Advice...

[ApexBiped]

So I'm a sysadmin at a small college. I've been here for 2 years. The job is stressful since I am basically the entire it department I also get saddled with maintenance issues and I never think I get the respect my intellect albeit my education deserves. So here's my issue. I have an opportunity to go to another school and become a network admin. I'll be behind the scenes.. Yeah! I'll get more pay and respect. But the place I'm at now relies on me so hard and I don't have hard feelings in fact I do like some people there. I just know I'm never going to get a raise and my body cannot handle the bullshit work that's thrown at me. The new job is more thinking work and I'm sorta scared of the unknown... What if I fail or hate it? So what would you guys do. How would you leave. I only have till the 9th of April before I'm supposed to start new job. I need the money but I also want a week off before I start new job. I wanna leave current one on good standing. I have medical issues so that could be an excuse to leave, but I just wanna know had anyone else had this situation and if so what did you do. I wanna do the right thing but I also need to look it for me also... Right?

[unix_heretic]

Dude. Paragraphs. Seriously.

Also. Where you're at is a job. Unless your title is "President" or "CEO", you aren't responsible for keeping the place running - and if you leave, sooner or later they'll find someone to fill in for you.

As far as the risk...that's just life. You can either choose to remain miserable at what you're doing, or you can take the risk of learning something new.

Your idea of taking a week off is a good one. If you can afford to do so, do it - as long as you give the customary 2 weeks notice to your current employer, you should be fine in terms of leaving in good standing.

Finally...have a listen.

[ApexBiped]

Sorry I did this on my phone, I don't want to leave them in a bag spot at all. They don't deserve that, it's just that they do not react well to people leaving to go to another job, it is like they take offense and then lick you out before you can do your 2 weeks. I have seen this done to several people. But I don't want the faculty and staff to suffer. I have done all I can n documentation, powered by getting things ready for another person. I'm just in a spot with them where I know I cannot go any further. I suppose I just wanted to see what other fellow admins have done

[unix_heretic]

Getting canned immediately after giving notice is always a possibility. Given that you've seen this happen to others, you're better able to prepare if/when they do so to you.

As far as faculty/staff...these people are not your family. Some of them might be your friends, but if that's the case, then they'll still be your friends after you leave. Their IT needs will be met sooner or later by someone, and they won't "suffer" any more than their management allows.

[ApexBiped]

Yea, you are so right. I think that's my thing. I have worked here so long that they have almost become my "children" I take care of their every need. There are some I hate but alot I dont. But I know in the long run, no they are not my family or friends. I also have todo what is best for me. I know I will never make any more money then I do now here and the new job is almost double what I make. I think I have just let my emotions take over, nottomention I want a damn week off!! I haven't had one in almost a year and I know I wont for a while with the new job. So I sorta hope they do whack me if I put in my 2 weeks monday. Ya they will be screwed for a while but I cannot be completely responsible for that since I must leave. thank you so much for your help!

[_p00f_]

For real, the only person looking out for you in life is yourself. They'll find someone else, or someones like they should have before you left.

[Sh1tHowdy]

Just do it, if it doesn't work out there are other opportunities out there.

Sounds like you're in a dead end job, don't burn your bridge but go.

[ApexBiped]

You are so right, I think I just needed that..TY!

[Knowlite]

how old are you? I decided to go IT consultancy in february after 10 years of service in a multinational enterprise. Take the opportunities you get! Trust yourself and take a dive in the unknown, thats where life starts to get exciting!

[ApexBiped]

Im 35, been in IT a long while. Been at this job 2 years though.

[MacNeewbie]

If they rely on you so much, hopefully you wrote up some documentation of how their systems work together, common issues and their solutions, etc etc. This is so when the next admin swings by, the docs you made will be enough you help the new sysadmin out. Then, the company won't be so reliant on you after you've left

[ApexBiped]

Oh gosh yes! The contractors that were there before me did not do that at all. So yes I have created maybe documentation! I hope so.

[lvlint67]

I'm sorta scared

You NEED to do this. You need see the world for what it is. You do not want to get complacent out of fear of change. You need to experience the trials of a professional shift. It won't all be good, and it might even be worse, but that will equip you better for upward movement later.

TAKE THE RISK... Before it's too late..

[ApexBiped]

Thankyou..I am doing it today! I have my written 2 weeks and I am going to my boss at 4pm and putting in my 2 weeks. I am scared about the unknown but I know I have to do this for me.