If you're like me, you often wonder how important you are to the function of your department or company. With my upcoming active duty stint, I'm kind of finding out the answer to that question.

My duties cover a lot of territory - I manage (and perform) applications development, I'm the front line system admin for our servers and desktops, I manage a few key projects, and I'm third in command in the department.

So to cover for me while I'm gone, they are using the following people from IT: two developers, one DBA, one sys admin, and 2 other analysts in the department. Now of course these folks are not doing my work full time - they have other responsibilities and are just covering for me when the need arises. But it's nice to know that I seem to have a key role in the group.

Now for the tricky part. My boss asked me if I was planning on returning to work after my active duty time was finished. I said "yes" so that he wouldn't give my job away (I know they have to offer me the same level of job when I return), but in reality I don't know if I can afford to work there anymore. I'm spending $400+ per month on gas, plus running the hell out of my car. For that privilege I'm paid in the 2nd percentile for my experience and position (relative to others in the area).

So while I'm at Ft Gordon (you should say "hey" when you're down there Pecos), I'll probably be actively seeking another job. I just feel that I'm worth more than they are willing to pay.

If you can find something that betters yourself financially, I think you have to take it. That's the world we live in right now. The concept of a company owing an employee any loyalty has been out the window for quite some time, and I think that goes both ways.

I am confident you can find something more to your liking and pay scale. Based on what you said here, skills like yours are in demand.

Good Luck!!

LKS,

For an IT guy, there are a lot of contractors supporting Ft Gordon. It has been 2 1/2 years since I worked there, so I don't have any current knowledge as to what their manpower requirements might be. As I recall, you will be working with the Signal Corp, but take a look around at some of the other things going on and you might spot an opportunity. There are several expansions that are in the late planning stages and some of them may have funding. The cost of living around Augusta is very agreeable, and except for July and August the weather is pretty good and you will never shovel snow.

I get over to the Ft every 6 or 7 weeks and normally try to eat lunch out at the Golf Club house where they serve an excellent hamburger with real fries. I'll post a few days ahead of the next time I go over there.

quote:

Originally posted by Pecos:
LKS,

For an IT guy, there are a lot of contractors supporting Ft Gordon. It has been 2 1/2 years since I worked there, so I don't have any current knowledge as to what their manpower requirements might be. As I recall, you will be working with the Signal Corp, but take a look around at some of the other things going on and you might spot an opportunity. There are several expansions that are in the late planning stages and some of them may have funding. The cost of living around Augusta is very agreeable, and except for July and August the weather is pretty good and you will never shovel snow.

I get over to the Ft every 6 or 7 weeks and normally try to eat lunch out at the Golf Club house where they serve an excellent hamburger with real fries. I'll post a few days ahead of the next time I go over there.

Sounds good - I look forward to it.

I'll look around the Ft. Gordon/Augusta area while I'm down there.

Thanks