I recently transitioned from a Tier 1 IT position to an IT Support Engineer role. When I started, HR assured me I would have a supporting team, but it turns out the rest of the IT department is focused on data analytics and can't assist me with issues. I'm now the only network/troubleshooting IT person at my site. From day one, I've struggled just to get my account set up to access the ticketing system, which took four hours. Right after that, I was bombarded with inquiries about a warm server room, and people expected immediate action from me. I'm now tasked with implementing 802.1x for both wired and wireless networks all by myself, and I've been told I will be held accountable if anything goes wrong since we have a single point of failure with our domain controllers. On top of that, I have to back everything up to the cloud and deal with existing Tier 1 and Tier 2 responsibilities. The CIO made a comment about not knowing how I sleep at night given these pressures, and I can't help but wonder if it's too much responsibility for someone relatively new to this level of work. Am I justified in feeling overwhelmed, or am I just complaining?
4 Answers
Your situation is definitely intense! Honestly, just tell your boss you sleep like a baby—every couple of hours waking up crying! Seriously though, sounds like they’re pushing way too much onto you without sufficient support. Make sure to prioritize what really needs your attention and don't hesitate to push back on unrealistic expectations. You're not solely responsible for the entire infrastructure.
And definitely look for a new job! No one should have to endure that level of pressure without proper support.
At the end of the day, it's a learning opportunity. The pressure you’re feeling is a sign of poor management, and you shouldn’t carry the burden of the whole IT infrastructure by yourself. Try to focus on what you can handle, and let them know what’s realistically doable within your current resources.
Very true! Document everything, set clear priorities, and don’t hesitate to express what you need for success.
Absolutely! This situation could either become your nightmare or your stepping stone to greater things. Just be strategic about it!
If it were me, I’d start applying for new jobs. You need support, and it sounds like burns out are common there. Document everything for your own protection, and keep looking for roles where you can work in an actual team.
Yep, you gotta keep your options open. No company is worth sacrificing your mental well-being.
Exactly! Use this experience to level up your skills and get a better job where you’ll be supported.
Honestly, it sounds like they're setting you up as a fall guy. With that much responsibility piled on a newbie, the stress can lead to burnout quickly. Document everything you do and communicate regularly with your boss about your workload. Set boundaries and make it clear that you need additional support.
Exactly! You’re not cut out to handle all of this alone. An organization should have enough staff to ensure no one is overwhelmed.
And don’t forget to update your resume. You’ll gain valuable experience here, but don't lose sight of your mental health.
Exactly! If anything goes wrong, it’s a management issue, not yours. Document everything and have clear communication with your boss!