i want beer

[mellowtigger]

I didn't want to job hunt, but I think my stress level is reaching a point where I should start doing it.

I was already busy with my job, but then I doubled my hours to work full time.  I was already busy working fulltime, but then the CEO decides the voicemail system is wrong.  It falls, of course, upon me to fix it.  The phone database fails to cooperate by crashing due to corruption; it's not what I'd call reliable.

I'm on the verge of throwing in the towel (and some of my tech reputation) by just telling them to report their wishes to the vendor and have them assign someone to fix it.  I don't get paid anywhere near what a phone system project manager gets paid.  I'm willing to accept the reputational loss as long as it gains me some respite from the stress of attending to so many unrelated things at once.

Oh, and I've been working with a vendor's "Technical Support Analyst IV" regarding their website not working on our pcs, and I'm very unimpressed.  I trust my own tech skills far more than theirs.  And this vendor happened to be quoted on National Public Radio a few days ago, so they're no "small fry" in the marketplace.

Three years ago, someone pushed to get 2.5 FTEs (full time employees) for tech support here.  We're down to 2.0 FTEs now, even less if we put me back to part time status.  We've certainly grown during the past three years.  If I stick around, there's a very good chance that I'll become a programmer again.  I'd enjoy that role again.  I've lost faith, however, in my ability to endure until that emancipation.

Oh, and my new director-level boss wants weekly status and time-usage reports.

Beer is good.

Comments

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

Ugh. I had to do those stupid time-usage reports a couple times on my previous job - always when there was someone in management who was disconcerted by the fact I was effectively self-directed. (One of whom once seemed to really want to get me fired - he was stunned when he asked me what I'd accomplished recently and I gave him a fairly substantial list off the top of my head; I think he was expecting me to say I played a lot of computer solitaire and searched the internet for porn or something.)

I would honestly be surprised if the time spent on that sort of report actually increases efficiency enough to offset the time wasted filling out the reports... except perhaps in the case where they already KNOW someone is goldbricking and management wants to document it or catch the person in a lie so they can fire the twit without a hassle.

[vulpesferox.livejournal.com]

Hm, this sounds like times where I was asked if I could do a calligraphy project. I replied no, I don't know how to do calligraphy.

"But, aren't you an artist?!"

Yes, yes I am but that doesn't mean I know how to do goddamn everything!

Terry, this is just as ridiculous as sounding as them asking the former head of I.T. to also manage facilities. :P I'm very sorry but at the same time you need to do what's in your best interest as well!

[pi3832.livejournal.com]

"You might feel a little sting. That's pride fucking with you. Fuck pride."

[kroyd.livejournal.com]

It never hurts to put out feelers regarding prospects at other companies. I once heard that the best career moves are from one company to another. If nothing else it's just helpful to know we have options. I've been with the same employer, and at the same agency for almost 14 years. It has often made it easier to stay if I know I have options.