Your First IT Job

[AkeysIT]

Hi everyone,

I am new to these forums, but have been working in IT for several months. I am facing a dilemma in my work environment. I work in an isolated office where I am not pulling down full time hours. As I am just getting started in the IT industry, my current employer enticed me into this job by promising to train me and teach me everything I will need to know while I continue to acquire IT certifications.

Long story short, I love what I do. I hate where I work.I love solving customers problems from the mundane to the backbreaking, hair-pulling ones. However, my work relationship with my boss is strained at best. I am not being trained, but rather harassed, discouraged, and spied on. If I make a move, there my boss is, chastising me for not doing things in the "right" way. But the problem is, I don't know what is considered the "right" way until after I have applied what I know to the issues I am working on. I ask questions constantly, but am not answered timely, if at all. I have no one else to bounce ideas or questions off of.

I am reaching a point where I am absolutely paralyzed by fear of another tirade. My boss doesn't want to train me and I am at a point where I detest having to communicate with my boss. This is frustrating as I have an obligation to my customers that I take very seriously.

My self-confidence is low and my excitement for IT is being drained. I am currently looking for other employment.
I have hinted several times that I am strongly considering leaving, but instead of agreeing that this is probably the best solution, my boss wants me to "think it over"

Has anyone experienced a nightmare first IT job? What is a typical IT job supposed to be like? Is this a situation that is going to require some maturing on my part?I am not expecting to have my hand held, or everyday to be one big happy pile of sugar, but I definitely did not expect to be thrown in a wide open space with the only instruction equates to "keep walking until you step on a land mine" Which is exactly how I feel like I am doing. And I am stepping on ALOT of landmines.

Any insight/mentoring would be GREATLY appreciated.

AKeys

 

[Glenn9999]

(coming at this as a programmer by trade, obviously, but know about the other things of IT)

The first thing I will say is to not expect things to be like what they were in the classroom. Other than that, let me ask this question: Would things be better if you did have a more merciful boss? Like one that would understand if you did happen to make a mistake or two?

(that was one of my annoyances in my 2nd IT job, it was definitely IT Hell in many ways. The basic problem of my first one was having to figure out everything on my own, but I'm thankful that my boss was gracious enough that all I had to do was show up every day and show some progress each day to please him.)

 

[Spirit]

I am a support tech, and have learnt in the same way you are trail, error and Tek-tips! Bottom line if you don't get training you can only do things by trail and error.


I have very much the same, a bully of a boss. Other managers that deal with him put it down to the Nepolian complex (small man, big idea's that he can't back up) and since I am his one and only subordinate he like to show his "authorit-ar" (sorry thats meant to sound like cartman from south park!)

He likes to wait for a screw up and then prance around in glee that I messed up. He does the same with everyone though, just a pure bully. Luckily I am in the position to bite back, he'd have real problems firing me which is basically the only reason I still have a job hear.

Basically, leave. You may love the working environment other than the boss, but they will not be going anywhere soon so why should your mental health suffer?

Do NOT tell anyone that you are leaving, it may take you 1,2 even 3 years to find a new job but a new job you shall find!

On the training from don't be afraid of buying a couple of training books and re-charging the company for them. Depending where you want to go linix / MS /Cisco will depend on the book you need.

Chin up and learn from your boss. You are learning how NOT to deal with your staff so when you are in that position you will know better.

Good luck.
Iain

 

[LadySlinger]

I have hinted several times that I am strongly considering leaving, but instead of agreeing that this is probably the best solution, my boss wants me to "think it over"

He won't ever tell you to leave because then you leaving the company is on his head...not yours. The only time a manager will tell you to leave is 1) You're about to be fired and he's a nice guy 2)You're being fired or 3) You're being laid off.

Have you sat down with your boss and talked to him about the situation at all? Maybe there is a HUGE gap in communications that needs to be addressed.

Working in IT does get better...you begin to find your niche in the IT industry with the amount of experience you gain. Just remember, no job is perfect...it can enjoyable, but there will always be that rotten apple.

I remember my first IT job was overall decent, however I discovered that my boss was a lying backstabber. He would twist my words into a way that left me burnt and paranoid and often bad in front of key people. He at one time had promised me full time, but then changed his mind hired someone else and then said there was no full time position available. Then he acted surprised when I said I was leaving.

Long story short, don't let your job determine your mental health. By this I mean if you wake up and dread going to work, then don't. Keep looking for that new job and BE PICKY! Be sure to get as much in writing also when you accept the position. If the company is willing to give it to you in writing, then they'll be true to their word.

 

[AlexCuse]

I will just nod in agreement with LadySlinger. Keep looking for a new job (but don't tell anyone).

How long exactly have you been working in IT? If several months is > 6, you should have a pretty solid looking resume. I am sure when you explain your reason for wanting to leave current company, that most employers (that you would want to work for) will understand. Value your current job for what it is, a good learning experience and a place to acquire new skills. But use this education and new skills to get to a place you are happy as soon as possible.

Good Luck!

Alex



Ignorance of certain subjects is a great part of wisdom

 

[monkeylizard]

I think most of all, you need a career plan. Sit down and take the next few weeks to really look at what you want to be doing in 5 years and 10 years. Put together a guiding plan to get there. If that means staying put for a few more months to make the timeline on your resume look better, that's fine, but don't plan to stay in that situation. It will also make daily life easier knowing you will be leaving and having that to cling to during the next tirade from the idiot.

Don't know where you are, but national unemployment in the US was 4.4% and falling in October. Don't waste your time on this job. After living with a similar boss,though not in an entry-level position, for seven years, I quit. I now work half the hours for more pay and have managers that care about education and work-life balance. I know it's the pot of gold, but it really is out there.

Monkeylizard
Sometimes just a few hours of trial and error debugging can save minutes of reading manuals.

 

[AkeysIT]

Thanks, everyone!

You have made some really great points that I otherwise would have ignored.

Glenn9999-things would be immensely better if I had a more merciful boss. The thing is, I interviewed with the "ideal" boss, but am working for a ... passive-agressive maniac (I'm sorry-that's a tad dramatic but you get the idea) He told me that he would train me, show me key ways of maneuvering through IT issues, etc. He directly stated, "I know you do not have the experience, but I will teach you what you should know." He said he encourages questions because that tells him how I am thinking. And I was excited. I thought I had found the Pot O' Gold position, until I witnessed the "follow-through" or lack thereof. He actually yelled at me for "thinking on my own" because it left him in the dark about my thought process. Even as I come up with the right solution.

Iain/Spirit-I declare that we work at the same place, except I am an army of one at my job. There is no equal opportunity for others to watch my boss dance a happy jig from their mistakes. I am the sole recipient of that honor. Oh, by the way, my boss will not compensate me for purchasing IT books, nor for the certification tests. That is all me.

LadySlinger-My boss and I usually have meetings after I have messed up, which is fairly often. However, for the most part I don't even see him. When we have meetings, I tell him that I need help and that some issues are over my head. I tell him that I need more guidance and give him specific instances of what and where I need the guidance. I ask him what do I need to do and he tells me to ask him if I need help (but he doesn't reply in time and by then, the issue MUST be resolved-AARGHHH!!!) He sits there, nods his head and asks me would it help if he hired in extra help? Yes!!! However, that never happened. I have been expecting coworkers for about 9-10 months now. Like I said before, I have been burned by his tirades so often now, I don't even want to communicate with him. And I fear that the clients are going to suffer because of this. That makes me crazy!!
Thank you so much for recommending I continue my job search and preserve my mental health.

AlexCuse-I actually have been at my job a little over a year. I dread leaving this job only because he seems to be on the cutting edge of all the programs and projects that are out there. In retrospect, it may be because I have a strong sense of isolation that I don't realize that he is not the "be all and end all" of the IT game.

Monkeylizard-you are absolutely right. I am going to make a conscious effort to really determine what I love about the IT field and how I can continue doing this for as long as possible. There is no excuse for not making plans for a better future even when the present stinks!

You all have helped me a great deal to take responsibility for what I am doing and also to realize that there are alternatives. I am thankful!!

Akeys

 

[SantaMufasa]

Akeys,

Sorry that I'm responding late in the game.

I have a few tried-and-true suggestions from which I have greatly benefitted during my career and from which you should be able to benefit not only in your present position, but future ones, as well.

The first principle to observe is that "Success and well being result from meeting and exceeding expections; missing expectations results in disappointment." This is true on either side of the "Employment Table".

Therefore, for every assignment, always get a written or verbal commitment from the beneficiary of your work what they expect and what will DELIGHT them as a result of your work. (If the commitment is verbal, then follow up with a written memo that confirms your understanding of what they say.)

Also get from them a confirmation of the following:

1) What they believe you will need as resources (training/guidance, computing, time, money, personnel, reference materials, et cetera) for your success on the assignment?
2) What are both the intermediate and final deliverables and when does s/he expect each?
3) By what standard will s/he measure the quality/success of your work?
4) What does s/he see as the major challenges (i.e., risks) for the assignment, and how does s/he envision your managing those risks? (...including need for training, et cetera).

The above questions are important for any future job interviews, as well. For job interviews, simply broaden the questions from a "project-assignment" perspective to a "job-position" perspective.

At job interviews, ask the interviewer additional things like:

1) How would you characterise where this (organisation, department, team, et cetera) is now compared to where you want it to be in six months and one year from now?
2) What are the biggest challenges that stand between the current status and where you want to be?
3) What can I do to be most useful/helpful in your achieving your goals?
4) How often will my manager and I assess how well I have exceeded expectations in my assignments?
5) What must I do to cause you, the rest of the organisation, and our customers to consider my joining the organisation as a wonderful decision?
6) What information, training, and personnel resouces will be available to me to exceed your expectations?

Always, always, always, confirm, in writing, your understanding of their responses to these questions so that you and they clearly understand "ground rules" and expectations for success. (Would having done so, in writing, prior to your hire and prior to your current assignments, have worked to your advantage presently?)

Let us know your thoughts,

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]

 

[AlexCuse]

I dread leaving this job only because he seems to be on the cutting edge of all the programs and projects that are out there.

When it comes to IT, I think the 'cutting edge' is much wider than in say, nuclear physics. If you try to hard to stay 'cutting edge', you are going to be in a constant state of flux, stressed out and miserable. Plus by the time something works, it will be time to replace it again ;-) IT departments need to be able to support legacy systems that work, and would be too costly to redesign in addition to the 'cutting edge' stuff. If you are miserable, I would not stay just because your boss *thinks* that everything is so cutting edge.

This is coming from someone who still writes code in VB6, and whose only exposure to .NET has been in my own time at home, so take it with a grain of salt.

Good Luck, no matter what you decide to do.

Alex

Ignorance of certain subjects is a great part of wisdom

 

[Glenn9999]

I thought I had found the Pot O' Gold position, until I witnessed the "follow-through" or lack thereof. He actually yelled at me for "thinking on my own" because it left him in the dark about my thought process. Even as I come up with the right solution.

I find the value of introspection to be a great thing, especially to assess why one is feeling a certain way, which is why I asked that. Even though, given interviews, I still find it a struggle to find out through the interview process what kind of job is involved. I find most interviewers are just putting their best foot forward and will just tell you what they think you want to hear as opposed to how things really are.

This probably really reveals something. Most people are just interested in themselves and are only going to see you as cog in the process of the means to their end. Most bosses in the end just want you to make them look good and if you get anything beyond that, consider yourself lucky. Truthfully, I've grown to think of a job primarily in that framework (the experience of IT Hell Job #2 coming out). And IMHO, really the only motivator in most jobs is how many zeros are in the paycheck after the initial number > 0 - if that gets threatened, they have no legs to stand on in terms of keeping me.

 

[Stevehewitt]

It's amazing how much you can pick up in a year or so when learning IT. A good foothold - and if you can last in IT for a year then you know that you've got the bug for it.

(Otherwise a resignation or a noose would have come into the equasion within the first month! ;-))

Honestly, I would get a cert. The 'easier' ones are the more generic certs such as CompTIA (not knocking it - I have one!). Network+, A+ or Security+ are great starting points.
For example, if you wanted to get into Windows Network Administration I would suggest Network+ or Security+ followed by a Windows 2003 MCP. None are easy to attain, but even if you have Security+ and are studying for a MCP, combined with over a years experience and a decent interview technique then getting a new job shouldn't be too hard.

Essentially, I would look at getting at least one cert before leaving as you don't have years and years of experience to put on the CV. Once you got the cert, give the CV a good going over and get the hell out of there.

My opinion on IT is that you can learn two ways. Trial and Error (which involves Tek Tips when it all goes 'Pete Tong'!) and/or Certification.
I took the first option, and never looked back. The last 6 years or so have been great to me. Had some crap managers, but as most didn't want to pay for me to get certified I simply played, broke and fixed. This meant stupid hours after a little too much 'playing' - but the experience has resulted in a good job as a Network Administrator for a great company and decent pay. My current company has a different stance in less playing and they'll pay for my certifications. I'm now only 22 and starting to get certified.

You can either look at moving ASAP, but probably end up taking a lower paid job and possibly at the lower end of the support arena, or look at a getting a cert now and leave in 3 months. With heinsight (is that how you spell it?) I would have taken the certification option 6 years ago and still played.

Good luck, and I'll be looking forward to replying to some posts of 'AHH - I'm BUGGERED MY AD UP A GOOD'EN' in the Win2k3 Forums soon! ;-)

Cheers,





Steve.

"They have the internet on computers now!" - Homer Simpson

 

[attrofy]

Akeys,

I'll throw in my 2¢...
Most times - in most jobs - the only time you hear how you are supposed to do something is after you have messed up. This comes down to bad management skills by the person who you answer to. It doesn't always mean they are qualified, or that they always have the "right" answer, it means they have their methodology, and they want you to do it their way - right or wrong. This in part explains why your boss doesn't like it when you solve your own problems - he can't mold you into his "mini-me" image that he incorrectly perceives as your number one priority.

The advice others have given to find another job is valid, and I would second it if you arent happy there. But as others have mentioned, this can take an extrodinarily long time. My last job took me over a year and half to find something. Look at this job as your "opportunity". Diversify as much as you are able to so you can fill that resume with legitmate experiences, and talk knowledgably about projects or other IT functions at the next interview. IF the boss is reluctant to compensate training expenses, see if someone over him will work with you. Check with HR or others if there is a way to get these expenses paid without his direct approval. IF all else, check back with the person that initially interviewed you and mention that you are meeting resistance in getting some certifications or continuing eduation. And one of the appealing factors of taking this job was the ability to learn and grow. In short, take what you can from this job that will benefit you - and not necassarily the company. Of course, remain honest and ethical about it, but look at it as everyday that passes is one more day of experience on your resume, and try to max that experience out to the best you can. Preferably on the company's dime, and as someone else mentioned - learning by playing and breaking things. IF you are going to be yelled at for striking out on your own anyway, then it doesnt matter to your boss if you are learning something in the process or not - so make it to your advantage and learn something. You know you are already going to get in trouble for it, so it make worthwhile.

For saftey of job preservation sakes, I would continue to ask your boss for help, and continue to let him know what you are thinking. When he doesnt answer in time, or blows you off, you have covered your butt, and done what he has asked. He cant get mad at that. If he doesnt respond in time, then it is obvious why you had to "break" something - he didn't help, and you were trying to figure it out. Thank goodness you figured out the solution on your own, just think how much money you saved the company by helping the client out that had a similar situation. At the same time, think how much future money you are putting in your pocket.

In short, make the best of a bad situation until a better one comes along.

 

[aarenot]

the only thing that can not be taken away from you is what you learn.

learn everything you can, and you will have a nice keep home pay, if not a nice take home pay.

when your keep home exceeds in some signifigance your take home, take your keep home to another take home providor.

smile, you win in the end.

 

[LadySlinger]

He sits there, nods his head and asks me would it help if he hired in extra help? Yes!!! However, that never happened. I have been expecting coworkers for about 9-10 months now.

I would be careful with this. He may not be hiring anyone this year as he may not have it in the budget. But when he does, be careful that his new employee doesn't wind up taking your job (i.e. you train your replacement).

Also I wouldn't worry about working someplace with the "latest and greatest" technology. Sometimes when you're starting off its best to work for a company that is still 10 years ago with technology. Then as you begin to upgrade them you work on your project management skills. For example a company that has a 15 year old phone system. While working there, you begin the process on upgrading the phone system. therefore you just added one more thing to your qualifications.

 

[gbaughma]

For example a company that has a 15 year old phone system.

Pfft... 15 years? That's barely broken in! :-D

Of course, I live in an area where we have WWII-surplus Erickson phone switches in our CO's... :-(



Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly exchanged his dilithium crystals for new Folger's Crystals." -- My Sister
--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[AkeysIT]

Thanks,everyone!!

My job has not improved, but my attitude has.
I have no leads on prospective jobs as yet, but I
am getting my resume out there for other opportunities.

The way I view my position right now is, I am the only
source my boss can be nasty to. As soon
as he knows I am not going to take it, he'll have to
realize that maybe, just maybe he is the one with issues
to work out. It won't matter either way, hopefully I will be long gone and loving my new job by then.

Alot of people have mentioned to me that there may be a reason why I am the only worker there. I am the only one who will take his nonsense. If I leave, he is going to be out of luck. This is not just friends of mine, these are unsolicited remarks from upper level executives of the companies we provide service for. Hmmm.

Anyways, I wanted to tell you all once again how I appreciate your insights. I will definitely be coming back to this site for its valuable source of information.

Hope you all have a happy and safe holiday!

Akeys

 

[mikeydidit]

I hate to jump in this late and hope things are better. I am a person that believes everything is what you make it. Sure it may not be "The perfect job" are far as the boss goes, but like the others have stated it is giving you more experience and that will lead to a better job and more money in the long run.

My director and I clashed for years until one day he cussed me and things quickly came to a head. After that I didn’t see him for about 2 months and then he would start popping by and check to see how things were going. That was about 10 years ago and I am still here. Bottom line, I told him that if that was the way he wanted me to do it, then he should let me know what he wanted and their would be not problems. I was wondering for a while if he was trying to replace me lol. But things have settled since then. I seldom see him and when I do it's friendly. But this is what it took for him to communicate with me and let me know what he expected of me.

He now lets me do my job and I get things done. It seems to work good that way. (Imagine that)

I still love this profession and cant think of anything I would rather do work wise that is.

So keep looking and building up the amount of work experience on that resume.

Oh and one last thing. Should you be in a place that you are unsure of what you are doing. I know this great place that’s called Tek Tips. Regardless of the position you are in , you can find good people that are willing to help you there everyday.

"You don't stop playing because you get old. You get old because you stopped playing."

For the best response to a question, read FAQ222-2244.

 

[Toni269]

I had such a great experience in my first IT position. I had never seen a network, the Internet or the inside of a PC but somehow I BS'd my way into a Tech Support position. My Boss was so laid back and supportive. He had some clear instructions on how to "blow away" PC and re-build them from boot disk and load all new software. My first job was to get through a massive room full of junk PC's and rebuild. The hardware part came natrually for me, especially because they had just invented plug & pray. From day one it was pure bliss. He never gave me a hard time even once, always took time to train and I never saw him unless I had a question. Totally awesome. By the end of two years I was managing the network and all backups, email as well as the telecommunications systems. My current boss is hands off (good) without the tech knowledge (very good) so I get to do things my way. Sweet. So - get out of there and find a good place to work so you can be happy. You only live once, don't be afraid to take a chance.