Getting out of IT Support

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Positively Negative

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Yo ppl,
i cannot deal with users and the IT support environment anymore.it is just too much and i am becoming a miserable young git from this place :erm: I have been trying to convince myself over the years that things will get better but the amount of downs are just too much.

Constant pressure.Constant whining and complaining from users.The pay is twak.
My biggest issue is the fact i only got a systems diploma but i'm actually pretty useless when it comes to Network,Server SQL etc (i have mastered end user support). I have saved a bit from the last 3 years so i was thinking i should go back to studying something next year? I would honestly rather NOT study because i know i am pathetic at theory and will just scrape through. Any advice on doing something less stressful than IT Support . Is studying the right thing to do ;)
 
End user support sucks plenty I agree...Do you work in a corporate environment?
Maybe ask them for a change?
Studying just for the sake of changing jobs without any objective is not a good idea...
 
I suppose you want to stay in IT but out of support?

Getting out of IT is easy, getting in is damn hard (I know, I only got in by luck by someone willing to give me a chance to learn as I go) Support for endusers I can assume would be a pain in the arse. I do networking and that is pretty relaxed appart from the deadlines and constant issues with suppliers and contractors. But it's fun (I'm still learning that might change later).

I suppose it depends on what you want to do going forward. IT support is a broad field though, if you are setting up e-mail accounts, sorting out work stations the employees farked up I won't be able to do that day in and day out :eek: look into networking and see if that catches your fancy. Pretty quick to study and I'm enjoying it greatly. Well either that or programming/web design I think.

If you want to get out of IT all together get a call centre job. We're putting up call centres left right and centre. Lots and lots of jobs in that field I guess. And work your way into admin or something (Just an idea though)
 
I would say go back to studying but consider part time. I do punt UNISA alot on this forum and one of the advantages is that because it takes 5-6yrs part time, the first 2yrs gives you plenty of time to decided on what you want to eventually study.

Most 1st yr modules are shared between degrees and even having to do a couple of extra till you decide is no problem. Also very very easy, only requires discipline but that you pick up as you go.

Agree also on the statement: Getting out of IT is easy, getting in is damn hard

I can also vouch for that. Took me many years and even a 75% salary drop to get my foot in the door. So stick it out. IT is massive and there is a career for everybody. Also employers love to hear that you are studying with UNISA and many will even support you financially.

I've also mentioned on another thread that in IT if you want the good jobs with the great salaries, those with degrees (and not diplomas) get them easier. The rest of us have to bust our nuts.
 
yeah i am in a corporate environment and i'm just completely drained from everything being urgent,all the blame being put on support , having no control over issues.
i would be really interested in studying video editing or going into video production as it is my passion. I have NO interest in networking or sql or any of that advanced IT.
trust me i hear what you saying about getting into IT etc but 3 years of non stop complaining , whining and people performing has pissed me on a serious level.i thought i was handling it but it's just too much now.
Managers, Senior Managers etc just think they own everyone and throw toys over pathetic small things.i probably won't be happy studying because i had plans for the money i saved but that's life right.
But yeah it's eating away at me.i would even try support in a different environment because SURELY it cannot be as bad as this.Where is the best place to put up my cv
 
Have you ever thought of working for yourself?

I worked as a support engineer for a couple of companies for about 5 or 6 years and didn't like the politics / pressure / etc
About 4 years ago I decided to become an independent IT consultant and it was the best move I ever made.
Sure, most of the work I do is a bit mundane, but the money and flexible work day is a massive plus.
I sell almost any hardware and software and then the support that goes with it.
REMEMBER: You make 100% of the profit from all sales and labour.
I have about 6 SME's that I look after constantly, and then about another 6 that I will see once in a blue moon.
I also get all the employees at these companies buying PCs and laptops, etc for home.
I get at least one day off a week, and the other days are usually only 4 or 5 hours anyway.
The main thing to remember is to not try make your first million in the first few of months.
Start with small markups and very reasonable labour rates. As soon as companies are loyal to you, you can start increasing these.
So long as people know you are reliable and honest, and you actually provide solutions to their problems, you will be fighting away the business.
 
positive negative, what company are you working for? (if you don't mind me asking)... you can pm me if you don't feel comfortable mentioning over the thread. Just interested, as I also work for a corporate... getting the same on this side.

I moved out of IT support 2yrs ago, currently Finance Analyst... not that I couldnt take it anymore.. just needed change. I suppose dealing with pressure/difficult customers can be quite hard on certain people...

Just interested :)
 
Imo put your CV up on Pnet, update it every 6 months and apply for positions listed on the site and test the waters. Just be certain that you are qualified for the position that you are applying for. Nothing worse than listing a position for an Animator and receiving CV's from candidates with secretarial experience.
 
Positively Negative said:
yeah i am in a corporate environment and i'm just completely drained from everything being urgent,all the blame being put on support , having no control over issues.
i would be really interested in studying video editing or going into video production as it is my passion. I have NO interest in networking or sql or any of that advanced IT.
trust me i hear what you saying about getting into IT etc but 3 years of non stop complaining , whining and people performing has pissed me on a serious level.i thought i was handling it but it's just too much now.
Managers, Senior Managers etc just think they own everyone and throw toys over pathetic small things.i probably won't be happy studying because i had plans for the money i saved but that's life right.
But yeah it's eating away at me.i would even try support in a different environment because SURELY it cannot be as bad as this.Where is the best place to put up my cv
Click to expand...

I understand your frustration, sounds similar to the ones I had when I was still in sales - angry customers; unreasonable bosses; long hours; etc. If you have the opportunity to do a career change (you mention studying video production), then do it.

Takes a lot guts to do so but follow your heart. I did it when I went from sales (phat salary) to IT at the age of 30. No regrets as it was not about the money but doing my passion.

When your in a career you love, its easier to handle the stress compared to a career your gatvol off.
 
Move into Sales. You have the technical know-how to sell to IT Managers. They will respect your background, You will drive a fancy car - Win/Win.
 
chinese eyes said:
Have you ever thought of working for yourself?

I worked as a support engineer for a couple of companies for about 5 or 6 years and didn't like the politics / pressure / etc
About 4 years ago I decided to become an independent IT consultant and it was the best move I ever made.
Sure, most of the work I do is a bit mundane, but the money and flexible work day is a massive plus.
I sell almost any hardware and software and then the support that goes with it.
REMEMBER: You make 100% of the profit from all sales and labour.
I have about 6 SME's that I look after constantly, and then about another 6 that I will see once in a blue moon.
I also get all the employees at these companies buying PCs and laptops, etc for home.
I get at least one day off a week, and the other days are usually only 4 or 5 hours anyway.
The main thing to remember is to not try make your first million in the first few of months.
Start with small markups and very reasonable labour rates. As soon as companies are loyal to you, you can start increasing these.
So long as people know you are reliable and honest, and you actually provide solutions to their problems, you will be fighting away the business.
Click to expand...

This is what I've been thinking about doing for a while now. I have a few questions if you wouldn't mind answering.

How did you find businesses willing to work with you?
Do you support them (desktop support, server support)?
Are you your only employee?
You say you look after 6 SME's - how big are we talking - 10-20 users per company?
 
My advice is to keep your job. keep saving and study something you are interested in that is not IT.

You will be unpleasantly surprised when you discover that all of IT is as demanding and frustrating as support and by doing something as unstressful as accounting you can earn twice as much.

Having said that I'm feeling a bit chewed up and spat out right now so my perspective may be broken.
 
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I feel your pain man. Been there. My suggestion is to find another position in another part of IT or even a completely different department, but in the same company. Hating one's job is very stressful. Either that or you start coming up with ideas so someone notices you and headhunts you for their department.
 
yeah since im only 24 and white hairs have appearing lately on my head i think i've reached my limit :)
I don't see the point in even changing companies and doing support elsewhere...its all the same shyte no matter where you go.I guess it's time to step out that lovely comfort zone and do something radical for a change.
All i know is they will be pissed i'm resigning ...but hey if they want me to stay - $$$ talks!
 
Positively Negative said:
but hey if they want me to stay - $$$ talks!
Click to expand...
This is not recommended. Once you indicate that you plan on walking whatever remains of your employer-employee relationship is shot to sht. You might get more money, but the job situation will be worse. If you want to walk then commit to it...half hearted measures won't work. The $$$ talks approach is a short-term solution at best.

On the whole I'm with BobsLawn on this one: Its not a good idea to burn the bridge your standing on without being sure that you've got a backup plan.

BobsLawnService said:
doing something as unstressful as accounting you can earn twice as much.
Click to expand...
Hehe. You get two kinds of accounting: The unstressful kind and the kind that pays 2x as much as support.
 
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