Stop BITCHIN'!!

Problem: I run into a lot of cynical people in this business! It's hard to put my finger on just why, but I think it has to do with a certain arrogance that builds up over time. Arrogance that grows out of handing lots of what we would call simple problems for 'stupid' users. Anyhow, it's a HUGE mistake to get carried away with this attitude, because sooner or later it's going to get back to the users. The users are not really stupid just because they might not know as much about technology as we do. If you really care about eating, remember who's buying the groceries!!

Solution:

1. First of all decide right now if you really want to be in the business. There are plenty of other job opportunities. The longer you do this with a bad attitude the greater the chance someone will notice, and they're not gonna like what they see. NOTE: there are lots of very smart people in India, Canada and other countries who are willing to do your job right now, cheaper and with a big smile on their face.
2. Think of positive ways to solve the problems. If the routine stuff is getting under your skin, find a way to automate it or somehow limit your personal involvement.
3. In your spare time, if you have any, find ways to make the users see your true value to them. If they're not absolutely delighted to see you when you show up, your not trying very hard. IT people and organizations have always been regarded as a burden; a cost; something to tolerate; and eventually as something that needs to be downsized. Thus, all the outsourcing we've seen in the past several years. It's YOUR job to turn this thing around. If you play your cards right you can get your superiors and/or customers to view you as an assest instead of the typical burden. When you're finally appreciated you'll be a much happier person, and I won't have to worry about you taking the pipe.