quick question about a job change...

[GeorgeG.]

So I'm currently a system/network admin. I've been approached about a possible help desk manager position opening up if the current manager takes another position.

At one point in my career, I would've been all over this...years back when I was on the help desk. But now I can't decide if this would be a step up the career ladder or not really.

Probably no salary increase and I'd be managing 5 help desk guys. The networking/Cisco route I've been working towards may come to a halt simply due to lack of time. On one hand, I'm thinking of the managing experience but I think that would be all it has to offer. On the other hand, is the networking experience along with the ability to make more money elsewhere.

What are your thoughts? Would this be a step up or not?

[talisman]

I don't know much about the Tech Field, but any step into Management should see a salary increase. A lot of places try to tease people with "it will be good for your career to take this job" though there really isn't any benefit at all. It's their way of keeping things cheap. I'm in management and I see this bullshit ploy all the time. If you're looking for a change of pace or bored with what you're doing it might be a good way to reinvest yourself in the work, however.

[mustang_revival]

So I'm currently a system/network admin. I've been approached about a possible help desk manager position opening up if the current manager takes another position.

At one point in my career, I would've been all over this...years back when I was on the help desk. But now I can't decide if this would be a step up the career ladder or not really.

Probably no salary increase and I'd be managing 5 help desk guys. The networking/Cisco route I've been working towards may come to a halt simply due to lack of time. On one hand, I'm thinking of the managing experience but I think that would be all it has to offer. On the other hand, is the networking experience along with the ability to make more money elsewhere.

What are your thoughts? Would this be a step up or not?

Couple of Q's

What does "system/network admin" mean to you in your current position? Are you not doing enough network to be happy?

What do you mean Networking/Cisco route may be coming to a halt simply due to lack of time?

IMO help desk manager would be taking a lateral move with LESS growth potential.

Plus being a help desk manager you would just have to deal with people and their problems more so than working on technology.

[GeorgeG.]

I don't know much about the Tech Field, but any step into Management should see a salary increase. A lot of places try to tease people with "it will be good for your career to take this job" though there really isn't any benefit at all. It's their way of keeping things cheap. I'm in management and I see this bullshit ploy all the time. If you're looking for a change of pace or bored with what you're doing it might be a good way to reinvest yourself in the work, however.

Being a non-profit, I think they definitely use that as an excuse to not offer a salary adjustment. Granted, every dollar we spend is money taken out of the classroom but still, at some point a company has to realize that good people aren't always cheap and doing this most likely will promote turn over when that employee gains experience and then leaves. I am kinda looking for a change of pace, but that wasn't what I had in mind. I'm just trying to find the benefit in this offer.

Couple of Q's

What does "system/network admin" mean to you in your current position? Are you not doing enough network to be happy?

I'm not doing nearly enough networking to be happy. I enjoy Cisco technology and networking but it's not my primary role. And while I can make moderate config changes, I'm not in the drivers seat. Unfortunately, we use a 3rd party vendor and after e-rate funding, it's simply cheaper to continue using them.

What do you mean Networking/Cisco route may be coming to a halt simply due to lack of time?

my goal for a while has been to move into a networking role and distance myself from system administration. Giving 100% in a new role would probably take all my extra time, for a while at least.

IMO help desk manager would be taking a lateral move with LESS growth potential.

Plus being a help desk manager you would just have to deal with people and their problems more so than working on technology.

I was kind of seeing it as a lateral move also with the exception of it being on the resume. And that second statement is 100% truth

[mustang_revival]

I've always tried my best to base my decisions and small goals for where I want to be in the future.

Where do you want to be 5 and 10 years from now?

My suggestion would be to work hard to do whatever it takes to meet those goals.

I know if I am hiring a Entry level Network Engineer, real world experience is what I am looking for. I would hire a person who has been in the trenches and knows the nuances of networking over a "manager" of (insert anything besides a technical role)


Just my .02

[Ratt]

PM me if you want me to give your resume to some people and want to know about the company I work for. Things have changed drastically since I talked to you over lunch the other day. You'd probably end up as a professional services networking consultant over here if we need one. Not sure if we need one but I can give your resume to the Director of Professional Services.

[GeorgeG.]

PM me if you want me to give your resume to some people and want to know about the company I work for. Things have changed drastically since I talked to you over lunch the other day. You'd probably end up as a professional services networking consultant over here if we need one. Not sure if we need one but I can give your resume to the Director of Professional Services.

thanks man...I'll be in contact.

I think sticking with networking is where I need to be right now.

[ceyko]

I think that is a good choice GeorgeG. Based off what I've seen you post in the past and you goals - Help Desk Manager is NOT a good choice for either technical or management experience for you.

Technical Managers (which is what would be your next step) need to know a wide range of technologies and you would not get good experience running a help desk. Some people love that line of work, just like there are some desktop support folks that love it.

Any way, I'd get proficient in your technologies - dominate technically and wiggle into a mentor capacity which would then lead to management if you desire. (or something like that)

One thing I noticed about higher end technical jobs is you generally can't fake the funk. Especially with sales involved - they'll cut you down in a heartbeat. In a consulting/sales environment it is much different than corporate management. However, a good company won't let you fail either - you'll make yourself fail. (Being an idiot and not asking questions, raising red flags, not doing your homework/studying/research...etc...etc.)

[Ratt]

thanks man...I'll be in contact.

I think sticking with networking is where I need to be right now.

Sure thing, man. Just let me know. Networking is where you need/want to be.

[motoman]

You'll be stuck in meetings and emails most of your day.

[lowthreeohz]

You'll be stuck in meetings and emails most of your day.

That's what has happened to me since taking this engineering role. Fuuuucccckkkkj meetings.

[ceyko]

That's what has happened to me since taking this engineering role. Fuuuucccckkkkj meetings.

haha, I remember working at a company. They'd give me 3 hours of work at say 10. I'd be in meetings and such until 3 or so and at 4 they wanted to know why none of it was done.

[GeorgeG.]

ah to hell with beatings...er, I mean meetings, but a good point too.

Thanks for letting me bounce some thoughts out here. I think it confirms what I was leaning towards.

[46Tbird]

I see you've probably already made your mind, but...


Boil away all the extraneous words and what you're talking about is jumping off the technical path and onto the management path. There are benefits to each, but frankly I wouldn't jump into a helpdesk management position. It is a constant battle to manage the budget, licensing, leasing, and staffing. And if/when the SHTF, everyone is riding your ass to get it fixed and NOW. Not worth the headache imo.

[Ratt]

I see you've probably already made your mind, but...


Boil away all the extraneous words and what you're talking about is jumping off the technical path and onto the management path. There are benefits to each, but frankly I wouldn't jump into a helpdesk management position. It is a constant battle to manage the budget, licensing, leasing, and staffing. And if/when the SHTF, everyone is riding your ass to get it fixed and NOW. Not worth the headache imo.

Agreed. If and when the time comes that you want to move into management, you need to be the Director of some sort of technology at a corporation (i.e. Director of Networking or Director of Managed Services or Director of Hosted Services) or consulting shop, not in a helpdesk environment. That's where the real money is.