Should I start searching now or wait until I get my Network+? I have my A+ right now, but I’m probably not going to get my Network+ until 3 months later. I have 3 months on the job here so far, I’m 20 years old and get paid $55k/year.
Counterpoint - almost all jobs will have elements of this type of stressful fuckery. Use it as a learning experience, and do your best to navigate the constraints while maintaining professionalism and value to your employer.
It’s a balance; if it’s truly soul destroying then your health and happiness is more important, get out. However, the more you learn how to deal with this, the less likely you are to burn out in other jobs when they get shit like this. Not so that you can just suck it up and grind away for awful bosses, but so that you can give yourself the maximum options for you, and stress less while going through it.
You already seem to have the right mindset about trying to do this right, so the one thing I’ll say is this: everything in writing, straight away. It’s easy to get too relaxed about this when it’s all going smoothly, but then something catches you out and it’s too late (eg already been told not to bring it up again).
This part will feel awkward, but to protect yourself, you need to send your boss an email summarising your conversation and your understanding of the outcome (not updating). Frame it as a “I hear you, and I apologise for my previous insistence” if it helps smooth things over, but just make sure it outlines your previous queries and suggestions and their response to you. It’s the only way to cover your own butt in these situations, and it’s a great habit to get into after every conversation that has decisions or changes etc. Put it in writing as a summary: you can refer back to it later and it let’s the other person know you understood their position / instruction
Thank you a lot for the advice! I’m kinda cheating a bit and using ChatGPT to draft my email, if anyone else sees this and wants to help feel free! Its late so I’ll redo this in the morning. Not exactly what I’m going to send I’ll fix it a little to make it better when I have time.
Email to Your Boss
Subject: Summary of Our Conversation and Security Concerns
Hi [Boss],
I hope you’re well.
I wanted to summarize our recent conversation regarding the desktop running Windows 7. As per your instructions, I have not made any changes to the current setup. I understand your position on not upgrading the desktop at this time.
However, I want to document that the system poses significant security risks due to its lack of support and potential vulnerabilities. While we have good security measures in place, it doesn’t matter how many security measures we have; this outdated OS could lead to data loss and disruptions.
One known vulnerability, EternalBlue, allows attackers to take control of a system just by sending data over the internet, bypassing many security measures.
I’ve brought a replacement computer with Windows 10 installed and preconfigured with all necessary software. It has been verified that it has everything needed. This computer will be left here as a drop-in replacement if the current Windows 7 computer breaks down. Given the recent issues with the system and requests for a new computer, this will help minimize any downtime.
Please confirm if my understanding is correct, and let me know if there are any further steps you would like me to take.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Email to Senior Management
Subject: Security Concern Regarding Windows 7 Desktop
Hi [Senior Management],
I hope you’re well.
I wanted to bring a security issue to your attention. We have a desktop running Windows 7 that hasn’t been upgraded despite my efforts to address this with [Boss]. This system accesses our server and poses a significant security risk.
[Boss] mentioned that we have good security measures, but the operating system itself is vulnerable. It doesn’t matter how many security measures we have in place; this outdated OS could lead to data loss, disruptions, and undermine the security expectations of our customers.
One known vulnerability, EternalBlue, allows attackers to take control of a system just by sending data over the internet, bypassing many security measures.
I’ve brought a fully updated replacement computer with Windows 10. It has been verified that it has everything needed. This computer will be left here as a drop-in replacement if the current Windows 7 computer breaks down. Given the recent issues with the system and requests for a new computer, this will help minimize any downtime.
To be transparent and protect our network, I’d like to CC you on my communication with [Boss] to make sure you’re aware and involved. Is this okay with you? Do you want me to CC anyone else?
See what you can get by putting some subtle feelers out. Talk to a recruiter or two. Best time to search for a job is while you have one, but you don’t have to commit to it full time unless shit really hits the fan. You’re more likely to get written up than fired initially anyway if he’s not the owner, erratic or not he has to answer for that.
Continue working towards whatever certifications you want in the meantime, especially if the job pays/reimburses you for it.
Start looking now. Tell prospective employers that you’re working on the certification and include it in your CV (as a work in progress, ofc). Job searches take a long time, and the sooner you start, the sooner you’re out.
Edit: @MrBobDobalina@lemmy.ml has exactly the correct approach for getting it in writing. Keep it professional, emotionless, as close to an accurate summary of the situation and the decisions made as possible.
Should I start searching now or wait until I get my Network+? I have my A+ right now, but I’m probably not going to get my Network+ until 3 months later. I have 3 months on the job here so far, I’m 20 years old and get paid $55k/year.
Counterpoint - almost all jobs will have elements of this type of stressful fuckery. Use it as a learning experience, and do your best to navigate the constraints while maintaining professionalism and value to your employer.
It’s a balance; if it’s truly soul destroying then your health and happiness is more important, get out. However, the more you learn how to deal with this, the less likely you are to burn out in other jobs when they get shit like this. Not so that you can just suck it up and grind away for awful bosses, but so that you can give yourself the maximum options for you, and stress less while going through it.
You already seem to have the right mindset about trying to do this right, so the one thing I’ll say is this: everything in writing, straight away. It’s easy to get too relaxed about this when it’s all going smoothly, but then something catches you out and it’s too late (eg already been told not to bring it up again).
This part will feel awkward, but to protect yourself, you need to send your boss an email summarising your conversation and your understanding of the outcome (not updating). Frame it as a “I hear you, and I apologise for my previous insistence” if it helps smooth things over, but just make sure it outlines your previous queries and suggestions and their response to you. It’s the only way to cover your own butt in these situations, and it’s a great habit to get into after every conversation that has decisions or changes etc. Put it in writing as a summary: you can refer back to it later and it let’s the other person know you understood their position / instruction
Thank you a lot for the advice! I’m kinda cheating a bit and using ChatGPT to draft my email, if anyone else sees this and wants to help feel free! Its late so I’ll redo this in the morning. Not exactly what I’m going to send I’ll fix it a little to make it better when I have time.
Email to Your Boss
Subject: Summary of Our Conversation and Security Concerns
Hi [Boss],
I hope you’re well.
I wanted to summarize our recent conversation regarding the desktop running Windows 7. As per your instructions, I have not made any changes to the current setup. I understand your position on not upgrading the desktop at this time.
However, I want to document that the system poses significant security risks due to its lack of support and potential vulnerabilities. While we have good security measures in place, it doesn’t matter how many security measures we have; this outdated OS could lead to data loss and disruptions.
One known vulnerability, EternalBlue, allows attackers to take control of a system just by sending data over the internet, bypassing many security measures.
I’ve brought a replacement computer with Windows 10 installed and preconfigured with all necessary software. It has been verified that it has everything needed. This computer will be left here as a drop-in replacement if the current Windows 7 computer breaks down. Given the recent issues with the system and requests for a new computer, this will help minimize any downtime.
Please confirm if my understanding is correct, and let me know if there are any further steps you would like me to take.
Thanks, [Your Name]
Email to Senior Management
Subject: Security Concern Regarding Windows 7 Desktop
Hi [Senior Management],
I hope you’re well.
I wanted to bring a security issue to your attention. We have a desktop running Windows 7 that hasn’t been upgraded despite my efforts to address this with [Boss]. This system accesses our server and poses a significant security risk.
[Boss] mentioned that we have good security measures, but the operating system itself is vulnerable. It doesn’t matter how many security measures we have in place; this outdated OS could lead to data loss, disruptions, and undermine the security expectations of our customers.
One known vulnerability, EternalBlue, allows attackers to take control of a system just by sending data over the internet, bypassing many security measures.
I’ve brought a fully updated replacement computer with Windows 10. It has been verified that it has everything needed. This computer will be left here as a drop-in replacement if the current Windows 7 computer breaks down. Given the recent issues with the system and requests for a new computer, this will help minimize any downtime.
To be transparent and protect our network, I’d like to CC you on my communication with [Boss] to make sure you’re aware and involved. Is this okay with you? Do you want me to CC anyone else?
Thanks for your understanding.
Best, [Your Name]
Is this good?
See what you can get by putting some subtle feelers out. Talk to a recruiter or two. Best time to search for a job is while you have one, but you don’t have to commit to it full time unless shit really hits the fan. You’re more likely to get written up than fired initially anyway if he’s not the owner, erratic or not he has to answer for that.
Continue working towards whatever certifications you want in the meantime, especially if the job pays/reimburses you for it.
Start looking now. Tell prospective employers that you’re working on the certification and include it in your CV (as a work in progress, ofc). Job searches take a long time, and the sooner you start, the sooner you’re out.
Edit: @MrBobDobalina@lemmy.ml has exactly the correct approach for getting it in writing. Keep it professional, emotionless, as close to an accurate summary of the situation and the decisions made as possible.
Not my field and i don’t know anything about this. But it’s clearly a stupid job that’s going to fuck you up.
You’ll quickly learn that money isnt everything. The stress of this nonsense will eventually kill your work ethics. Start looking now.