I believe I wrote this or tried to write this before. What I do remember was someone telling me to be mindful of what I say because you never know who at your job might read it. Well that was a few years ago. And honestly if they do read this I hope they get the message because I am really tired of saying it and having it fall on deaf ears and denial in the mind.

For the last few days I have been dealing with major knee issues. Last Friday while heading out to work my knee went out. I took a fall. But because “I LOVE WHAT I DO” I went back into the house wrapped my knee and came into work. I could barely walk and was in more pain than I ever had before but to know me is to know my passion about being in IT.

Not to mention the fact that there are people here who literally count on me being in the place because they know they can call on me if they have computer issues and I will quickly respond. I have been contracted to this company since February and have literally gone through HELL just to get to the level I am at as it pertains to relationships with the customer and in this have had my contract extended indefinately.

I have been verbally abused by customers, called out of name by customers, spoken down to by customers, disrespected by customers, and overlooked by some of my peers. This is not new and happens in many workplaces and to be honest I am really getting sick of it. I have never met one staff memeber or employee for the company I am contracted by, I have NO benefits, and when I don’t show up to work I don’t get paid…even if I am sick!!! But they are expecting me to continue to show up and make their asses look good with their client and it doesn’t matter about me.

The company I am contracted to stand much to learn. I have to wear a shirt and tie everyday and at various point get on the floor to do my work. Lift boxes that have dust or dirt on them and it doesn’t matter if I mess my stuff up. A lot of the perks that the emplyees get, I don’t. I’ll have to have a legitimate reason to be reimbursed for any money I spend. Speaking of money I am not getting paid crap either! Now don’t get this particular rant twisted I am very grateful that GOD placed me in the position to work so that I had a way to support my family…make NO mistake about that!

But there are times when we do just stop and ask ourselves questions about our jobs and our feelings towards the job. Today is that day for me. I just can’t seem to wrap my mind around how unprofessional the so-called professionals have become. They try to flex on you based upon their titles and expect you to not say a word. And the truth be told I am actually my own boss because I am not an employee for the company and I have no real direct to report to daily from the company I am with.

I mean let’s drive this car down real street since we are riding in it. It makes me sick to my stomach to see small companies lose themselves in trying to be #1. They drop what made them a success to begin with once they get their name in the top 10 spot. This company is no different. I gave it much thought and have even asked the question and have yet to get the definitive answer. When this thing was started it was no secret we were going to be using computers and printers and other technical items.

But NOT ONE person thought about their support system if the things stop working. They have NO SOP, there are no real processes or procedures when it comes to technical request or assistance. Right now the only request we don’t take is to pay mortgages or car notes. Folks can ask for stuff at the last minute and we are supposed to make it happen even if it is a known fact we can’t.

And check this out…if we can’t satisfy the request the customer is allowed to piss a fit and have a tantrum. There are more meetings here than the president has with his staff and they come out with NO FREAKIN’ SOLUTIONS!!! What good is a meeting if nothing comes out of it? I have come to hate meetings that waste time fanning fires. I was not trained to be a fire starter!!! I have been trained to put fires out!!! And not just that but also to use common sense when resolving issues and the prevention of it ever coming up again.

Common sense is frowned upon here because if the obvious solution is clear there is a small possibility that is one less job that someone can get that spotlight. And believe me when I say lots of folks here rely on the job for significance in life. Whole lotta that here and it cracks me up. I am so happy and grateful for the many things I do outside of here and can’t wait to see them actually grow like I know they will. I am equally grateful for being able to stay in a field like this and learn to love what I do so I never lose respect for that which I have blessed to do.

But I hurt for anyone who contracts for any company that can hire 250-350 people all around you, (never once addressing the fact that you really should be hired for the position you currently fill because they know they are short staffed in that area), over look the many emails that are sent by employees on how well your service is and even the fact that they would prefer to have me answer their request rather than one of the other technicians.

It is sad that IT contractors do not have unions like some of the other groups do because not everyone is cut out for this kind of job, we are in demand just like police, doctors, and any other position that a body be available 24 hours a day. We give up much to be the best we can at this…at least us from the OLD SCHOOL do!

Even though I have felt like this is another one of those “Thankless Positions” it does not change the respect and love I have for what I do because I remember life before it and it was a big ????? for me.