Inherited a Chaotic IT Environment—How Do I Get Started?

It sounds like you're in a tough spot without much support. Start with the basics and grab as much documentation as you can. If people resist your efforts, don't stress too much—just get through your hours and go home. Most solo IT folks end up doing a lot of reactive work rather than proactive planning.

Getting users to adapt can be challenging, especially when they're attached to their old habits. It's crucial to have management on your side—explain the risks, like losing important data if a laptop goes missing. Framing things in terms of potential financial loss can really resonate with management.

You're not alone in feeling this way! If you want some guidance, I’d recommend reaching out to a third party for a professional assessment. Since you're still junior, it might be challenging to see the full extent of the mess. Prioritize security; take a hard look at firewalls, antivirus status, and password security. Don't forget to keep management in the loop as you make changes—they can really help support your decisions later on!

Absolutely document everything first! Make a plan to prioritize tasks and address issues step by step. Have a chat with your manager about your findings and what changes are needed. It might get tricky with users expecting quick tech support while you overhaul their systems, but breaking it down makes it manageable.

The first thing you should tackle is ensuring your backups are working correctly—both reliable and tested. This is crucial for maintaining your business's integrity. Make this your top priority, and it'll create a solid foundation for the other changes you plan to implement.