Hello All,

I have been doing job as a System Administrator for past few years. In my initial years I was excited, but for past some time, I have lost my interest in doing this job because I am deadly bored of the my daily schedules, office overtime, cheap management and their policies, money minded and greedy people all around (who can do almost anything to please their bosses). Moreover, I can see that there's no place for self satisfaction, mental peace, happiness, love, relations, family, friends... nothing!

So now a days, I am seriously thinking to quit this job and start working as a freelancer, so at least I can give some time to people around me and can make a happy and healthy life.

My love for Unix and programming is still there.

Well, I need some healthy suggestions that what are opportunities for a freelancer in areas of Unix and programming.

Cheers!

Impossible for anyone to answer. Your opportunities depend on where you live, who you know, your reputation around you, contacts, skills, experience, etc. If you're bored, tell your boss you're not being challenged, and you can get something else to learn/work on that WILL challenge you.

And to dispel a myth: if you think that being a freelancer will magically make your boredom, cheap management, greedy people, etc., go away, you're wrong. Those same managers WILL BE HIRING YOU as a freelancer, will not want to pay what you're asking, and you will get the bottom of the barrel when it comes to jobs. If it's menial, boring, etc., they're going to give it to the contractor...not one of their higher-paid employees. And do you think that they're going to be waiting at your desk at the end of the day to hand you a check and compliment you on your work?? You'll have to follow up often to make sure you get paid.

There are alot of good things, but just as many bad. If you've only got a couple of years, chances are you won't be taken too seriously as a freelancer (unless you have a VERY impressive resume). Good luck.

Hmmm. It won't resolve the other issues but I guarantee it will solve his boredom problem as he will be spending every spare minute of the day networking and chasing leads ;-p I agree it would be better to exhaust possibilities in the current workplace first.

I can GUARANTEE he'll be doing that.
When I worked for someone else, I would either look for things that needed to be done and do them, or learn something new. I looked at "boredom" as "paid training time".

Ah, I already did that ;-p


I'm usually way too busy to even think I might be getting bored... Definitely need way longer days.


Ah, good one, that reminds me: pro-actively suggesting taking on "projects" (especially the ones that improve business aspects) looks good towards management and might (if "special" enough to mention) on his resume.

Making and working on websites for clients.

Already saturated market, cut-throat tactics, don't apply without huge portfolio, bad hours, bad pay, bad clients, bad deadlines, bad management, should I go on?
OTOH maybe it would be good for him to try. When he's done at least he realizes why his current job ain't that bad...

When I get bored, I install new shiny stuff.

This month it is splunk> and oh boy!
NOT bored any more.

Thanks everyone. I am actually looking for such responses, so it can help me to decide the future.

I personally think that whatever we're doing in our life is doing only for happiness. And if there's no happiness in your work, then there's no point of doing that job. I have not only been facing this situation in my present organizations, but I have observed the same problem in my previous organizations as well. Although I don't want to quit this job just because of such problem, but actually there's no joy. And this is the only reason for exploring new opportunities.
There's always room at the top.

While all that may be true, please don't think that you'll just magically have happiness and joy by changing your work environment. You are going to have the same stresses/problems as you have now...but MORE OF THEM. EVERY new employer will make you learn their system, and do things their way; each is different than the other. And you'll have to actually get in the door, interview, etc., to get ANY business.
Yep...and if you think you're just going to be at the top from day one, you're in for a shock.

Shivaa: You've got "mail" (check PMs too)...

Hi,

If you look at the referenced link ;STRESS
You should be able to identify why boredom, listless or out right lose of interest is in your life. Please note that you should possibly consider seeing a professional.

Personally, I handled my stress environment by learning to identify the point(s) that were triggering issues then adapt. Sometimes it would require intervention by mentors or even my personal care physician. Knowing your strengths and limits can help you in stress filled atmosphere(s)/environments. Not knowing you personally makes it hard to advise. Hopefully you know someone that can help you when things are going bad so that you can speak freely without fears or lose of trust. Thankfully my physician is also a close friend.

Now as to the hope of entering another field of study or work will be up to you. May I suggest that you sample the fields of interest independent of your current position. Do the work after professional hours to see if you really want the change or if the added interest relieves issue(s) in the current job.

As an example, I participate in the American Lung Association locally to help the community. Sometimes it would involve computers while most of the time interaction with other people and mentoring. This helped me to lower my stress levels in my professional life and peek abilities, increased interest along with the added satisfaction. I am an over achiever and must adjust so as not to add more stress by adding additional unwarranted task(s).

Some helpful quotations;

BTW, when you sometimes work with something independent of your profession then the world around you is a beautiful experience. -- Mine

HTH!

Hello onebuck,

Thanks a lot for a great advice. Well, I am thinking to take a long leave from the work and then come back after few months.

Thanks again. I really appreciate your advice and suggestions.

Hi,

A leave may provide some relief. Reflect openly with someone you trust and then you may improve the situation or at least open a path to solutions/remedy.

Walk softly & never bring a knife to a gun fight! Know your tools and to utilize reserves when needed.

Best!