If you read through my posts, you will see I am not afraid to criticise or complain about my own professionals. They range from IT Technicians of all ages, Network Managers, Leaders, Engineers and Supporters.
What a group of people, who ever now still surprise me. No one seems to realise that we spend all day dealing with your problems. No one comes to simply chat and socialise with us, only to complain. We can often be blamed for things that are simply not our fault - even when those above do not follow standard procedures.
When I see a hot topic about a few people struggling or dealing with harsh times, the entire IT community has the knack of being there. Offering not only some one to chat "online" but even contact details to talk over the phone, even to meet up and be there face to face.
This really is the unsung hero moment that people will never see, never be aware of and completely be oblivious to.
These are people who start early, go home late, remote in to work during the weekends and even give up their time off to perform tasks. Are they paid for this? No, Are they paid a good wage? No and are they even treated well? No.
What people do not think is that IT Support departments generally have 1-3 people. When you compare that size to others, who do they really talk to? If you look at Admin, they generally have a group of people at all ages who can be there for one another. When you look at teaching departments, you have the same. Looking at IT though they are rarely lucky to have more than one person and any extra technicians generally will be fresh out of School young people.
So, who do IT staff talk to when they need a shoulder?
I spend half my time working in front of a screen, in a classroom, in a cupboard and generally getting on with the job - in quiet. Which effectively means I spend half the time inside my own head. When major problems come my way, inside my own job - I can potentially have no one by my side to talk to. luckily enough I work with a fantastic group here at my School, I know I can talk to several other Staff outside of IT and I also know I have friends and family. I also know though that many IT people don't have anyone or have very few people.
Personal Jobs
How many IT staff fix your home laptops, pcs, offer advice - all free of charge? It's not their job nor their responsibility, yet they do this. How many of them sit down with you helping you to do your work, is it their job? If I got paid £50 per job I have done over the years, I'd be a very rich man indeed.
EduGeek
This forum has a general chat area, which a lot of people use in my profession to chat about .. well general topics. This can also include a ranting section - great for getting things off your chest. The incredible thing is, many people will actually listen, offer their view, be fair and offer to be there for others. How many people put on their Facebook, Twitter or even label their car "I do charity work" or "I help others" - yet again EduGeek has many unsung heroes that don't get any credit what so ever.
There is a lovely person on there that is always willing to help people with their CVs. There is a dozen people who respond pretty quickly to take time out of their work, their personal lives to reply to anyone needing advice.
I will post a few links, directly to those threads that.. might make everyone understand that we too are under pressure human beings.
Hang in there
Reading through the above link, you see that this pressure does push you to breaking point. Great examples in there to see people offering help to others.
Dilemma
A good example of someone that is being pushed to breaking point, looking at it - does seem like other people didn't listen to an IT persons advice and wondered why it went pear shaped.
Ups and Downs
Not the first time I have seen a post like this, prime example that teachers are not the only ones in Schools that may suffer.
Current job general - "I'm not happy"
Likewise for the previous link.
It's not your job so don't worry about it
A great example of someone caring about things.. that we shouldn't be. We can't help it though, I personally care about a classroom being tidy. It's a natural habit - I literally have to force my self not to care about certain things.
So next time you moan at a technician, remember - is it a mistake on their part or is it yours? We are all human, we all make mistakes and even teachers in Schools can make them. Remember - be polite and understanding and you will receive it.
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