IT jobs with lots of downtime?

I heard that System/Network Administrator and Computer Operator have a lot of downtime. Is that true? What about System/Network Engineer (as opposed to administrator)?

If so, what is allowable on downtime, looking at websites (things like reading news articles?), reading a book you brought along, reading a book on your phone?

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UnixGuy

Not sure why people are trying to give OP advice on how they should get a busy job with progressive IT career (good intentions I know) but that's not the OP question.

OP, yes plenty of IT jobs have downtime, sysadmin comes to mind BUT it depends on the company, direct manager, duties....as a general rule you will be busy in the first few months when you learn the ropes of how everything works then you can relax and do whatever that you intend to do.

The example of a computer operator is a solid one...some HAS to do that job and it does come with tons of downtime. There are so many jobs like that...

A lot of work tend to be repetitive brainless work, and some people LOVE sending emails/going to meetings/ and running around all day...each to their own and I understand where they come from.

SanDie

Anonymouse wrote: »

Graveyard shift as a computer operator in a data center left me copious amounts of downtime. I spent it all watching anime, playing videogames, or wandering across town with co-workers. Didn't make any sort of livable wage there but I had less expenses too. Probably should have studied but I'm lazy. Right now I'm a sysadmin with a few hours of my workday put aside specifically for me to study but that's not normal.

What was the wage?
Would server operator or engineer be a good preparation to become a Computer Operator?

iBrokeIT

Smells like a t-r-o-l-l to me...

SanDie

These administrators are usually on call at all times, ready to respond to any system problem that may arise. Network administrators spend a lot of time in front of computers monitoring the network to ensure it is working at its designated capacity. Network Engineer Vs. Network Administrator | Chron.com

Remains on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, to respond to emergencies concerning systems software and hardware. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oakgov/jobs/1288006/systems-administrator-ii

If for a job like this you are on-call 24 hours a day, since you can be woken up in the middle of the night do you lose sleeps? In compensation for that do you have more downtime during the work hours?

SanDie

TheFORCE wrote: »

OP Read this for BCP/DR https://www.drii.org/certification/certification.php

So there you have it, find a company that has plenty of employees, don't expect to get paid crazy money though.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

SanDie

UnixGuy wrote: »

OP, yes plenty of IT jobs have downtime, sysadmin comes to mind BUT it depends on the company, direct manager, duties....as a general rule you will be busy in the first few months when you learn the ropes of how everything works then you can relax and do whatever that you intend to do.

The example of a computer operator is a solid one...some HAS to do that job and it does come with tons of downtime. There are so many jobs like that...

So computer operator is the best bet as a job that has the most downtime? If you started out as network/server engineer would the skills be translatable to becoming a computer operator? I searched for the jobs in the US and it seems the jobs are not so numerous as Network/system engineers/administrators.

UnixGuy

@SanDie: Without knowing your background and skills it's hard to tell. becoming a network engineer can take years, so depends on your level. As a general rule, look for jobs (now) that promote 'work/life' balance, or monitoring type jobs...again this is a generalisation. Go for interviews and ask clearly...computer operator job needs less skill than net/sys admin/engineer...in general!

SanDie

If you get a job as a Network/Server Engineer for the first time, how many years should you work before you quit, if you want to be hired again in the same field (just to take a break from work, maybe travel somewhere)? Do they care about gaps between your work history?

NetworkNewb

Do you have a resume? I've been looking for a sys admin who doesn't want to work much and might quit at anytime... Sounds like we might have a good fit here.

mackenzae

SanDie wrote: »

If you get a job as a Network/Server Engineer for the first time, how many years should you work before you quit, if you want to be hired again in the same field (just to take a break from work, maybe travel somewhere)? Do they care about gaps between your work history?

Are you looking for employment to fill some time? This makes it sound like you don't "have" to work but would like something to do to fill in gaps while you enjoy life. Just curious.

SanDie

No. I want to know if I get into this line of work if I would be stuck for years without opportunity of rest if I want to keep on working.

TechGromit

Generally I'm busy Monday to Wednesday, and usually crazy bored Thursday and Friday. I try to work on studying for my certs, but there's only so much of that I can do a day. I fill in the rest of my time with posting on forums like this one, youtube and the occasional foam ball fight with co-workers.

jt2929

SanDie wrote: »

No. I want to know if I get into this line of work if I would be stuck for years without opportunity of rest if I want to keep on working.

opportunity of rest? that's called the weekend.

iBrokeIT

If you are more interested in the amount of downtime than the actual work then this isn't the field for you...

TheFORCE

iBrokeIT wrote: »

If you are more interested in the amount of downtime than the actual work then this isn't the field for you...

Thread closed.

Actually, from what he is saying it looks like he wont be able to do any job. Theres no such thing as downtime so that you can satisfy your own desires. That's called vacation, weekend, or lunch. For any other time you spend at work you are expected to do something work related.

bpenn

If you want downtime, get a job with the federal govt (if you are in USA). I know plenty of guys over there that just watch youtube all day.

Alternatively, you could join the military and get some downtime. And when I say downtime, I mean in the push-up position.

Anonymouse

SanDie wrote: »

What was the wage?
Would server operator or engineer be a good preparation to become a Computer Operator?

As a computer operator? It was the same as what lazy burger flippers want minimum wage to be raised to.

Queue

Get a job as a security guard in a very safe place= lots of downtime. Get a seasonal job that provides months off for travel.

One big thing we are missing here. Work contracts. Get a contract finish successfully= good reference. Use your personal time as you see fit until the next contract.

Also work an undesirable shift.

daviddws

I've bounced around from jobs with lots of downtime (government) to other jobs (startups) that you work frantically at. Right now I prefer downtime but that could change.

SanDie

bpenn wrote: »

If you want downtime, get a job with the federal govt (if you are in USA). I know plenty of guys over there that just watch youtube all day.

Alternatively, you could join the military and get some downtime. And when I say downtime, I mean in the push-up position.

What is the job title with the fed govt that allows downtime?

SanDie

I wanted to know if I quit after only 1 year of my first job as a network/server engineer, there might be someone willing to hire me instead of saying "you only worked a year on your first job, that doesn't count"

cyberguypr

SanDie wrote: »

What is the job title with the fed govt that allows downtime?

The job title you are looking for is "retired".

SanDie

Does IT Helpdesk allow lots of downtime?

TheFORCE

SanDie wrote: »

Does IT Helpdesk allow lots of downtime?

Yes! IT helpdesk has the most downtime of all the IT jobs! It also has pretty good salary based on the latest surveys you could make at least 90K with just the A+ comptia certificate. I would suggest you take the job if you find one.

scaredoftests

From what I experienced with help desk, the only down time was lunch..

Nightflier101BL

Dang, I don't even get a lunch.

Sometimes, it can get frustrating seeing these surveys that give false hope and make people believe they can just walk right into these high paying jobs. For example, I have a friend who recently decided they were going to change their career to "IT Security". This was solely based on surveys saying that it was the big thing and you can make well over six figures. I tried to help but they enrolled in a college program - didn't even make it a full semester before realizing what they were getting into and rolled back to their previous job and gave up.

SanDie - it's called work because you go there to work. You have a "job" to do.

Danielm7

Forum trolling doesn't seem to have much downtime, might want to avoid that one.

Qord

SanDie wrote: »

What is the job title with the fed govt that allows downtime?

You must be thinking of Senator.

UncleB

SanDie wrote: »

What is the job title with the fed govt that allows downtime?

Prisoner.
I hear you even get free accommodation and food...

scaredoftests

No..a congressman