifications going by your signature. Many people on TE are striving to get half of what you have and yet you still seem far off where you would like to be and probably should be. I would say look for another gig and a step up in role and responsibilities.

rwmidl

Turgon wrote: »

The thing that strikes me is you have a strong portfolio of certifications going by your signature. Many people on TE are striving to get half of what you have and yet you still seem far off where you would like to be and probably should be. I would say look for another gig and a step up in role and responsibilities.

Turgon - thanks. Part of my problem is I don't speak up for myself at times. I'd rather be quiet and just "deal with it" vs speaking up. I've also had a few supervisors (not my current "direct" supervisor but some others) who always question me when I provide an answer. So then I start to doubt myself.

Turgon

rwmidl wrote: »

Turgon - thanks. Part of my problem is I don't speak up for myself at times. I'd rather be quiet and just "deal with it" vs speaking up. I've also had a few supervisors (not my current "direct" supervisor but some others) who always question me when I provide an answer. So then I start to doubt myself.

I think there are all kinds of things like that people need to work on. Handling people and situations. See what you can do to be more persuasive. You need to be strong if you want to get on. At least in my line of work it's clear that you have to lead and take decisions and sometimes disagree with people and defend and stick to a decision. Goes with the territory if you want a senior role it IT. So start now. I dont think you have any problem getting more qualifications and that's fine. It's really about handling yourself, approach and attitude now.

rwmidl

Turgon wrote: »

I think there are all kinds of things like that people need to work on. Handling people and situations. See what you can do to be more persuasive. You need to be strong if you want to get on. At least in my line of work it's clear that you have to lead and take decisions and sometimes disagree with people and defend and stick to a decision. Goes with the territory if you want a senior role it IT. So start now. I dont think you have any problem getting more qualifications and that's fine. It's really about handling yourself, approach and attitude now.

Thanks! I'm getting better at it, it's just something I constantly need to improve and work on.

Jinuyr

networker050184 wrote: »

If your boss isn't on site then a phone call is your best option. I definitely wouldn't do it in email.

As far as who's at fault for why it didn't change is irrelevant IMO. Do you like the job the company asks you to do? If the answer is no then find a job you like. I understand loyalty, but employment is a two way street.

While this definitely adds a more personalized touch to the conversation by calling him, not utilizing e-mail doesn't give you a good basis to follow up on if he were to mention that they will look into changnig your environment for you. Perhaps try the two together, speak to your boss on the phone, and send an e-mail later on to follow up what you had disussed. At least this way you're showing a great deal of interest in making this change and have started the process of following up to make sure something gets done.