I started working for my company about four years ago in a sysadmin role with the expectation that I would help guide the IT development and operations as they were expanding. However, I haven't seen much progress since then. I've been managing everything almost independently, identifying what needs upgrades and maintenance based on both current and future needs. Despite my efforts, I've been unable to bring on a helper to assist with the expanding workload. When I inquired about future plans for the IT department, I received a vague response saying, 'we are currently trying to figure out where IT fits.' This situation is reminiscent of my last job, where I was promised leadership in IT, but it never materialized. I've become quite disenchanted with this cycle of broken promises. Is it typical for organizations not to have a clear idea of where IT or sysadmin roles belong within their financial structure? Should I consider leaving this field altogether?
3 Answers
At smaller places, it often feels like IT officers are undervalued. You might want to shift your perspective from being 'the IT guy' to 'the solutions guy'. By getting involved in other departments, you can show how IT contributes to solving real problems, which could elevate the perception of IT in your organization.
Honestly, it seems like they might not fully appreciate the value of IT. If they can't even articulate where IT fits, it signals that they're not treating it as a priority. I would recommend documenting all your suggestions and responses, as it protects you in case things go sideways in the future.
Do you have any advice for how to frame my value to the company better?
It's common for IT departments to struggle with placement in the budget. In my experience, many smaller companies see IT as part of finance since they're more comfortable with the expenses. Ideally, IT should report to someone higher up like a CIO or CTO, which helps streamline operations, but that isn't always the case.
Do you think it works better when IT is under a higher leadership role like that? What benefits does it bring?
How do I start getting involved in other departments without overstepping?