My IT Job conundrum

opethdisciple · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:16

No doubt there's a lot of you on here that work in the IT sector.

I've been working in my job now for close to 8 years. My back ground in short is I have a degree in Politics/Sociology and a Masters in Advanced IT.

I went and did a few courses in 2007 - MCSA - Comptia A+ - Comptia Linux cert & CCNA..

I have a few MCP's but never went and sat the all the MCSA exams nor the CCNA or Linux cert.

I started off working for a busy Art gallery in central London in their IT department. It started off as a junior role as I had no experience and I'm still there after 8 years.

We are a team of 4. There is no real 1st/2nd/3rd line etc... we all pitch in and do everything. We support about 150 people in three locations across the world.

I have experience now with:

1st line and desktop support (this could be anything from phone issues to VPN issues to email issues etc)
Linux (Basic stuff to do with the file system, permissions, cyrus admin etc)
McAfee EPO system, deployment etc
Win XP,7,8.1 support.
Mac Support
Blackberry, iPhone, Win Phone, iPad support and set up etc...
LDAP experience

There are other things I've touched on (WPKG deployment, Zimbra)

It's a good company to work for. Were an Art gallery so its fun. Another huge benefit is it's about 60% women maybe more.

We get two 6 months bonuses, a week off at xmas, employer pension contributions and I have just been rewarded with an extra 3 days of holiday.

My wages have on average gone up by 1K every year.

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However, the biggest issue I have is that the environment is a Linux one. I do not have the necessary skills to work on the big projects. So what that means is I am missing out on valuable experience. Also it would be nice to get my hands dirty and start working on projects etc.

The other issue is I have a very odd relationship with my manager. It felt like even tho he was the one that hired me, he didn't like me from day one. I would say it took him about 6 years to be able to even speak to me in a jovial way and have a laugh.

To this very day he doesn't make me tea or coffee but does make for everyone else in the office. When I make tea or coffee I always offer him and he receives it.

I did speak to him a few months ago and basically said it would be nice to be given some training etc... he just said he doesn't have the time and that I would have to meet him on his level first for him to offer any training.

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I guess it might be time to move on. But I've only really ever work here before. I've had dreams in the past where I've quite my job then regretted it and begged them to take me back.

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Ideally I think I need to work in an environment where the servers are mostly Microsoft. As then I would be able to get involved in the infrastructure side of things. But with the skills I listed above, why would an employer hire me when I don't have any Microsoft server experience.

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Also if I was to start looking for a new job and going to interviews, how am I going to do it during work hours with out current employer finding out?

radderfire · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:22

If you want to do something new in IT, then it's usually up to you to learn about it.

rickjames · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:29

As above, speaking from experience if you want to learn something new you'll have to do it in your own time. Similar background of having 1st line support with no previous experience, but have built up and learnt a thing or two during the working day.

However certification wise I finally earned my A+ after knuckling down at home after work and going through a few chapters each evening and passed both exams first time in April. Certainly helped motivate me and now found a groove to progress and now I have my Network+ exam on the 31st. Pass that and then I can concentrate on the Microsoft roadmap

Again, committing yourself to it in your free time I've found is a must.

opethdisciple · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:31

Yes. I do have an appetite to more.

opethdisciple · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:32

I am for example eyeing this up on a jobs website:

Job Role:

The company are currently looking for an IT Specialist 1st/2ndLine providing a high level of technical support. This is a technical role requiring proven support experience using Windows Server 2008, 2012.The role is mostly hands on IT, however it will periodically involve projects in all parts of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

IT Specialist will be responsible for implementing and maintaining all aspects of their clients' technology. This includes daily support incidents, desktop and server troubleshooting, hardware/software installation and upgrades, new infrastructure build outs and relocations. System Engineers interface with high profile clients on a day to day basis thus requiring the highest level of presentation, communication and professionalism.

Position Requirements:

5 + years of experience with a minimum of 3 years of end user support in UK (UK references required)
Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a focus on rapport-building, listening and questioning skills
Ability to absorb and retain information quickly, Ability to work under pressure
Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language
Capable of Multitasking in a high pace environment, effectively and efficiently
Exceptional customer service orientation, Exceptional Reporting Skills,
Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
Outstanding client services skills,
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
Keep documentation up to date and relevant and assist with all IT related queries or issues by users
Technical Requirements:

Understanding of networking concepts: TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, DHCP, DNS.
Deploying networks and cable modems, DSL, firewalls, hardware and software VPN.Site to site VPN
Email and Spam troubleshooting- Building Servers and Workstations
Data Backup and Recovery with Symantec Backup Exec, Acronis, Disk Image,wmware,Nas Servers.
Knowledge of the SAGE, CRM software system would be an advantage
Advance Knowledge of Mac Operation Systems, Windows XP/7/8,Windows SQL Server, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012.
Advance Knowledge of Desktop & Server virtualization.Hyper-V,WMware etc
Exchange 2010/2013,Office 2010.2013,365 Hosted Exchange Platform, IPAD,IPHONE, Blackberry.
Advance Knowledge of Routing, Switching,Firewalls and VLAN`s
IT Certification requirements: Microsoft certification MCP/MCSE

That would be something perfect. Would be enough for me to start getting my hands dirty working on projects.

Do you think it would be a good strategy to go and do my MCSE but doing this stuff from home?

The other thing is, I am looking to move out and get a mortgage end of 2016 start of 2017. Bad time to be looking for a job...

SPG · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:35

Stay where you are tbh and do it in freetime.

There is more to jobs than cash, once you hit 35 in age then stuff like that doesnt matter anymore and you just want a cushy life

which sounds like you have.

Caged · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:37

That job listing is written terribly.

They want someone happy to do ISP-helpdesk level troubleshooting, who happens to possess advanced knowledge of networking as well as a decade of Windows Server, Client and Mac operating systems, on top of that they should have niche experience with some backup applications, and be an expert in virtualization with something called 'wmware'.

They want someone to be a one or two person IT department but they want to pay 2nd line support prices for it.

Edit: Lol they want to pay someone with MCSEs £25k to work in London.

opethdisciple · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:41

Caged said:
That job listing is written terribly.

They want someone happy to do ISP-helpdesk level troubleshooting, who happens to possess advanced knowledge of networking as well as a decade of Windows Server, Client and Mac operating systems, on top of that they should have niche experience with some backup applications, and be an expert in virtualization with something called 'wmware'.

They want someone to be a one or two person IT department but they want to pay 2nd line support prices for it.

Edit: Lol they want to pay someone with MCSEs £27k to work in London.

My question is however, given my experience, would I even stand a chance at interview?

Im 33 now. Surely the older I get the harder it will be to move on?

The current job is cushy yes. But not great for my career, unless I start brushing up on my Linux.

Caged · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:48

I'm not sure what you're asking to be honest. You work for a company that uses lots of Linux in the environment, which you don't know, but your line manager isn't supportive of you getting any training so you can be more useful.

As you've discovered you are currently skilled up to a level where there are no shortage of candidates. Any move you make will have to be after a bit of self-study - whether this is going down a Microsoft path or going and doing something like the RHCSA is up to you. The latter would paint a more coherent story on your CV though.

opethdisciple · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:57

Caged said:
I'm not sure what you're asking to be honest. You work for a company that uses lots of Linux in the environment, which you don't know, but your line manager isn't supportive of you getting any training so you can be more useful.

As you've discovered you are currently skilled up to a level where there are no shortage of candidates. Any move you make will have to be after a bit of self-study - whether this is going down a Microsoft path or going and doing something like the RHCSA is up to you. The latter would paint a more coherent story on your CV though.

What I meant was the job description I posted would my current experience and skills be enough for me to stand a chance at interview?

I obviously have scope to learn and grow in to the role.

Job Role:

The company are currently looking for an IT Specialist 1st/2ndLine providing a high level of technical support. This is a technical role requiring proven support experience using Windows Server 2008, 2012.The role is mostly hands on IT, however it will periodically involve projects in all parts of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

IT Specialist will be responsible for implementing and maintaining all aspects of their clients' technology. This includes daily support incidents, desktop and server troubleshooting, hardware/software installation and upgrades, new infrastructure build outs and relocations. System Engineers interface with high profile clients on a day to day basis thus requiring the highest level of presentation, communication and professionalism.

Position Requirements:

5 + years of experience with a minimum of 3 years of end user support in UK (UK references required)
Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a focus on rapport-building, listening and questioning skills
Ability to absorb and retain information quickly, Ability to work under pressure
Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language
Capable of Multitasking in a high pace environment, effectively and efficiently
Exceptional customer service orientation, Exceptional Reporting Skills,
Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
Outstanding client services skills,
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
Keep documentation up to date and relevant and assist with all IT related queries or issues by users
Technical Requirements:

Understanding of networking concepts: TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, DHCP, DNS.
Deploying networks and cable modems, DSL, firewalls, hardware and software VPN.Site to site VPN
Email and Spam troubleshooting- Building Servers and Workstations
Data Backup and Recovery with Symantec Backup Exec, Acronis, Disk Image,wmware,Nas Servers.
Knowledge of the SAGE, CRM software system would be an advantage
Advance Knowledge of Mac Operation Systems, Windows XP/7/8,Windows SQL Server, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012.
Advance Knowledge of Desktop & Server virtualization.Hyper-V,WMware etc
Exchange 2010/2013,Office 2010.2013,365 Hosted Exchange Platform, IPAD,IPHONE, Blackberry.
Advance Knowledge of Routing, Switching,Firewalls and VLAN`s
IT Certification requirements: Microsoft certification MCP/MCSE

This description is mostly what we are doing now expect, some of that I cant do because it's using Linux based implementations.

Probably the answer is for me to start learning more Linux, rather than looking for a new job.

neil_g · 18 Jul 2015 at 17:59

You don't need an mcse to do first line support. My money is on a HR dept or agency writing the ad. (Haven't ms renamed it now too?)

Experience would be more beneficial. Switch jobs, get some more hands on experience in ms infrastructure if that's where you want to head.

dacads · 18 Jul 2015 at 18:24

opethdisciple said:
Another huge benefit is it's about 60% women maybe more.

Ahh, so that would explain why you have been there 8 years

opethdisciple · 18 Jul 2015 at 18:25

dacads said:
Ahh, so that would explain why you have been there 8 years

Yep. I often find my self in the kitchen eating lunch and look around and I'm the only dude out of about 8 people.

Throrik · 18 Jul 2015 at 18:36

I would crack on with learning as much as you can about Linux, it's an in-demand skill with great pay once you get properly into it. It opens up a lot of opportunies too, as with Linux you will get into Bash, potentially Python/Perl/C so you can go down the DevOps road too in the future which is great money.

Beerbaron · 18 Jul 2015 at 18:55

Some companies have no interest in training and investing in their staff. I work for a company like this. It just means all the good people just progress and then leave. Learn what you are interested in and then move on.

gpuerrilla · 18 Jul 2015 at 19:09

Beerbaron said:
Some companies have no interest in training and investing in their staff. I work for a company like this. It just means all the good people just progress and then leave. Learn what you are interested in and then move on.

Yep, agree.

SPG said:
Stay where you are tbh and do it in freetime.

There is more to jobs than cash, once you hit 35 in age then stuff like that doesnt matter anymore and you just want a cushy life which sounds like you have.

This.

dowie · 18 Jul 2015 at 19:47

opethdisciple said:
My back ground in short is I have a degree in Politics/Sociology and a Masters in Advanced IT.

[...]
However, the biggest issue I have is that the environment is a Linux one. I do not have the necessary skills to work on the big projects. So what that means is I am missing out on valuable experience. Also it would be nice to get my hands dirty and start working on projects etc.

I did speak to him a few months ago and basically said it would be nice to be given some training etc... he just said he doesn't have the time and that I would have to meet him on his level first for him to offer any training.

I think your biggest issue is that you've got a masters degree and you still want to be spoon fed

you've been there for a few years, what is there to stop you from picking up a book?

if you're only getting 1k annual rises then I can't see them wanting to spend another couple of grand for some overpriced course from some training company that is only going to teach you what you could cover yourself on your own time with a bit of motivation

MattU · 18 Jul 2015 at 19:49

Salary going up by only 1k a year sounds a bit worrying, were you started on a graduate level salary? TBH I'd have thought you should be aiming for a more advanced job with a Masters, if you're not being given any training it's definitely time to move on.

dowie · 18 Jul 2015 at 19:52

given the non relevant undergrad I'd suspect that the masters wasn't very 'advanced' despite its name - presumably more of a conversion course

though regardless of that, self study is the way forward

opethdisciple · 18 Jul 2015 at 21:37

dowie said:
given the non relevant undergrad I'd suspect that the masters wasn't very 'advanced' despite its name - presumably more of a conversion course

though regardless of that, self study is the way forward

You would be correct.

I graduated then was faced with finding a job. Was always a tinkerman when it came to computers but when I was in the process of choosing my degree I was told it had to be a classic academic course. So Computing was never considered.

The course was called 'Advanced IT' but all it was was conversion degree.

It did it's duty and got me to where I am now. My job was only ever meant to be a first step. But the 'problem' is that (name of company) is the kind of place you don't really want to move on from. Not many do. It's a very uncoporate environment and almost like a family.

It's very cushy and comfortable place. The problem is I don't have the right skill set to be satisfied. I would like to gain more experience or do more, but I don't have the necessary Linux skills and a reluctant boss.

I know the answer is either train myself in Linux or move on. But I am scared to move on as this was my first job and I might regret it.

A former colleague of mine that stayed for two years and left for more money has had about 3 different jobs since leaving.