Job Burnout

[InbetweenDreams]

So I'll try to sum things up. I work in the IT field since 2007 and thought that was going to be the for sure career path for me. I started out as a PC tech, working at a small hometown computer shop that built computers for homes, small business and the local school district. Had a workbench, sometimes I would be working on dozen PC and laptops. You know, removing viruses, replacing hard drives, that type stuff. I moved on to running my own business for a while but never really took off and ended up working as a "IT Manager." I put that in quotes because I think titles are bullshit and seldom illustrate what actually went into the job, basically I was the IT guy, I didn't manage people just IT stuff. Then finally now, I am a(an) (Assistant) System Administrator and been here for the last 8 going on 9 years. I moved to Atlanta, GA but kept the same job in NC due to the lack of finding anything that felt good. Now I am grateful for my job, I like my job for the most part, that's partly why I stayed, but also because I need a paycheck. They have allowed me to be hybrid remote, which means I drive up 2 times week and work from home 2 times a week (10 hour shifts). So it's good and it's bad. The commute is 126 miles one way and while I drive a Prius and do get good mileage and all that it is a little expensive, also putting about 40,000 miles on my car every year if I keep doing that. On the days I commute I get up at 4 AM, and try to be out the door by 4:45 so I can grab breakfast, usually McDonald's--something quick and be on time by 7 AM. My day ends at 5 PM and usually 7:30 or later before I get home. So those days are pretty long and I constantly feel disconnected, whether it is from work or from whats going on at home, my family. My mom passed away last July and I'm sure that has a lot to do with feeling like I don't have any footing anywhere. Honestly, the commute doesn't bother me, it is just long and there just isn't enough hours in a day.

The problems I am having with my job is changes in culture and honestly I'm burned out. I feel like I have stayed here far too long. Not trying to say anything negative about my job but being in a rural setting and small budgets it's not doing much for me in terms of keeping current with things that other places seem to want their candidates to have. Like experience with a certain platform, software, etc, might be as common as Microsoft Office 365 or something as exotic as some niche document imaging software, but one thing all the places have in common is that they want you to have 3-5 years of experience with it. I always get the feeling that the positions I look at to apply for which are all IT related is just another fucking nightmare awaiting me and having to scramble to learn something I won't be trained on to probably not have job security either. So I feel like I am a rock in a hard place. Yes, I have a lot of years of experience but lack some emerging tech standards and I'm getting closer to 40, so that makes me look less attractive. At my current job, you know a lot of people would like the arrangement, especially the worload or the lack there of. I don't understand it either, I am always willing to help and do things but I am often left out of the communication, hell sometimes people don't even stop in my office to say hi. So I don't feel like I am part of the team and honestly makes me feel uneasy about continuing to work here. Then there's stupid crap that really is bruning me out like the internet issues that can't seem to be solved but again, not roped into anything, even asked about things, made suggestions to try troubleshooting and just went to deaf ears. It's a pesky issues because no tests, nothing comes back showing anything being blocked or anything being wrong but it's to the point where people can't check email, get to certain websites, etc. There's workarounds, putting people on a VPN, proxy servers and crap that has been spun up to mitigate, but not fix, the problem. So now we run around putting out out fires that shouldn't exist. Then there is the general disrespect people have for IT people. Employees not following the most basic IT rules and not being able to enforce any kind of policy and I feel like that is just poor management in general. I mean when the people at the top thing IT policies are a joke, I mean what can you do.

I mean, as someone who got into IT for the tech, the people problem is getting big. Plus there is so much red tape that the IT job is more over legislation, pencil pushing horseshit. That crap wasn't what I wanted to go into and it seems that not going away, at least not here nor anything tied to governmental agencies, public services. That being said, the red tape can be neccessary, but add in people who don't want to do it.

So I have been thinking a lot about changing my career. I have even though about going into the courier thing since I drive so much, but I do tend to have road rage issues at times. It is something I am working to get better with but that being said, that also might not been the direction I want to go just for that. I have thought about chasing after some childhood interests. One direction requires going back to school and the other just might be another tapped out industry.

When I was a kid I had a keen interest in drawing maps, weather maps more prescisely. I was a nerdy, friednless kid and watched more than my fair share of The Weather Channel and that's where all that came from. I would draw out weather maps, make my own "forecasts" and so forth--although I had a very meager meteorlogical understanding and frankly still do. However, the weather has always been something of an interest to me. Now, in order to get into Meteorology, got to go back to school and from what I know about the programs, its hard and a fair amount of math is involved...and not the easy college algebra kind. Not that it is a deal breaker, I just don't want to set myself up for failure and be stuck with a considerable amount of debt and have nothing to show.

The other direction was radio/broadcasting. I don't know that I am going to be the next Wolfman Jack or anything but I find radio interesting, everything from how it works to how it sounds, the programming, the mixers and so on. I don't really know what I am getting into when it comes to radio/broadcasting but I know I am decades past the good days of radio. It is unlikely to find a DJ job where you're picking out music, taking requests, etc. So much has gone automated.

Of course the bottom line is , I need to make enough money. That's a stickler because no one wants to pay a noob a lot of money.

Finally, I am also worried about my little "herbal habit" might make things more difficult. A lot of places do drug test and isn't legal everywhere. I've also never been tested by any employer. I have had people say to just use fake pee, but I'm not exactly on board with that. I would just rather get on with an employer that doesn't and not risk anything.

Tell me I am just overthinking everything?

I guess what I am trying to figure out is a plan, and one that has the best chance of succeeding. Of course I know it is up to me to make whatever choice, but curious about ones thoughts about the different industries I bring up.

[Scruff Bunch]

They have allowed me to be hybrid remote, which means I drive up 2 times week and work from home 2 times a week (10 hour shifts). So it's good and it's bad. The commute is 126 miles one way and while I drive a Prius and do get good mileage and all that it is a little expensive, also putting about 40,000 miles on my car every year if I keep doing that. On the days I commute I get up at 4 AM, and try to be out the door by 4:45 so I can grab breakfast, usually McDonald's--something quick and be on time by 7 AM. My day ends at 5 PM and usually 7:30 or later before I get home. So those days are pretty long and I constantly feel disconnected, whether it is from work or from whats going on at home, my family.

They should either pay your commute or allow full remote work. Have you pushed this with them?
Their nonsense insistance on office work (probably because THEY have paid for the building) is THEIR problem, not yours and should not impact your bank account.
You get paid to work, you don't pay to work. You should not have to refund the money they chose to spend on those offices.

The problems I am having with my job is changes in culture and honestly I'm burned out. I feel like I have stayed here far too long. Not trying to say anything negative about my job but being in a rural setting and small budgets it's not doing much for me in terms of keeping current with things that other places seem to want their candidates to have. Like experience with a certain platform, software, etc, might be as common as Microsoft Office 365 or something as exotic as some niche document imaging software, but one thing all the places have in common is that they want you to have 3-5 years of experience with it. I always get the feeling that the positions I look at to apply for which are all IT related is just another fucking nightmare awaiting me and having to scramble to learn something I won't be trained on to probably not have job security either. So I feel like I am a rock in a hard place. Yes, I have a lot of years of experience but lack some emerging tech standards and I'm getting closer to 40, so that makes me look less attractive. At my current job, you know a lot of people would like the arrangement, especially the worload or the lack there of. I don't understand it either, I am always willing to help and do things but I am often left out of the communication, hell sometimes people don't even stop in my office to say hi. So I don't feel like I am part of the team and honestly makes me feel uneasy about continuing to work here.

Man, many people would feel overjoyed at being left alone to do their job so they don't have to tolerate nonsense "work culture" and can get it done and leave on time (or early).
What are your priorities? What do you want in a job?

Why are you so willing to do extra? Why are you busting yourself for a company that clearly is not busting themselves for you?
I would keep my head down, do my bit, collect the money, then sign off.

Then there's stupid crap that really is bruning me out like the internet issues that can't seem to be solved but again, not roped into anything, even asked about things, made suggestions to try troubleshooting and just went to deaf ears. It's a pesky issues because no tests, nothing comes back showing anything being blocked or anything being wrong but it's to the point where people can't check email, get to certain websites, etc. There's workarounds, putting people on a VPN, proxy servers and crap that has been spun up to mitigate, but not fix, the problem. So now we run around putting out out fires that shouldn't exist. Then there is the general disrespect people have for IT people. Employees not following the most basic IT rules and not being able to enforce any kind of policy and I feel like that is just poor management in general. I mean when the people at the top thing IT policies are a joke, I mean what can you do.
I mean, as someone who got into IT for the tech, the people problem is getting big. Plus there is so much red tape that the IT job is more over legislation, pencil pushing horseshit. That crap wasn't what I wanted to go into and it seems that not going away, at least not here nor anything tied to governmental agencies, public services. That being said, the red tape can be neccessary, but add in people who don't want to do it.

You said it yourself? What can you do?
What CAN be done about things that are in other people's hands?
What is in YOUR hands? Your job.

So I have been thinking a lot about changing my career.

That is the other thing you CAN do. And this is where it starts. It starts from "I am unhappy here, where else could I be?" and eventually you end up somewhere.
You are on the right track.

Tell me I am just overthinking everything?

No. You not OVER thinking, you are just THINKING. Because you are at a potential crossroads in your life. That is ok.
As for the industries, I cannot speak on those as I am uneducated.
As for the "herbal habit"... I dunno... just don't have any before an interview?

[Cridders88]

Hey @InbetweenDreams

Meteorology is a tough one to crack. I've always been avidly interested in the weather and especially tropical cyclones. However, to go the whole hog in the UK, you have to have a meteorology degree and for that, you need A levels in Maths and Physics. That was the stumbling block for me sadly. What a career it would be though!

Good on you for looking to change things up. Although it doesn't sound like you are desperately unhappy in IT, it does sound like you are ready for something new. I, for one, would struggle with your commute even if it is 2 days a week. A 12 hour shift plus that travel time is a recipe for burnout.

You definitely aren't overthinking things. This is a big move after doing the same thing for so long and I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide. I have been in the Opticians industry for nearly 16 years now and sometimes I feel it is time to move on, but figuring out to what takes some consideration and thinking for sure.

[Scruff Bunch]

Also regarding your herbal habit, I have to wonder how much of that is because you actually get some benefit from it, and how much of it is because you need some way to unwind after the stress of work and the commute.

Is it possible that, if you had more time at home (with remote work and no commute), that perhaps you could pick up something that would give you a boost... maybe a hobbie, something related to one of your interests?
So then maybe the job issue would not be such a problem?
How much of this is about career vs fulfillment vs money?
Because it is recognised that, for many people, turning an INTEREST or PASSION into a JOB sucks the joy out of it.

[InbetweenDreams]

They have allowed me to be hybrid remote, which means I drive up 2 times week and work from home 2 times a week (10 hour shifts). So it's good and it's bad. The commute is 126 miles one way and while I drive a Prius and do get good mileage and all that it is a little expensive, also putting about 40,000 miles on my car every year if I keep doing that. On the days I commute I get up at 4 AM, and try to be out the door by 4:45 so I can grab breakfast, usually McDonald's--something quick and be on time by 7 AM. My day ends at 5 PM and usually 7:30 or later before I get home. So those days are pretty long and I constantly feel disconnected, whether it is from work or from whats going on at home, my family.

They should either pay your commute or allow full remote work. Have you pushed this with them?
Their nonsense insistance on office work (probably because THEY have paid for the building) is THEIR problem, not yours and should not impact your bank account.
You get paid to work, you don't pay to work. You should not have to refund the money they chose to spend on those offices.

I guess I should point out that I work for a small community college and not a for profit corporation, but I suppose that doesn't matter too much. I mean if this was a company making widgets probably would have left by now I think. I haven't pushed the full remote only because there are things that definitely work better when I am here, not all things IT have been made to where I can do it remotely, but most things I can, short of fixing a printer jam and so on. Honestly I feel like them allowing me to do 2 days remote was an olive branch. Basically how this all happened is that I moved to Atlanta. I initially had a job offer but that company rescinded their offer only a few days later but not soon enough for me to give my notice. So after they backed out I was kind of stuck, so thats what they elected to allow me to do. I know that other employers can, do and will fire people who they feel live too far away or in similar circumstances. Not sure how things might differ in the UK when it comes to do those matters. Basically in the US you can be fired for any reason or no reason (other than discrimination) in most US states, like literally anything. I am also the only employee doing this sort of thing to my knowledge.

The problems I am having with my job is changes in culture and honestly I'm burned out. I feel like I have stayed here far too long. Not trying to say anything negative about my job but being in a rural setting and small budgets it's not doing much for me in terms of keeping current with things that other places seem to want their candidates to have. Like experience with a certain platform, software, etc, might be as common as Microsoft Office 365 or something as exotic as some niche document imaging software, but one thing all the places have in common is that they want you to have 3-5 years of experience with it. I always get the feeling that the positions I look at to apply for which are all IT related is just another fucking nightmare awaiting me and having to scramble to learn something I won't be trained on to probably not have job security either. So I feel like I am a rock in a hard place. Yes, I have a lot of years of experience but lack some emerging tech standards and I'm getting closer to 40, so that makes me look less attractive. At my current job, you know a lot of people would like the arrangement, especially the worload or the lack there of. I don't understand it either, I am always willing to help and do things but I am often left out of the communication, hell sometimes people don't even stop in my office to say hi. So I don't feel like I am part of the team and honestly makes me feel uneasy about continuing to work here.

Man, many people would feel overjoyed at being left alone to do their job so they don't have to tolerate nonsense "work culture" and can get it done and leave on time (or early).
What are your priorities? What do you want in a job?

Why are you so willing to do extra? Why are you busting yourself for a company that clearly is not busting themselves for you?
I would keep my head down, do my bit, collect the money, then sign off.

I think a lot of it is spending too much time to myself. While I generally prefer that, there is a time to collaborate and discuss things in depth. I just don't get much of that. During the beginings of the pandemic, we did have daily briefings and it was good, but the bad thing was that the meetings would drag on too long. Basically we're all introverts and don't want to talk, but damn it's needed badly.

I have this issue where I think I am unqualified for anything else in my field. I look for new jobs and there's always some software, some certification, a degree I don't have, etc that the random employers wants that I don't have and the fact that the school where I work has had nothing but budget problems, so we don't use or can afford a lot of the things that employers are requiring. The jobs that I might feel more at home with are few and far between and often don't pay shit so I don't bother.

I think a lot of people want their work to be meaningful, that is true but I think ultimately I just don't want to go home feeling stressed out, worse about myself or my life. I find myself skipping over practically everything, but then it is hard to approximate what jobs I actually have a snowballs chance in hell at getting.

I also secretly think it would be neat bragging rights to have a Prius with 300,000 miles on it lol but that's not a reason to stay at a job lol.

But I do agree, if my boss, co-workers need or want help they can surely say so. I mean I am not shy about asking a question. I've never told them to go get stuffed (as they say in the UK) or refused to help them. So I feel like I am in my head here?

So I have been thinking a lot about changing my career.

That is the other thing you CAN do. And this is where it starts. It starts from "I am unhappy here, where else could I be?" and eventually you end up somewhere.
You are on the right track.

Tell me I am just overthinking everything?

No. You not OVER thinking, you are just THINKING. Because you are at a potential crossroads in your life. That is ok.
As for the industries, I cannot speak on those as I am uneducated.
As for the "herbal habit"... I dunno... just don't have any before an interview?

Yeah it is best not to be half baked during a job interview. Oh I have grown to become quite the stoner. I just have got so used to it now that going without it is less plesant. I do sometimes think that I really just need to quit, at least for a while. The problem is between being white Snoop Dogg and that I have a fat ass it will probably take half a year to pass a piss test. At the same time I don't want to waste time with getting offered a position only to turn it down or deal with fake pee. Now I know people who have used fake pee successfully. (I know this must all be whack ass shit reading this in the UK, wondering what god damn horror film this is lol).

Hey @InbetweenDreams

Meteorology is a tough one to crack. I've always been avidly interested in the weather and especially tropical cyclones. However, to go the whole hog in the UK, you have to have a meteorology degree and for that, you need A levels in Maths and Physics. That was the stumbling block for me sadly. What a career it would be though!

Good on you for looking to change things up. Although it doesn't sound like you are desperately unhappy in IT, it does sound like you are ready for something new. I, for one, would struggle with your commute even if it is 2 days a week. A 12 hour shift plus that travel time is a recipe for burnout.

You definitely aren't overthinking things. This is a big move after doing the same thing for so long and I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide. I have been in the Opticians industry for nearly 16 years now and sometimes I feel it is time to move on, but figuring out to what takes some consideration and thinking for sure.

Same here in the US. If you wan to work with say the National Weather Service in the US, a TV station or whatever the case is you got to have the degree, then there are other certifications. I have to realize that I didn't do super great in math in high school, it did come back to me in college but I don't know if I would be able to master the math and presumably equally difficult physicis...which is really the meat and potatoes there. And also having to take out massive student loans because you know 'merica. Definitely has to pay well and has to go right or I guess I'll be like everyone else having more student loan debt than can ever be paid back.

I do think realizing at young age that storm chasing isn't really a viable profession I kind of turned away. I really should have got over my feat of heights and ladders and took up being an electrician. A lot of trades have big shortages but aside from welding not sure what's out there that would pay alright and wouldn't require so much up front. I do think at this point, whatever it is I may want to go ahead and do it soon. I feel like changing professions will just more difficult as time goes on, but there I go again just assuming that's the way it is. You know, sometimes we have a way of making shit come true too, so I might very well need to adjust my attitude.

I will say this, if you don't like driving then the long commute is most certainly a deal breaker and there have been days. It was really rough for a while right after my mom passed away. It's like, I enjoy driving, HATE other drivers. That's the catch 22 I live in, it can be very relaxing and then it can be extremely stressful. Atlanta, has some awful traffic during the rush hour. I do catch the tail end of it, so it is pretty a good drive all the way until I get to the downtown connector and then it's a slow moving parking lot. Then there's those times when traffic is actually moving and you're like, what's going on here...?

I've thought some about getting a CDL (commericial drivers license) and do trucking. Then knowing that the trucking industry is crap, not sure I want to do that either. Plus, I'm sure driving a semi-truck with a 56 foot trailer is a lot more nailbiting, plus constantly having to navigate city road to deliver stuff, not sure that's fun either.