Stress at work. What to do, if anything?

Question

Thursday I had the mother of all days. I had 6 servers crash on me overnight due to a major hardware failure. I was able to recover 1 of the servers, allowing the company HR, Financial and Payroll Systems to hobble along.

During my 14 hour ordeal I discovered a few things about my role as a Server Administrator at work.

1) I had no support from my management. Just "how this happen", "why didn't you prevent it", "how much longer", "do you know what you are doing" were the questions I had deal with all day. After dealing with the situation and recovering 1 server, not even a bit of thanks or how can we help. Again, just "are you staying all night to fix the remaining servers" type of questions.

I've been pretty unhappy with my work environment in the past 6 months. Too much stress, no support, too much responsibility. This has bothered me emotionally and physically, but I forced my way though it and essentially buried it and moved on.

(more)

2) During the most anxious moments where the situation was bleak and whether or not I could revive any of the dead systems, I had likely an anxiety attack ( I think ) which included series of chest pains, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Not very pleasant.

I decided to ask for some help from my manger and VP regarding my work enviromnet, and sitiuation Of course I got no response. So it is likely I will be leaving the company after 11 years.

Any suggestions? Is the company responsible to help me with my situation. Should I just suck it up and quit complaining? Move on?

I think that is it for now... Thanks for listening.

Answer 1

IT is a thankless profession.. although you're vital to the company, because you are "behind the scenes" you get forgotten unlike Accounting, Sales, HR, stuff like that.

They ask these stupid questions because they do not understand that the mysterious servers are not everlasting miracles... they are machines that plug in to the wall, turn on and off and yes they do break down.

One analogy i've used several times with customers is "yes your equipment will work for awhile, but not forever.... it's like trying to pull a horse trailer with a volkswagon, it will pull it for awhile, but not forever".

If they are putting this kind of pressure on you it may be time to go over your managers head and go up the food chain. present your situation in a clear and concise way and remember, they are not techies so keep the techno speak out of it. see it from their point of view and go from there. explain that you are a vital department just as Accounting, Sales, HR etc etc however your department is in dire need of support from the company if they are to stay competitive in their market. the big wigs as in most companies are all about the bottom line... the dollar sign. show them that the lack of support and proper equipment cost the company quite a bit of money and the situation will happen again without help.

oh... and for heaven sake put everything you do and every conversation you have w your managers in writing (email is a life saver) so when the higher ups start shouting "what happened???" you have proof that you asked for support and assistance and were ignored... never never never forget to cover your butt.

good luck

Answer 2

If you have had no response to your requests for help and assistance, I think you need to take that as a sign to move on. Some companies have little regard for their employees, and I think you're working for one of those. Get your resume in order and find an employer who appreciates you.

Answer 3

That is too bad. Where I work we feed the computer tech's cookies, coffee, candy and always try to stay on their good side. If ya treat em right they treat you right :O)

Answer 4

Welcome to IT.

And don't expect it to be better anywhere else, because it's not.