Help, I’m Hitting the Wall! Do I Stay in the Technical Side of IT

Help, I’m Hitting the Wall! Do I Stay in the Technical Side of IT?

The information presented will address the issue from both perspectives; the job seeker and the currently employed.

After putting in 60+ hour weeks, logging in from home and following the American overwork ethic you’re hitting the wall . What’s next? If you’ve peaked professionally at your current employer, where do you go now? Management is not for everyone. This can occur while you’re employed and will definitely happen in job search. The problem in job search is often the frustrations in the process and the inability or resistance to relocate that will effect the duration and personal stress.

When these situations occur we’re often encouraged or force to evaluate our lives and desires. Some people simply “chuck it all”. Their futures range anywhere from career change, self employment or starting that scuba diving school in Florida you always dreamed of (a combination of both). Usually smaller or more subtle changes are all that are needed.

Go back to the chapter in The Street Smart Approach to Job Search , “Your job; Do What You Love, Love What You Do”. There are lateral moves or related work (don’t think job titles) that you’re capable of doing and may enjoy. Remember, we all can’t be “greeters” at Wal-Mart! Three main thoughts here are “burn out, sell out or get out”. “Get out” doesn’t mean to completely leave the technical side of IT unless you are “burning out”. “Sell out” means that you simply have resigned yourself to your fate and you’re counting off the years to retirement and you’ll just stick it out. It may be an option for some. I wouldn’t recommend it for those under 40 years old!

Maybe the jobs that you had in the past can be complied or assessed to display transferable skills. Here are some options to consider.

As a “thechie” you don’t always experience the systems that you have created. Go to the applications or end user side to see the entire process. Getting into applications gives you a different view. Remember, you’re ability to communicate to the end users can make or break your career in today’s market. IT departments are shrinking; the remaining staff now have multiple responsibilities. Develop these peripheral, but needed skills now. They will be valuable when you’re seeking a new or better job. Talk to IT consultants and recruiters, the good ones have achieved these talents.

This thought leads to another option: Self-employment ! You’re first question should be; Can I make the transition from a “cubical dweller” to business owner or free lancer? Again, go back to the Street Smart book and review “Employment Stability versus Job Security” If you’ve had more involvement in the business development side of IT making this transition could be easier. “But I hate selling! ” Let’s face it some of us couldn’t sell to our grandmothers. If the thought of having to sell makes you sweat; self-employment is not for you. Can you still be a consultant? It is possible if you align yourself with another or other professionals to form a consortium. The roles of each are determined by their skills. You need at least one in the group who can sell to strangers. A sales mentality is still a factor for all consultants. It’s how you achieve repeat business and referrals that will you give staying power.

“Getting out” is preferable to “burning out”. “Burning out” could place you in the point of no return plus not only effect you, but also you’re employer and/or family. If you’re not having fun anymore, why continue? The paycheck shouldn’t be the only thing keeping you there. Some people still have the philosophies of “Just be thankful that you have a job” or “A bad job is better than no job”. I couldn’t disagree more. Life is too short to just put your time in; the older you get, the shorter it gets! Your employer may not let you just stick it out. You’ll be forced into job search on their terms, not your terms. You also run the risk of decreasing your candidate desirability if you’ve just coasted for the last 3-5 years.

Networking is still the most effective way to learn how others make a living or to get hired. We all know of some people that make frequent job changes but always seem to land on their feet. Learn some of their techniques since they are successful. Present yourself creatively to get to these people.

Some professionals advocate a functional resume to display transferable skills to avoid focusing on job titles. I agree that job titles are limiting. However, I still feel that the personal business card with a letter of introduction highlighting your abilities can accomplish more. Remember, you want to be viewed as a professional with something to offer. You will lose leverage if you’re viewed as a job seeker looking for work. Separate yourself from the pack and learn how to get to decision makers. This will be a valuable ability no matter which route you take.

“Burn out” and “sell out” will ultimately defeat you, it will only be a matter of time. As a recruiter or as a hiring manager I would occasionally see a resume that reflected a downward career spiral. I would not present this candidate to client nor would I consider them for my own department. In the world of recruiting we have a saying; “Do you have 20 years of experience in .., or one year experience 20 times”. Avoid that scenario whenever possible.

If you don’t already have some of these traits, development them ASAP:

• A basic understanding of sales and marketing (at least marketing) principles.

• The willingness to consider relocating to where the technical or desired jobs are more prevalent.

• Be able to measure and track results.

• Identify the technical skills that transfer to the business side of an organization.

• Be able to display the skills of establishing plans and solving problems.

Start evaluating what you like or dislike about your job. It isn’t always about the actual job. It could be the people that you work with, your immediate supervisor or your employer’s corporate culture. You may simply be in the wrong “job” for your skills or aptitude. You need to assess this before you make any decisions. You don’t want to go “out of the frying pan and into the fire”. Maybe a change in environment is what you need, not a career change. Can you just “say no” to a workaholic corporate culture if it has a negative effect on you or your family? If you really enjoy the technical side of IT stay in it. Find ways to bring the excitement back!

Try new techniques or new ways of doing things. An idea that was approached during the career session at NaTEC was volunteering in nonprofit organizations. This can result is several achievements. Firstly, they’re always looking for assistance, so they will welcome your offer. Volunteering can lead to employment; you’ll be a known commodity or simply positive social gratification. The employment can be with that nonprofit or with another organization due to your new contacts. Some of you may be fortunate to live in a community where the national headquarters of a major nonprofit is located. This would be an ideal situation. Is there a capacity that will possibly connect you with board members that are also top or upper managers of companies that you would want to work for? One of the most versatile skills that I have developed over the years has been multiple application . In other words how many different things can I potentially accomplish with one action? This in itself is a great asset that could make you successful whether staying in the field of IT or transitioning to something different.

Don’t put yourself through a major change until you’ve reviewed many options and discussed them with an objective confidant. The consequences will not only impact you but those close to you may have to make changes also. If they are not willing participants failure could lead to severe upheavals that you may not recuperate from. No one puts themselves under this type of stress intentionally.

Review your situation:

• Why am I unhappy?

• Am I on a treadmill and can I get off?

• Do I just need to back off for awhile?

• What minor changes can I make to see what, if any can make a difference?

• Do I have sufficient support if I’m going to make a major change?

• What will happen to me if I just continue on my current path?

Carefully evaluate these issues. Do it when you start to feel some discomfort, not extreme pain. I often use the Ulcer Analogy ; Go to the doctor when you’re experiencing some pain or noticing changes in yourself. Don’t ignore it until you develop that bleeding ulcer: you may not be able to recuperate. Even if you do it will take more time and cost you more. Practice good preventative physical and mental health. Stop the leaks in your life before you’re forced to repair a gusher. You’ll accomplish more with less effort.

Tempesta & Associates, Inc.
6525 North Green Bay Road
Milwaukee, WI 53209

414-967-9250