The Janitor's Job

chronos · 10-23-2005, 06:31 AM

Kitsune,
I have the unique experience of having been a janitor for 10 years and a sysadmin/computer consultant for 11. I specialize in storage networking and have migrations like yours before and know what that's like. So I can give you an informed opinion on things.

Sure, being a janitor, it's nice that you don't bring your work home with you but that's about the only benefit of the job. Our peak work periods are late at night and holidays because that's when people aren't around to get in our way. I worked every single holiday (including christmas) for a 10 year period. I had to work in schools during the summer when it was 100 degrees scrubbing floors with toxic chemicals to remove the wax with no air conditioning (it cost to much to keep it going just for the janitors). The disrespect heaped on us by everyone else was infuriating. Anything stolen - it was the janitors. Someone shit on the floor and wiped it on the walls - call the janitors. Don't worry about making a mess - that's the janitor's job. It was just horrible.

I got a break and got onto a help desk working 70+ hours a week and I was happier than being a janitor. I've had to travel extensively all over the world and missed many family events (weddings, funerals, bdays, etc) and I still am happier than if I was a janitor. I make 10x what I made as a janitor. The opportunities it has provided me has been worth the sacrifice.

It's the "golden handcuffs" of computer work. When times are rough... they are REALLY rough and you hate every moment of it but you must be there because the company "needs" you. When times are good ... they are REALLY good and you can decide to take a 1/2 day or maybe go on a really nice vacation in europe. Or maybe a vendor takes you on a boondoggle or a day of golf.

Me.... I'm in this industry for about 2 more years and then I'm getting out. I appreciate everything it did for me and the opps it provided, but I'm trying to start a family and want to focus on my own life for a change. I'm not sure what I'll do, but I can tell you I won't go back to being a janitor.

Jerry

10-23-2005, 06:31 AM	#3
chronos Dry Nurse Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 23	Kitsune, I have the unique experience of having been a janitor for 10 years and a sysadmin/computer consultant for 11. I specialize in storage networking and have migrations like yours before and know what that's like. So I can give you an informed opinion on things. Sure, being a janitor, it's nice that you don't bring your work home with you but that's about the only benefit of the job. Our peak work periods are late at night and holidays because that's when people aren't around to get in our way. I worked every single holiday (including christmas) for a 10 year period. I had to work in schools during the summer when it was 100 degrees scrubbing floors with toxic chemicals to remove the wax with no air conditioning (it cost to much to keep it going just for the janitors). The disrespect heaped on us by everyone else was infuriating. Anything stolen - it was the janitors. Someone shit on the floor and wiped it on the walls - call the janitors. Don't worry about making a mess - that's the janitor's job. It was just horrible. I got a break and got onto a help desk working 70+ hours a week and I was happier than being a janitor. I've had to travel extensively all over the world and missed many family events (weddings, funerals, bdays, etc) and I still am happier than if I was a janitor. I make 10x what I made as a janitor. The opportunities it has provided me has been worth the sacrifice. It's the "golden handcuffs" of computer work. When times are rough... they are REALLY rough and you hate every moment of it but you must be there because the company "needs" you. When times are good ... they are REALLY good and you can decide to take a 1/2 day or maybe go on a really nice vacation in europe. Or maybe a vendor takes you on a boondoggle or a day of golf. Me.... I'm in this industry for about 2 more years and then I'm getting out. I appreciate everything it did for me and the opps it provided, but I'm trying to start a family and want to focus on my own life for a change. I'm not sure what I'll do, but I can tell you I won't go back to being a janitor. Jerry Last edited by chronos; 10-23-2005 at 06:33 AM.

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