MAMEWorld Forums - The Loony Bin - Re: Ok, I'm asking for all you loonies for life advice

> What the hell is wrong with me?
>
> I work in computer support...fixing PCs, servers, reinstalling
> software/hardware...basically a tier 2, PC/server support type position.
>
> I've been in some line of computer support since I was about 18 (I'm almost mid 30's
> now) and I'm damn sick of it. I was the guy supporting your internet problems when
> you had a 28.8k modem...it's been that long. I remember when ISDN hit the market and
> it was amazing speed at the time.
>
> I'm wanting to go back to school, but not sure what for. I'm good with computers, and
> was always good at graphic design (which would be a great job, but the pay sucks...at
> least at the entry level position). All I know is I want to get out of computer
> support....at least at the menial level I'm at now.
>
> I don't know if I'm ADD or ADHD or what but I have a hard time focusing or
> concentrating on any one thing anymore...I wasn't always like this...I used to be
> very outgoing and friendly, but these days I'm just angry...bitter and extremely
> depressed. I hate the person I am lately, and I place 99% of it on my current work
> situation. The happiest I am every day is when I get home and I get to see my family.
>
> I'm the sole tech in a building that houses 600+ employees...plus I've got to take
> tickets for employees nation wide. Needless to say from 9-5 I'm hopping busy
> (understatement), and it's never ending. (I'm fully aware that in today's world I
> should be grateful I've got a job that pays the bills...but at what price? My sanity
> "bank account" is just about tapped, and I'm finding it harder and harder to be
> motivated in my professional, and personal life)
>
> *EDIT* I feel I should mention this...I work with a "team" that consists of about 8
> other techs. I've consistently closed tickets amounting to almost double what each
> tech does in a daily basis (even wyhen working from HOME)....lately my manager
> initiated a "quota" per week of tickets that need to be closed. He also initiated an
> "award" type system for the top performer each month. Now my co-workers, who had in
> the past been slacking, are now finally doing the same amount of work I've been doing
> for years, dare I say, even surpassing me now. Why the FUCK they weren't working that
> hard in the past 5-6 years doesn't make much sense to me, but now that they'll get
> some kind of reward at the end of the month, they're finally pulling their
> weight....while now I'm being accused of slacking while for years past my stats have
> been higher than the rest of my team-mates.
>
> I've got an interview next week with a company that looks good....I interviewed with
> them before about 6 months ago and they went with someone else (I think because once
> they heard what I'm currently getting paid, they went with a cheaper option), but as
> of a couple weeks ago they contacted me again for another position. I really want to
> work for this company as they seem really laid back and a great work atmosphere. It
> would be doing the same thing basically but I feel I'd be much happier there in the
> short term, but still want to get the hell out of the type of work I'm in.
>
> What kind of jobs out there would suit someone who has loads of PC/server support
> type experience, but doesn't exactly want to be in that field anymore? What kind of
> skills should I focus on if I go back to school? What kinds of jobs are in high
> demand, and pays decently, even at the entry level?
>
> I guess I should mention that I'm not interested in any type of computer programing
> or computer science field.....programming languages make my head spin and I just
> cannot grasp it other than basic HTML that is severely outdated in today's world.
>
> I'm seriously at a crux in my life, at least career wise. I need to progress....I'm
> not religious but if this next interview doesn't pan out, I'm seriously going to go
> "full-lent" on video games, booze, internet, TV, etc, until I get a better job.
> Meaning I will give up all recreational, electronic type activities to hit the books
> and hit the pavement looking for a better career until I land a better job.
>
> Not that I ever would, but I'm starting to understand how people can go "postal"
>
> I'm rambling I guess but I'm really near my ropes end. I need to find some direction
> to go but don't know if I should go right or left.
>
> Give me some inspiration, advice, a kick in the ass or even chastising...I accept it
> all.
>
> Something needs to change in me but I can't get it moving for whatever reason.
>
>
> Booze and the bin don't mix.....I'm treating the Bin like a therapist.
>
> There's a reason why my avatar is what it is.....this is what I mentally do to myself
> on a daily basis.

Sounds to me like an early mid life crisis. I went through this a couple of years ago.

You seriously need to just stop, smell the roses and look at what's important. If you've got a roof over your head, a great wife and kids and supportive friends and family, life isn't bad at all.

Keep yourself in check just by doing small things that matter to you personally. Stay positive and remember that a job is just a job - you'll never be completely satisfied and if the dollars are good enough, you're doing better than shitload of others out there.

You're a good person Hizz and I think your own advice about giving up the internet for a while is a great idea too. Seek inspiration from others and laugh often.

Love Sez.

PS: Take a deep breath immediately.

Why won't anyone listen to ninjakid - he's being serial!