Hey everyone! I've just been promoted to System Administrator from a Junior role, but I can't shake this feeling of not deserving it. My company runs a tiny IT team, and my boss just quit, leaving the owners to hand over the reins to me. I'm really honored by this opportunity, but I'm also anxious. I've only been in my role for about a year, and I'm worried about handling all this responsibility. I fear making mistakes that could lead to serious issues for the company. While the promotion is a big step for my career, I'm really unsure about accepting it. Any advice on overcoming these feelings or tips for making a smoother transition would be awesome!
2 Answers
Make sure to negotiate your pay. You're coming into this role with experience, even if it doesn't feel like it. The average pay for a Sys Admin in your state is around $80k, so use that as a benchmark. Don’t sell yourself short—aim for something that reflects your new responsibilities!
Congrats on the promotion! It sounds like they're putting a lot of trust in you, which is a good sign. Just dive in, do your best, and maybe consider taking online courses part-time to enhance your skills without burning out. Finding a mentor in the field could also really help as you learn the ropes. You've got this!

Thanks! I'm still working out details with the owners, so I’ll definitely keep that in mind when discussing my salary!