What to do...Ballistic co-workers, projects, Oh My...

Cold Titanium

Ok, so I don't like going on the Intertubes and whining about my job (seems kind of unprofessional) but I'm at that point. I just don't know what to do. You know that job that you had trouble going to sleep because you knew you'd have to go back in the morning? This is that job.

There are two of us "network guys" supporting a mediumish size institution and remote locations. I'll skip the rest of the disaster that is this place and just focus on my co-worker alone.

I have never seen anyone who can generate stress like my co-worker. We share an office, and him just trying to use a computer over there makes you want to jump out the window. A constant stream of cursing, smashing the keyboard and his computer (case has a crack from him hitting it). One morning he started cursing, threw his breakfast on the carpet, and proceeded to viciously stomp it into oblivion (yeah, egg on carpet). It was kind of funny, but at the same time it was disconcerting. At least four times in the few months I've been here he's thrown his computer and phones off his desk. (I have pictures) I made a note of the make and model computers we use, because they're sure some durable little suckers.
Oh and his drink on the carpet, then repeatedly kicked his poor chair and desk. Can't forget about the chair, you always have to kick the chair. Poor chair. Oh and he's just TSHOOT away from his CCNP, which he failed once already. (Even though he's dumped his way through them all) I know we're both under a ridiculous amount of stress, but that's just unacceptable. Not a bad guy, just unstable. I think our unofficial title has become "OH F***, OH S***!!"

Anyways, I think our supervisor knows what he's like but turns a blind eye because he's the only one who knows anything about the ancient undocumented spaghetti bowl that is our network. Saying anything will just make it worse for me.

Every single day I almost pull off my badge and walk. It's really dragging me down and it's hard not to get depressed. I've not even mentioned dealing with the other departments, projects, an emo wireless infrastructure, and possessed VoIP system. All old and out of support. Oh, and those fun little devices known as wireless VoIP handsets.

I've just been holding off because I'm nearing the end of my OSCP studies. The course is tough, but I've been successful so far and have enjoyed it. I think I have what it takes to be in penetration testing. Don't know if I can hang on though, it's just going to keep getting worse as they keep piling the projects on.

I am in the position where I can stay with my parents if I have to. It's tempting to quit and focus all my fire on the OSCP. Then go full-time searching for a sec position. I've considered even trying to get into police work just to get away from the IT world. However, my brain demands something a bit more intellectually stimulating. I'm young, so I have more options than a lot of you old people (30+ yr olds)

So how damaging would it be to have a period of unemployment? Especially if I quit with only maybe a weeks notice. It would only be for a month or two as I finish the OSCP. Of course that would depend on how long it took to find another position...Looked at the military as well, but there's just something about being contractually bound to their every whim that makes me nervous.

I'd also like to just have a rock band, but now there's an unstable income for you.

Edit:
Wow, the Helpdesk Manager was just in my office getting annoyed at me because I couldn't assign a static IP address to each individual switchport at particular location. Que me trying to explain that switches don't understand IP addresses (except for managment vlan, yes I know that) and getting a blank aggravated look in return. Couldn't even tell me what he was actually trying to do...

networker050184

So why not just polish up the resume and find a new job? Why do you have to take time off and do a certification that may or may not make it any easier to find another job?

cyberguypr

One thing is clear: this crap is NOT acceptable and must stop immediately.

Assuming you like your job, why would you quit because someone else can't behave like a normal human being? This is an HR issue that has nothing to do with you. Don't be afraid to speak up. Talk to your manager and communicate this bothers you, affects you, decreases you productivity, etc. You did a great thing documenting the aftermath of his meltdowns. Any half decent manager will address this and hopefully make it stop. If that doesn't happen, there should be another avenue to bring your issue to HR. The worst thing you can do is do nothing.

Cold Titanium

So why not just polish up the resume and find a new job? Why do you have to take time off and do a certification that may or may not make it any easier to find another job?

I should have mentioned that I have done that. I did update my resume and have been searching. I know I shouldn't pin so much hope onto a single entry level cert... Unfortunately, there aren't many opportunities in my area that aren't more helpdesk stuff. I did find one Sec Analyst position that will still require me to move and I sent my stuff in. I'm not too confident on it though, as they required you to be able to develop in ASP.net and MSSQL...which I can learn, but don't know at the moment. Can't hurt to try though?

Assuming you like your job, why would you quit because someone else can't behave like a normal human being?

Well that's the thing, I honestly don't like my job. Besides my co-worker there are plenty of other things that make it really stressful. For example, me having to implementing a major wireless upgrade, which includes replacing the old access points, troubleshooting pre-existing wireless issues (which are everywhere due to incredibly poor design) by myself. This place becomes HUGE when it's just you. We've had three different contractors throw up their hands and leave because it's such a mess. Not to mention remote sites. Then there are multiple other projects that keep popping up, and on top of it all we have to keep up with the day-to-day stuff. This place was plagued with issues before I even came here. There's a constant stream of complaints and annoyed people stopping by your office asking when something is going to be done about it. There just aren't enough hours to get it done. As far as prioritizing goes, that changes by the hour depending on what breaks next. Our supervisor will take the fire for a bit, but then they go above his head and then he comes down on us.

Again, I don't want to sound like I'm just looking for a pity party and probably shouldn't have even posted. Was just all stressed out.

Tyb

You had my sympathy until the old people crack...

thenjduke

I would suggest getting a new job fast. This is going to bring you down to a point of no return and you make get sucked in.

compton

This is a Human Resources issue. If your manager will not get involved then bypass him. Whatever problems he may have, and there could be several, need to be worked out by HR. You don't want to wait until this guy ends up popping his cork altogether.

Xyro

Cold Titanium wrote: »

Unfortunately, there aren't many opportunities in my area that aren't more helpdesk stuff

I have worked with so many people like this in IT. I thought it just came with the territory lol, but if you are really finding it intolerable then you could try expanding your "area" if all it has to offer are help desk positions and you find those positions unsuitable.

I would never voluntarily place a window on my resume. It is like having a skull & crossbones.

datacomboss

Cold Titanium wrote: »

I am in the position where I can stay with my parents if I have to. It's tempting to quit and focus all my fire on the OSCP. Then go full-time searching for a sec position. I've considered even trying to get into police work just to get away from the IT world. However, my brain demands something a bit more intellectually stimulating. I'm young, so I have more options than a lot of you old people (30+ yr olds)

As an old ass fart who's been doing this for 20 years, I think it would be a mistake to not follow normal protocols when resigning. If you feel like you can't take it anymore then put in your resignation TODAY and leave two weeks from today. Personally, I would find another job first. As a hiring manager, I would be more impressed with your ability to problem solve (as in the wireless issue) and learn how to communicate and work with your psycho office mate. What if you have a similar co-worker at the next job?

paul78

Cold Titanium wrote: »

Anyways, I think our supervisor knows what he's like but turns a blind eye because he's the only one who knows anything about the ancient undocumented spaghetti bowl that is our network. Saying anything will just make it worse for me.

I'm sorry to read about the stress and the instability that your co-worker has been causing you. From your description, it sounds like the issues are not a secret among your peers and other co-workers.

I want to play-devil's advocate about your comment about the supervisor knowing about the issue. And I'm looking at it from the management point of view. For one - don't assume that management knows about the issue. I recently was involved in a similar situation. Apparently, one of the network engineers had been somewhat troublesome in the same manner that you described of your co-worker. Even though this troubled individual sat near my office, I was entirely unaware that his temper had been causing great stress and anxiety to those around him. It only came to light one day when I happened to be walking by the breakroom and I overheard 2 of programmers mentioning in that "XYZ having another meltdown and to avoid that part of the building.". While neither of the 2 programmers were willing to elaborate on their comment to me - I was curious enough to ask around. The network engineer did not report up to me and he was part of another division, that is not the type of behavior that I tolerate and the employee was escorted from the building within the hour after I had a terse conversion with his manager.

My point is - don't assume that management is aware of the situation. Even if your direct supervisor is vaguely aware, he/she may not realize the extent of the situation or the impact of such behavior.

Good luck to you.