This has been the burning question for me for the last few months.

See I have proudly served as a Tier 1/Tier 2 computer support, desktop support, computer specialist, helpdesk technician or whatever the title is the company calls it for 25+ years. And I can admit that I am feeling like the time has come for me to move on. Serving in the position has started to feel like trying to make a relationship that is over work when you know it won't.

Now let me say MY CUSTOMERS will always be priority one and they are the reason I have dedicated my life to this particular position. And for the record...I didn't choose this field or career, it chose me. Or rather GOD put me on the road. But, over the last say 10 years I have noticed some changes that has placed me in a position where I feel valueless to the customer and more importantly the company.

Valueless because for the company they would rather me ditch my skills and replace them with "The way we do things around here" or not completely solve the problem, just put a band-aid on it and wait until the customer calls back and apply a new band-aid to the issue. Valueless because the focus is more on the call volume. Lots of calls=Job security (as I have heard some say) but, that is a lie because I have been let go/terminated simply because the Manager or Lead didn't like me.

Didn't like me because I didn't bow down or kiss up to them. Because one I learned "How we do things around here" I was able to stand on my own two feet (still asking for help when I really needed it), actually solve the problem and do it so well that when ever a customer would call, they would specifically ask for me. Which is something that is frowned upon.

Valueless because the many customer surveys and feedback that applaud me are never shared with me the same way the surveys that condemn me are. Which can sometimes be perceived as a form of harassment or intimidation (as if I am scared...lol) by the manager or lead. But, fighting that is a uphill, lucky if you win kind of situation.

Valueless because what I have been taught when it comes to this career is NEVER taught in the classroom and is technically not part of or certification worthy. Therefore the compensation is weighed against with or without certification versus how many years served. You are governed by SLA's because somewhere on average it should only take you this long to solve the problem versus being allowed to solve the problem because your customer isn't tech savvy. I actually have come to not liking when I hear that because if you knew you weren't or aren't why did you take the position? Better yet what steps are you taking (beside calling the 1-800 number every other day) to help yourself become more knowledgeable technically? Especially if your position requires it. You do have a responsibility to yourself too.

Companies and agencies hire people for specific positions, toss in their laps all this technology (laptop, tablet, smartphones) and we catch all the hell because this person doesn't even know the difference between logging off of a computer versus shutting down a computer. They aren't even required to take a basic computer knowledge test before they touch the equipment but, are expected to know how to call that 1-800 number when they wait til the last minute to call us because it ain't working and they need to get yesterday's work done because they got a lot of work to do today.

Or they ditch working today because all they have to do is log in from home later to get it done. Forget reading the instruction step by step to ensure they are doing it right, forget remembering the last thing they did or the last time it worked. I am going to call you, blame you because it isn't working right (even though I didn't make the decision), chew your ass off (curse you out in the most severe situations) and then say "I'm sorry I am just venting because I have so much I have to do" and not realize you are talking to someone who is in the business of trying to help you. NO FORGET THAT...YOU ARE TALKING TO A HUMAN BEING!!!

As a tech I have worked and do work the craziest hours. Sleep or rest (especially mentally) is a commodity for me because I don't get to enjoy life like most of my clients because they say we are essential. And even when I do I might be on-call. Just because folks know I do computer support they either always asking me what should they do about their computer issue or are asking me what I think about the latest technology as if that is the only language I speak. Meanwhile the owners, managers, and supervisors get to go on vacation, or take extended time off and they expect us to be there for the sake of how they look or the contractual agreement they made.

NOW LET"S BE CLEAR...I take full ownership for the fact I made the decision to accept the position. But, also understand I accepted it because I felt I could bring value to the team (be an asset not liability) and saw an opportunity that could improve my skill set, and possibly create an opportunity for advancement. Not to be the punching bag for everything that is wrong with IT.

And for the last 10 years I have heard more of what is wrong with IT for too long and it has taken a toll on me. After all this time in this field I should be in a lead position. Not to be in charge but, to pass on some of these skills that are not taught in the classroom. But, because there are no LEAD CERTIFICATIONS my years of experience doesn't qualify me. Not everyone stays in a career all this time just to be held to sitting at a desk, answering a phone, and getting cursed out after "How may I help you?".

So after all that I have had to ask myself that question "Am I where I really want to be?" Honestly...No. And it hasn't been a easy pill for me to swallow. Realizing and accepting the fact that I have finally come to that career crossroad again, understanding I don't hate what I have been blessed to do but, that relationship between it and I has changed has mad me a little sad because this was something I never imagined would happen. And realizing at my age (53) contracting is not how I want to end my work life when it comes to retirement.

I don't have that same energy I did when I was 30.

I am very interested in a web content manager/web admin position because it is also one of my skills and one that I actually like to do when I am not doing helpdesk. I have more to learn but, can at least walk in with some skill.

Time to make that happen. Pray for me.

Retired controller from Miami Intl. Airport. Excellent at making immediate decisions surrounded by very complicated situations.

I Worked 30 Years As A Welder & I Am Currently Retired, I Feel I Can Still Work Another 10 Years, But Not As A Welder, # help

I know I am at the age that Companies won't Hire You after Your 60-90 probationary Period, because of Your age. I am not ready to retire. But that said, Temporary Agencies tend to Use Whoever they can to just bring on the pay to keep them in business. This last one, I just got an award on Wednesday, got off Friday morning, got in my Vehicle and was halfway Home, all they said was don't come back. I was told that they would clear out my locker, and I would have to drive to the Agency to get my belongings. 3 weeks later, I still don't have my stuff

My advice was be sure you know what the job was all about. ,Then if it was a job they were interested in and ready to work hard, be willing and able to work with everyone on our crew and you will do great. Oh, and show up for your interview dressed properly. Hope that was OK considering I had no clue what the question about.

Not knowing how to program the time card machine. I had just started working there. One of the crew was there closing the store so he worked with me to figure it out. Ultimately I had to call another assiastsn manager for help. All we had to do is punch in the system of numbers correctly and close the store. Just a bit emberassed.

Took her aside and discussed the issue. Problem was taken care of in a professional way. I have Associates degree in Management from UNH.

Havented worked since 2002.

I thought my interview went well, the. HR lady made a excuse and left the room, the hiring manager then proceeded to ask me inappropriate questions such as when I was gonna to retire! I am 52 and have 15 years yet. Followed by more age based questions. HR lady came back and he shut right up, like it was planned. After the interview there was a “test” where you put a spring in a hole and put a couple pieces in he demonstrated it. There was no hole. I felt with tweezers and no hole he didn’t allow me a flashlight to see what I was doing and I told him I was diabetic and was shaking because I needed to get my blood sugar higher so the shaking stops. He ignored and with no hole and shaking and never done it before of course I failed. They lied to me and Treated me without respect for my condition. Glad I didn’t get hired.

Have to share this new one. I have been unemployed for the past 3 months at the age of 63. There is no way I am going to give up nor do I feel I am ready to retire. After numerous applications and interviewsI received a call yesterday. It was from n agency I registered with, after a 10 minute conversation the person on the phone asked what year I graduated high school. When I responded he immediately hung up without saying a word. I was beside myself. I had to call back and say something. Needless to say this is my reality.