What do you do for work? Sick of customer service

[DirtDog]

I read the OP and skipped everything else so if I missed something relevant forgive me. But the OP was admittedly a rant and so is this. I can understand IT professionals having an issue with people that call and are clueless, won't or can't listen to directions, and they want their problem fixed like magic. But then there's people like me. I've been doing building automation and security system design, installation, programming and service for 30+ years. If I call a help desk I have an out of the ordinary problem. Ordinary problems I can figure out. When I call MANY help desks I get a pretty much untrained person that is reading from a screen "Have you rebooted the system". YES, I rebooted the system 5 times 5 hours ago. I need to talk to someone that knows the hardware and software well enough to work through something that this system can't possibly be doing but it is.

No derision intended towards the OP, but this type of thing is why I refer to the Help Desk as the "helpless desk". most of the issues I need the help desk for is because I don't have the appropriate network permissions.

Yes, I know not everyone is computer savvy and spending the day resetting peoples passwords after a long weekend has got to be soul sucking. I wish there was a "double-secret" number to call for high caliber IT problem solvers.

In the old days, our organization was small enough that I could walk over to the desk of someone "with the keys" to help me fix a problem. But that mindset is long gone.

 

[buldog5151bass]

@Blackjac97 remember, the essence of being in IT is to assist people in an area in which they are clueless. When I deal with that situation (I'm an attorney), I find the best thing is to be very clear right at the start to spell out exactly what can and cannot be done ("No, you aren't going to get a hundred thousand dollars. I don't care what you want. That's not what the statute permits because X.").

 

[Blackjac97]

I'm an electrical engineer who writes software for the semiconductor industry. One thing I've noticed regarding the IT team in our company is that they almost never get positive feedback. Think about it: how many times have any of you, anywhere, called up your IT staff out of the blue and said "the network is really flying today, and my computer seems faster than ever after the lastest patch you installed!" That never happens.... which is really sad. We who depend on these professionals perpetually take them for granted and mostly just complain when things break.

I think that alone makes it really challenging to be in IT. Sure, you can do it if you're young and eager and full of the optimism that having a first fulltime job brings... but I would suspect that it's hard to keep solving problems for disgruntled clients for long without the resentment building up.

Regarding a career; my advice is to think of it as three overlapping circles: One for the things that you are really genuinely good at, one for the things you love to do, and one for the things that you can monetize in some way. The contents/size of these circles change over time, as you and the world change. My advice is to try to find something inside the space where they all three overlap for your career. Where two of them overlap you might find your hobbies, or side-hustle gigs that you can do to help pay the rent. Education helps expand the set of things you're objectively good at, and can sometimes surprise you by uncovering things that you love.

That happened for me -- I discovered four decades ago (at the end of the punchcard era, in a Fortran class) that I loved writing software. I hope that I can keep doing that whether I'm working or not. I also hope you can find a way to take your technical problem solving skills and monetize them in a way that isn't as thankless as some IT jobs can be. Good luck with that, and with the road ahead!

That's very true, just like writing reviews on Amazon or similar sites. A bad experience with my "product" is far more likely to inspire feedback than a good one.

I like that brainstorming technique, and will probably end up putting it to use here in a few months. Thanks for the good vibes!

 

[ElectroVibe]

Is it possible that a tech support person can resent someone for needing help? Thus making his own job harder? In reality, they are what make his job necessary.

 

[Blackjac97]

No derision intended towards the OP, but this type of thing is why I refer to the Help Desk as the "helpless desk". most of the issues I need the help desk for is because I don't have the appropriate network permissions.

Yes, I know not everyone is computer savvy and spending the day resetting peoples passwords after a long weekend has got to be soul sucking. I wish there was a "double-secret" number to call for high caliber IT problem solvers.

In the old days, our organization was small enough that I could walk over to the desk of someone "with the keys" to help me fix a problem. But that mindset is long gone.

We do have a lot of customers with specialized software, and people tend to get frustrated in the way you guys are describing. But... Those ones don't bother me. I get it, they've been using computers for a while too, they know the reboot thing, they need even more specialized help than I typically provide, so if they get frustrated when I go through my routine, I understand and it doesn't bother me. After that, our next step is to offer to work with the tech support team from their software vendor to get those specialized answers.

When I first started, I took these types of situations personally, but I got used to them quickly and learned not to because it's a frustration that's easy to understand. I try to give as lean an experience as possible in these types of situations.

 

[Blackjac97]

@Blackjac97 remember, the essence of being in IT is to assist people in an area in which they are clueless. When I deal with that situation (I'm an attorney), I find the best thing is to be very clear right at the start to spell out exactly what can and cannot be done ("No, you aren't going to get a hundred thousand dollars. I don't care what you want. That's not what the statute permits because X.").

This is an excellent point, and is still something I struggle with for sure. For me it comes from confidence with the technology. If I'm still struggling with/learning about something that someone needs help on, I really struggle to make those boundaries clear before I begin working. Obviously the more I know about something, the easier it is to set those expectations quickly.

 

[buldog5151bass]

This is an excellent point, and is still something I struggle with for sure. For me it comes from confidence with the technology. If I'm still struggling with/learning about something that someone needs help on, I really struggle to make those boundaries clear before I begin working. Obviously the more I know about something, the easier it is to set those expectations quickly.

Trust me, when most people have computer problems, they know exactly two things:

1. They have absolutely no idea how to make things better
2. They need their computer NOW to do work.

You get caught in the cross fire. It's not personal.

 

[Blackjac97]

I've always dreamed of being a big truck driver. But the thing about it is, I'm not that knowledgeable about tools and machines, which I think would have to be a requirement.

This is actually something I know just a little about, not as much as an owner/operator or other professional driver, but at the window factory I setup ipads for the drivers to do their elogs on, so I spent a lot of time talking with them.

The way that company worked was they had drivers, and driver helpers (to help unload heavy windows). Anyone interested in trucking could start there as a driver helper, learning the routes and the company, then when they were ready the company would pay for them to get their CDL. Once they were a full on driver, the company would pay for the certifications for any of the specialized equipment like you're mentioning, so you would shadow the drivers that had those certs and see how they did it, study up, and then get it yourself, all on the company dime.

Not a bad setup in my opinion.

 

[Blackjac97]

Trust me, when most people have computer problems, they know exactly two things:

1. They have absolutely no idea how to make things better
2. They need their computer NOW to do work.

You get caught in the cross fire. It's not personal.

Me and my boss share a pet peeve about that and share a laugh about it every now and then. The customers' favorite thing to say is "I need my computer, for work." And it's like... yeah, 100% of everyone who we deal with uses the computer that their company owns to do their job at that company. Like they think telling us that will move them up the list, above other people whose computer which they need to do their job isn't working.

 

[sleddogn]

I went from full time touring musician, to carpenter. Been swinging hammer now for 24 years. To only have one semester of college, to construction and making 40+ an hour is just crazy imo. I get to dress messy, listen to rock music all day and hang with friends while getting paid is awesome. Learning a construction trade is great way to make a living in a world where lots of other trades are disappearing. People will always need a house and house repairs no matter what else is going on..

 

[ElectroVibe]

Me and my boss share a pet peeve about that and share a laugh about it every now and then. The customers' favorite thing to say is "I need my computer, for work." And it's like... yeah, 100% of everyone who we deal with uses the computer that their company owns to do their job at that company. Like they think telling us that will move them up the list, above other people whose computer which they need to do their job isn't working.

There are probably some just the opposite who say, "Take your time, some of the other customer issues might be more important than mine." Or at least would like to say that.

 

[Mike JV]

Stinks you had to go a year early, but I'm glad you had that option. I know a couple people personally who did something similar. Must feel good to get out!

Thanks! Actually it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I was retired for 2 months and then my mom went downhill real quick. She was in the early stages of dementia but then delirium took over and it was like someone hit a switch within her. Didn't recognize her apartment, couldn't even operate her microwave and wasn't taking her meds. So I wound up going over there everyday all of May and a good part of June taking care of her. She's been in assisted living since July.

About a month into taking care of her I could see what happened. I firmly believe God said "your mom will soon be needing your help so I'm retiring you now." No doubt in my mind what so ever.
Glad I was able to care for her. So it all worked out and I'm making ends meet just fine!

 

[marchone]

Ditto here. I took on caregiver responsibilities for an aged uncle with Alzheimer's disease. He lasted four years. Long story short, that and a subsequent stroke are what prompted my retirement six years ago.

I'm now fully recovered, financially secure, and in the best relationship of my life. Spending most days playing bass and cooking dinner for the two of us. Life is good now.

 

[DirtDog]

I went from full time touring musician, to carpenter. Been swinging hammer now for 24 years. To only have one semester of college, to construction and making 40+ an hour is just crazy imo. I get to dress messy, listen to rock music all day and hang with friends while getting paid is awesome. Learning a construction trade is great way to make a living in a world where lots of other trades are disappearing. People will always need a house and house repairs no matter what else is going on..

If I wasn't doing what I'm doing now, I'd either be a long haul trucker or a framer. Before I decided to finish a degree way back when, I looked into the trades - I would not have made a good plumber or electrician, let's just say.

This was before IT was a real career choice. Had things worked out differently I might have drifted into that field. But knowing what I know now, I would not have enjoyed it.

Edit: if had listened to my father back the day, I'd be at the tail end of a 30 year career in the Army. In retrospect - and with what I know now - that would not have been a terrible thing. I thought it was an absolutely horrible idea in my early 20s.

 

[fig]

I have tossed it around in my mind, but never seriously considered it. I've honestly never even had anyone tell me any of the benefits as much as you just have. I'm 28 now, is there a hard age limit on it?

Had to look it up. Age and other requirements change, I think, yearly, depending on the needs of each branch of service.

If you didn't know the commitment requirements between Officer and Enlisted, here ya go. Enlisted folk sign up for 3 to 4 year commitments. You have to stay in for that amount of time. After, you can get out or reenlist. Officers are commisioned. You're obligated to a certain amount of years (let's say 4). After that, you can resign your commision at any time.

Age for Officers (not Enlisted): I didn't find a ready reference with all ages on one page. Each military branch's site lists the age, and other requirements, for getting commisioned as an Officer. You'll have to have a degree of some sort. The Army site listed a max age of 32 and at least a Bachelor's degree. Army ref: Army Age Limit For 2020: Limits For Reserve, Enlisted, And Officers

Age reference for Enlisted (not Officer): Military Enlistment Age Limits | Military Benefits

• Army Age Limit: 35 for active duty, Guard, and Army Reserve
• Navy Age Limit: 34 for active duty, 39 for Navy Reserve
• Marine Corps Age Limit: 29 for active duty and Marine Corps Reserve
• Air Force Age Limit: 39 for active duty and Guard, 38 for Air Force Reserve
• Coast Guard Age Limit: 27 for active duty, 39 for Coast Guard Reserve
• Space Force Age Limit: Contact an Air Force recruiter for eligibility requirements (1-800-423-8723)
  

 

[rtslinger]

In my position at the office I wear many hats, but only because I work directly for the president/owner of the company
as a Personal Assistant, hats include Inventory Control, Senior Buyer, Facility manager, Maintaining the company Data base including entering of New items and Building Bills of Material in the ERP system, and when needed booking Airline flights for the owner background started as a order picker in 1979 left in 82 to work as a full time musician
returned in 1994 as a Warehouse Manager, move up to general office to start building the company database (made 2 manage) for first computerized inventory that was not a mainframe system 1999 migrated to Sales Force system . 2001 became Personal Assistant to the owner/president to present

 

[Skip Chucker]

Had to look it up. Age and other requirements change, I think, yearly, depending on the needs of each branch of service.

If you didn't know the commitment requirements between Officer and Enlisted, here ya go. Enlisted folk sign up for 3 to 4 year commitments. You have to stay in for that amount of time. After, you can get out or reenlist. Officers are commisioned. You're obligated to a certain amount of years (let's say 4). After that, you can resign your commision at any time.

Age for Officers (not Enlisted): I didn't find a ready reference with all ages on one page. Each military branch's site lists the age, and other requirements, for getting commisioned as an Officer. You'll have to have a degree of some sort. The Army site listed a max age of 32 and at least a Bachelor's degree. Army ref: Army Age Limit For 2020: Limits For Reserve, Enlisted, And Officers

Age reference for Enlisted (not Officer): Military Enlistment Age Limits | Military Benefits

• Army Age Limit: 35 for active duty, Guard, and Army Reserve
• Navy Age Limit: 34 for active duty, 39 for Navy Reserve
• Marine Corps Age Limit: 29 for active duty and Marine Corps Reserve
• Air Force Age Limit: 39 for active duty and Guard, 38 for Air Force Reserve
• Coast Guard Age Limit: 27 for active duty, 39 for Coast Guard Reserve
• Space Force Age Limit: Contact an Air Force recruiter for eligibility requirements (1-800-423-8723)

Just as a heads up, everyone (both Officer and Enlisted) owe an 8 year services obligation to the military. For those that don't incur additional service commitments for specialized training (pilots, navigators, SOF type schools, some intel...) it's at least 4 years of active service, and then you ride out the rest of your time in the Inactive Ready Reserve. The active time was waived back when the Army was doing 18 month enlistments, but those guys still owed 8 total years of service, so their IRR time was increases substantially.


Officers also don't necessarily get to resign their commission. Resignations have to be approved by their service Secretary. It's a process. But if they get passed over twice for promotion, they're essentially kicked out. There are programs out there for continuation for folks twice passed over, but they're never a guarantee.

I have tossed it around in my mind, but never seriously considered it. I've honestly never even had anyone tell me any of the benefits as much as you just have. I'm 28 now, is there a hard age limit on it?

It depends on the specific service as well as what you want to do in said service.
There are always waivers depending on what the recruiting goal is looking like for that quarter or fiscal year.

28 is close to the cutoff for a lot of aviation programs, as they tend to only waiver the max age for prior enlisted folks.

If you're looking to enlist at 28, I'd look into either the Air Force or the Army side of the house. Your Navy/Marine peers will be substantially older than you, and you won't be allowed to hang out with people your age, because they outrank you.

Guard/Reserve side is always a good deal, and a good option for many.

 

[fig]

@Skip Chucker , thanks for the heads up and additional detailed and beneficial info.

 

[Skip Chucker]

@Skip Chucker , thanks for the heads up and additional detailed and beneficial info.

Thumbs up! I think there are a lot of benefits of military (and other public) service. Not only do you get to take your turn on the oars to keep our country moving, but VA benefits are really valuable- home loans, college, life insurance... the list goes on.

There are downsides too! And it's not for everyone. And that's okay.

 

[68Goldfish]

Politicaly correct did not exist in those shops and everybody was in the crosshairs. Made for some hysterically funny moments!

Same with my shop. We generally like to find someone's weakness/difference and pounce on it. It's all in fun and everybody has a great time.