I'm the sole IT support for about 40 locations, and I'm experiencing some anxiety as I prepare for a two-week paternity leave. Even with detailed documentation and instructions left behind, I still receive calls when I'm away, often for minor issues. The centralized IT team doesn't cover my responsibilities, and I'm concerned about being contacted during my leave. Should I push for additional support or start training someone else to help out?
5 Answers
You're doing a lot, and it's definitely not sustainable for just one person to manage that workload. Make sure during your paternity leave that you set clear boundaries and ideally, you'll want someone else to cover essential tasks. If you don’t already have a ticketing system in place for support issues, push for that too—it can really help manage requests and lighten your load.
Setting boundaries is crucial! You need to communicate clearly with your management about your leave. It's not just your right but necessary for your mental health. If they haven’t prepared for your absence, that's on them. Document everything well and perhaps propose a solution for someone to fill in while you're gone. Good luck with the baby!
Take that time off and don’t answer any calls or emails! If things fall apart, use that as leverage to get more support when you return. If nothing happens during your leave, you'll see that you can step back without the world ending. Focus on your family; they deserve your full attention during this important time!
That's honestly the best advice. You really have to prioritize family and set boundaries.
Congrats on the baby! You're in a tough position managing that alone. It's basically a red flag for your company's structure. If you go off and major issues arise, that could be a wake-up call for management about the importance of having backup. I'd suggest discussing this with them before you leave and maybe start training someone within the ranks.
Managing IT for 40 locations alone sounds overwhelming! Honestly, it's a lot of responsibility for one person, and it's understandable to feel anxious about your upcoming leave. You definitely need more support—whether that's hiring someone or utilizing a managed service provider (MSP) for backup during your absence. Don't forget to consider how you'd handle emergencies if they arise while you're unavailable. It's time to advocate for yourself and make the case for hiring additional help!
I feel you! When my kids were born, I shut off my work phone completely. It was liberating and made such a difference.