10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guy”
I only met my brother’s ex-girlfriend’s family once — the year they invited our family over to share Thanksgiving dinner. Since we were basically a group of strangers looking to make a good first impression, the table conversation was nothing more than friendly idle chitchat.
When I asked our hostess for more mashed potatoes, she took the opportunity to ask me about myself while dishing out my second helping — “So Shaun, what do you do for a living?”
Hesitantly, I responded: “I work in computer support.”
The transition to silence was immediate. All eyes suddenly turned to me, raised eyebrows all around. If you hadn’t heard my response, judging from everyone’s reaction you might think I said something outrageous like I was a male stripper or a gynecologist — but I knew the awkward silence would soon be broken by an overwhelming outpouring of computer questions.
“Oh wow, a computer guy!” — “So you know how to remove spyware and viruses and stuff, right?” — “Our family computer is really slow, I think it has a virus.” — “Do you have a business card, or can I get your number?”
I politely and patiently answered their questions, hoping that we’d exhaust the subject in a matter of minutes and then move on to something else. As it would turn out, my hopeful prediction was very wrong — the gentleman sitting next to me scooted his seat closer to me to begin an interrogation.
This man I was meeting for the first time must’ve truly believed that I was going to help him with his problem at that very moment. It didn’t matter how uninterested I looked or sounded, he was convinced that I must know the answer he’s looking for and he was determined he would get it.
Situations like this one were common for me. I’ve had eavesdropping strangers approach me with questions about their computer while I was eating in a restaurant. I’ve had oblivious coworkers step in front of me in a buffet line to tell me about their computer problems while I was serving myself food. I’ve had neighbors who spotted me from their window rush outside to coax me into working on their home computer while I was walking to the corner market. My knack for solving people’s computer problems had become so well-known among my neighborhood that these circumstances were near impossible to avoid.
You might be thinking, “So why complain? If your help is in high demand, why not embrace your talents and charge people for your time?”
I tried to for seven years. I’ve worked in the computer industry in various ways — help desk support, web design, consulting and sales, field technician, freelance computer specialist, and whatever other fancy name you want to give “the computer guy.”
I stopped enjoying it. There were certainly times when I enjoyed myself, but most of those times were when my computer talents were still developing. Once I stopped learning new things on the job, I would become fidgety and want to move on to something else.
From my career-hopping experiences in the computer industry, I’ve become acquainted with the Top Ten Reasons it doesn’t pay to be the computer guy:
Reason #10 - Most Of Your Accomplishments Are Invisible
The computer guy never hears anyone tell him, “I just want to let you know … everything is working fine!”
The reality is that people call the computer guy when something is wrong.
As a computer guy, if you work really hard to make everything work the way that it should, and things work fine, then people believe you don’t do anything. Everything you manage to get working correctly or do perfectly will forever remain unnoticed by computer users. They’ll only ever notice that you do anything when something isn’t working correctly, and you are called upon to fix it.
Reason #9 - Every Conversation You Have Is Roughly The Same
When the computer guy dares to mention what he does for a living, the typical response is, “I have a question about my home computer…”
Or when the computer guy first hears about a widespread problem within the computer network he’s responsible for, he can barely begin to assess the problem before a dozen other people call to report the same problem.
Or when the computer guy explains a certain process on a computer to a user who is incapable of retaining the process, he will inevitably need to reinstruct the user of this same process — indefinitely.
Reason #8 - You’re An Expert Of Bleeding-Edge Technology Products, Aren’t You?
The computer guy often finds himself in situations where someone is asking him for advice on a pending investment of the technological variety.
“I heard about (some hardware or software product) that can do (something desirable) for me. I brought you these (advertisements/reviews/printouts) because I wanted your recommendation. Which would you buy?”
Although the inquiring person sincerely trusts the computer guy’s judgment over their own, in almost every instance the real objective of these meetings is to ensure their own immunity from making a risky purchase.
If it turns out to be a bad investment, and they cannot get (the hardware or software product) to do (anything desirable), then you will be their personal scapegoat — “But honey, the computer guy said I should buy it!”
Reason #7 - Your Talents Are Forcibly Undervalued
Thanks to the constantly declining price of new computers, the computer guy cannot charge labor sums without a dispute. If he asks to be paid what he is worth, he will likely be met with the “why not buy new?” argument.
That is, desktop computers are always getting smaller, faster, and cheaper. It’s possible to purchase a new desktop computer for under $400. If the computer guy spends five hours fixing a computer and wants $100/hour for his time, his customer will be outraged, exclaiming “I didn’t even spend this much to BUY the computer, why should I pay this much just to FIX it?”
Reason #6 - You’re Never Allowed A Moment’s Peace
The computer guy is so prone to interruption that he rarely finds an opportunity to work on his own problems. This is because:
- Computers never sleep.
- Computer problems aren’t scheduled.
- Every problem takes time to diagnose.
- The computer guy can only give one problem his full attention.
- Each user believes their problem deserves attention now.
Consequently, the computer guy has a 24/7 obligation to keep critical computer systems running, while simultaneously juggling everyone’s problems. He’ll often need to forfeit any opportunities to tend to his own needs for the sake of others — because at any moment, of any day, he can be interrupted by someone who wants to make their problem his problem.
Reason #5 - People Ask You To Perform Miracles
The computer guy is often mistaken for someone who possesses the combined skills of an old priest and a young priest. I’ll sum this up easily by example:
“No, I really can’t recover any files from your thumb drive, even if you did find it after it passed through your dog.”
Reason #4 - Your Assumed “All-Knowing” Status Sets You Up To Let People Down
There is no common understanding that there are smaller divisions within the computer industry, and that the computer guy cannot be an expert in all areas. What makes things worse, is when the computer guy attempts to explain this to someone asking for help, the person will often believe that the computer guy is withholding the desired knowledge to avoid having to help.
This is somewhat related to the next reason:
Reason #3 - You Possess Unlimited Responsibility
The computer guy is expected to solve problems. It is difficult to determine the boundaries of that expectation.
Some of the oddest things that I’ve been asked to do include:
- Use pirated software to undelete important company files.
- Create an Intranet, after explaining I didn’t know how to.
- Teach someone how to hide their pornography collection.
Solving problems can range from replacing batteries in a wireless keyboard to investigating why the entire building loses power at the same time every morning. Resolutions can necessitate weaving a 50-foot cable through a drop ceiling, or wriggling under a house on your belly to add an electrical outlet.
Reasons #4 and #3 boil down to this: no matter how often you want to play the role of a hero, there will always be circumstances that test the limits of your ability to be one. It’s difficult to judge when helping someone means doing something immoral, and it’s even harder to admit you are unable to solve someone’s problem — and chances are, that someone will view you as incompetent because you were unable to help them.
Reason #2 - A Life Of Alienation
People only talk to the computer guy when they need him to fix something. Also, when the computer guy approaches a user, they’ll hop up out of their chair under the presumption that he’s there to fix something — as if it would never be expected that he only wants to strike up a conversation.
The fact that the computer guy never gets a moment’s peace can also practically force him to withdraw into solitude. His co-workers don’t understand that he doesn’t want to hear about their computer problems during his lunch hour — he does that every other hour of the day. That’s why the computer guy eats lunch alone with his door closed, or goes out to eat every day — not because he’s unfriendly, but because he needs to escape the incessant interruptions.
Reason #1 - You Have No Identity
It’s an awful experience when the computer guy shows up at a neighbor’s doorstep with a plate of Christmas cookies, only to have the child who answered the door call out, “Mom, the computer guy is here!” He begs for an identity that is not directly associated with computers, but “the computer guy” label walks ahead of him — it simply cannot be avoided. I was given a name and I’d love to be addressed by it.
Having read these reasons, you may believe that I’m complaining. It’s true that I was upset with many aspects of my life as the computer guy, but I’m past the point of complaining.
I took a good hard look at my existence and realized that things were not likely to change in the line of work I had chosen. Instead of just complaining, I took action and began making positive changes in my life.
Working in the computer industry isn’t for everybody. It wasn’t for me. I’ve compiled my reasons for putting it behind me and placed them here, so that anyone who is unsatisfied with their life working in computers might recognize it’s not for them either.
265 Responses to “10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guy””
hey, when i push the power button on my computer, it just comes up with “No Operating System Found”, and there’s a kind of grinding noise. Can you help me out?
Seriously dude, you just have to be an asshole about it. There’s no other way to avoid being “the computer guy” and owning everyone’s problems.
Nowadays I just pretend that I don’t know anything about Windows. (You ARE using Linux or Mac, right?)
hey, I switched on my firewall and my house burnt down, can you help?
My piece of advice: develop a Nick Burns type of attitude. Seriously, if you’re arrogant and condescending about fixing people’s computer, they’ll come to you a lot less often.
Right on. As an IT pro with over 20 years experience I set a goal this year to not fix anyone’s computer for money, or for free. As you pointed out, it just doesn’t pay, the follow-up kills your time, and anything else that ever goes wrong is “your fault” b/c it must be related to whatever you did. I pass all the rebuilds and fixes on to my teenagers now. They love it, it’s easy money for them, and it’s enough money for them. Thanks for a great post!
it’s a deprecating career path. take some classes and change direction. work with kids…do something that will get you the individual attention and respect you need.
Slam dunk post. You summed up alot of what I think every day.
Don’t be the computer guy.
Be the software architect. And have computer guys work for you.
This is why I simply tell people that I am a consultant ~:)
You hit the nail on the head. It’s weird, people recognize that you have a lot of knowledge and skill but they don’t respect you for it, and don’t want to learn about their computers themselves.
Great post man, I tried to articulate a similar post — but you’ve done a much better job!! I feel your pain man.
You might find this hard to believe but when I was working in nuclear reactor safety some of those same features applied. Now the people at dinner haven’t actually got reactors that they want looked at but you might still find they want to extend your working week by an hour (unpaid).
You can only be abused if you allow yourself to be.
The problem is not being able to say “No” or not countering a request with counter-request for something of sufficiently equivalent value. What was the story about the guy on Craigs List who exchanged “favors” for computer help?
But they’re “taking advantage of the relationship” you say. But every relationship/interaction with others is like that. You learn to live with and deal with it or you’ll end up being a victim for the rest of your life. It’s a choice - explicit or by default.
Amen Brother! I cannot agree with you more, this is why I’m looking to do a career change.
Computer work (no matter what kind that you do), owning a pick up truck, and being able to grill will always guarantee someone needs you.
Dead on. With close to 20 years in the industry as well I can relate to every point. I also stopped working on computers for friends, neighbors and so forth. Just not worth the headaches. I will help family members, but they’re kind enough to come to me only after they’ve exhausted other resources. Pretty much everyone I know in the field would bail out of it tomorrow given the chance. But.. still have to pay the bills. Tough to transition to a new career when you’re in late 40’s.. but looking nonetheless.
Man.. Spot on.
Being The Computer Guy Sucks…
Of coruse, we all know that It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€Â?, finally someone’s enumerated them from 1……
I feel you man. I “used” to be the computer and I went into Web Development to escape the hell. Now when people ask me computer related questions I respond, “Wow, I have been out of fixing computers for a couple of years now so I would not know where to start.” This gets people every time as they “understand” how technology changes so quickly.
It is so nice to go to parties now and have real conversations that have nothing to do with computers.
I have exactly the same problems! So the big question is, what do you do now?
My internet doesn’t work
I was just blogging (couple days ago) about how to deal with this very problem and a friend pointed me to your entry.
I feel your pain. Click my name if you’re curious how I decided to deal with it.
Get over it. Most jobs are this way. The only complaint that seems reasonable is number 7. As far as number 1, for as long as I can remember, instead of being AJ, I was Roberts dad, the flower lady’s husband, the electrician, or what ever. As an electrician I can work on the north end of a machine that is as big as a large house, and be blamed for something breaking on the south end. If I do my job really well and the factory is working at peak efficiency, they lay one of us off, or give us make work to do. See all of us have the same problems.
Well said indeed… #11 should be, “if you ever charge your friends, neighbors or relatives money for working on their equipment, it becomes YOUR equipment for the rest of it’s life.”
PERIOD
Okay, look… Every single complaint you have ultimately comes from the fact that you do not assert yourself (which is a common theme among “computer guys”). If you want to avoid this stuff, don’t be afraid of being an asshole a little bit. People will respect you more.
When the little kid screams “Mom, the computer guy is here”… correct him on the spot. Tell him you have a name, and you’d like him to use it appropriately. When people ask you about your job. Tell them anything you want, in fact, tell them it’s top secret and don’t answer. If someone already knows and asks for your help… tell them you really wouldn’t know, or you just don’t want to mess with it right then because it can be so time consuming.
[…] Top 10 reasons that being “The Computer Guy Doesn’t Pay” […]
haha, funny story. I can relate to that. My name is Shaun too.
Shaun Apple
Love Across Borders.
i know this is not the popular opinion right now but I’m a happy “computer dude”. i think this post is funny. I have to be firm sometimes and let people know that _their_ problem won’t be solved anytime soon but hey… it is what it is. yes, plenty of times i’d rather be fishing but hey, after 13 years i’m still having fun. being the computer guy is great! if you think it sucks, you need to go back to radio shack!
[…] in South Africa Shaun Boyd is too clairvoyant about being “The Computer Guyâ€Â?. Yes! This is more than often a bad idea. And he gives the 10 reasons […]
[…] Léopards d’Afrique du Sud Shaun Boyd est véritablement clairvoyant quand on en vient à être “Informaticien” [en anglais]. Oui ! C’est souvent une mauvaise idée (un secret à garder). Et il en donne dix […]
No really, this kind of job is not a normal one. Probably nobody out of computers really see the difference between each of the different computer-related jobs.
One of the worst situation is when you do not charge friends for what you do, but they charge themselves (sending you a gift, repetitively). Then, you’re sucked in.
As I close my own post: “Don’t tell my mother that I’m work with computers. She thinks that I’m a hooker.�
Yves
[…] und? wer erkennt sich wieder? […]
I felt like that too, for the first few years of my career. Then I discovered something. I’m not in it for the money. Or more accurately - I’m not in it ONLY for money. When I was I felt like you. Unappreciated, disrespected, blah, blah, boo-hoo.
Then I got into it. And not just “I’m better at this then 90% of people out there, so bow-down to me” into it. I got “As good as I am, 90% of people out there doing this for money are better than me” into it. I wanted to know what they knew. I wanted to be, not better than anyone - and have my cock sucked for it - but to be the best I can be. Sounds cheesy but it is what it is.
Every problem I face is an opportunity to solve something. To learn how to solve problems better. To anticipate problems and resolve them in advance. To help resolve problems that no one knew existed till I came along and pointed them out.
The money’s good. I don’t complain about getting it. But what drives me is that I get paid to be a problem solver. I’m a professional computer guy. I eat my bread and butter from understanding and solving computer problems. I get to solve a puzzle EVERY DAY and I get paid for it.
I belong to an elite club of laborers who have an opportunity through sheer determination, power of intellect, hard work and skill to touch and resolve problems in ANY industry. Every process in every field of every profession can be enhanced, made better, improved through computational science, communication and automation. How many out there have been given the ability; the tenacity to endure and the opportunity to be part of the all encompassing effort to push EVERYTHING in existence forward, faster?
I say stay in it. Be better at it. Don’t become a baker or coffee shop owner just cause the guy next door does it and has a fancy car. Any schmuck with a loan can do that.
Be a pro. Grow a spine. And stand for yourself if you feel unappreciated. No one’s gonna fight your battles for you.
Just learn this simple sentence:
“I don’t have time.”
…or what I used to say back in the days:
“I study Computer Science. Think of me as a mathematician using a big calculator. I don’t know more about computers than a physician knows about telescopes.”
there will always be a computer guy… when one gives up, two are born… its like Gremlins…
I used to be a computer guy, so I went to MBA school, and now I’m a banker…the only problem is that now people come to me for advice on stocks and investing!
A word of advice, just be crappy at what you do, kind of a dick, and nobody will ask you for anything!
Now you know how it feels to be a doctor.
“Reason #5 - People Ask You To Perform Miracles”
Yep, like the time when someone’s PC wasn’t getting past the login screen. When I told them I was just diagnosing the problem first, they said, “Oh, I thought you would have some magic code that would fix it.” I ended up wiping the whole system.
10 Reasons it does not help to be a computer guy…
I laughed when I read this article as it is really true and I cringed as well because also it is very true10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€Â? · LifeReboot.comI love being the computer guy but……
dood, i sympathise completely. I am an IT Analyst/Service Support guy and everyone of those reasons is damn true.
No wonder some IT guys go postal and shoot up offices. They should get medals for ridding the world of muppets
(no, i don’t advocate murder, just a little light hearted humour)
[…] DIE B*TCH […]
Man, you’ve summed up so many people’s lives.. great post..
The only problem with your post is that all of us reading it are “the computer guy”, and we already know what you’re talking about.
Regardless, it was a great read.
Shaun:
I realize that you’re going to get 900 comments praising your no-nonsense assessment of a career in Technology, but I just wanted to take a minute and say THANK YOU.
I’ve been in the Network Administration field for almost 5 years, and I need out - for each and every reason you mentioned above. I’ve had 2 Network Admin coworkers(1 of them a close friend) commit suicide in the past year.
International IT Workers Union
http://www.iitwu.org
[…] It really is as bad as this article illustrates. […]
[…] This article nicely summarizes the state of things with infrastructure support people. I particularly like the “Reason #10″ - Reason #10 - Most Of Your Accomplishments Are Invisible […]
LOL…. I have mentally composed this post everyday for last 7 years.
@Bob - […]I’ve had 2 Network Admin coworkers(1 of them a close friend) commit suicide in the past year.[…] WTF? Network Administration is not a fun field, but suicide worthy?
Sorry to hear that.
[…] didn’t write this. I got it off of Digg; the original site went down. Man, I can relate to a number of these… I only met my brother’s […]
What a wonderful article, you brightened up my day!
All points are correct and I can relate to every single one! Due to me currently working part time while at Uni in the webdesign industry I have been asked to develop a few websites for close family friends which I obviously said yes to and in some cases got £100 or so, the problem I have had is because these people have paid me a very small amount of money for relatively large projects they expect me to drop uni work & my part time job to update their websites, often with 100s of pictures which are 300dpi 3mb JPGs. So that means I have to edit the pictures, upload, edit pages all while doing four assignments and twelve websites at work etc.
How I wish I was a simple street cleaner sometimes, no pressure, laid back and chilling work…. yeh right ^_^
Been there, done that. I started in computers at age 31 - second career 1978. From that time I saw that. I found a great defense, its called ‘Creative Incompetence’ and comes from a book I was required to read in business school ‘The Peter Principle’- 3rd career. After they have learned that it will take me 2 weeks to get around to fixing their computer they usually find another computer guy. Now I am a ‘Motor and controls engineer’ 4th career. I still get to play with computers, but now my computers run large industrial motors and are powered by 480VAC.
dude, i feel you totally the same, i live in a community of about 8,000, im thee COMPUTER GUY. IT sucks…but i had the same problem, it was fun, til i knew it all too well…then i was annoyed.
Try being a plumber, it’s even worse.
that’s why I change my phone number every six months or so
this is great!! - i’ve found that charging something, even a small amount, tends to reduce the number of requests to more serious ones. and 2 other things i don’t talk about - fixing cars and electrical work - those generate a similar series of requests
[…] read more | digg story […]
Wow, this article is written as if someone got into my head and wrote my thoughts for me. The only thing that’s different is that I still enjoy my work, by and large. The way I deal with requests for help is by prioritizing. If someone wants help at work, I put them on the list. My boss respects my workload so that hasn’t been a problem. I try to make it a point to personally help no more than a couple people a month. If more people approach me in that period of time, I tell them to come back to see me next month, no matter how dire their situation is.
A lot of times I’ve helped people, sometimes for hours, only to be compensated with a lunch. Lunch? You owe me a week’s worth of lunch, and I let people know when they have not adequately compensated me.
Conclusion, you make the rules. They need YOUR help, not the other way around. But do it courteously, and it will save you a lot of frustration.
[…] Boyd on Lifereboot.com has written his own ‘10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€?‘, definitely worths your time. Find out the irony facts that being a “Computer […]
I know the accuracy of all these observations, not because I am a “computer guy” but because I am a doctor. Essentially all professionals, additionally including lawyers, walk this walk. Some can handle it, some move on. I know a guy whose response to his mother-in-law’s request for medical advice was, “I never give free medical advice to women without first doing a pelvic examination.” No, the marriage didn’t last and he’s still a jerk, but he is a very skilled doctor who does a lot of good.
Someone will say, “but at least you get respect.” It is empty respect when it is your job at any moment to fix what is wrong now because “You’re here.” (And the money is sometimes just not worth it, but I’m 66 and what else can I do?)
[…] that leads me to this site where someone who apperantly knows my life very well for someone who has never met me…. he sums up 10 reasons it doesn’t pay to be the computer guy […]
In about a year I will be getting my first job. I will be a tech guy in the hospital. I am young and I thought this line of work was awesome, but the way you say it…it sucks.
The other problem is actually getting someone to pay the flipping bill, its an oh my god we are all going to die emergency to get you over there at 2AM to hide porn, its not a hurry or a bother to pay the bill until 120 days later if at all.
It is simple, I have lived through the same problem as you, and it is true the moment anyone gets a whiff that you might have something to do with computers you get flooded with questions.
The way I have learned to handle it is by describing whatever I do without using the words “computer” or “support”.
Basically, I tell people that I do “problem analysis and resolution” and if they as me more about it I tell them it is boring because it has to do with statistical occurances… Keep it vague.
If ever someone ends up tripping me up and making me admit I even USE a computer, the moment they ask me how to fix a problem, I ask them what they are running. If they say Windows, I respond “I run Linux, sorry, I don’t know about Windows” or Mac, or Solaris or Vax fer gods sake.
Oh, and -
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This was an interesting article but I can’t say I agree with that all of these assertions are true or if they are true, negative. I think the worst is that “you are forcibly undervalued”, but if you specialize in a niche such as bioinformatics I think it need not be so after you’ve gotten unique experience. “You never have a moment’s rest” would be bad too, but perhaps you can do something to get better clients in that case. If you are the only person with expertise in a certain area of IT then you may be able to command some level of respect or hire some other IT people under you in your company that are willing to handle odd hours. Thanks for the article.
Thanks for this. It’s amazing how much is true…
It also doesn’t help when there’s someone completely without understanding of how something works and they _think_ that they do. I’ve seen work undone immediately after I’ve fixed it _and_ explained how and why.
Nobody changes the timing belt on their car right after getting a tune-up but they will immediately install any hokey, unnecessary, bug-ridden, shareware garbage wallpaper changer when getting a new computer.
There should be ‘keys to the kingdom’ - either users get qualified or resign themselves to being an operator and not a mechanic.
Being an oracle developer, people assume I am the computer guy and after being in the field, I know a lot of stuff that the average guy doesn’t know. So, there assumption that I know how to setup firewall and routers is correct. However, I point out that there are all sorts of specializations and tell them you wouldn’t go to a pediatrist when your head hurts either. That makes em think twice.
Also, hang out with other computer guys and make fun of business users. It makes it much more enjoyable.
I used to develop intranet applications for a small firm, being that I was the only one that did this I was also applications support (but thankfully there was a seperate hardware/network support person).
I can say that most of these are true, but you can free yourself by finding a niche you like and running into it as fast as you can. I do computer security consulting now and when people ask what I do I can say I’m a consultant. Or if they already know I work with computers and ask for help, I tell them “I’m a hacker, if you’d like me to hack into your computer I can help you with that, but I’m muc better at breaking systems than I am at fixing them.” That tends to intimidate end users enough to not want me anywhere near their home computer, or at least gets the message across that I’m not interested.
I must say #4 rang true though, people have no idea how large a field it is until you spell it out for them with diagrams and fancy pictures.
I hear you loud and clear, Shaun. I ran my own little repair company servicing homes and small business for 5 years. I started out loving computers, and figured I could make some money fixing them. I was young, probably a little naive, and energetic. By the end of the 5 years, it wasn’t even about computers anymore. My 650+ customers, plus friends, acquaintances, and silly employees sucked the life out of me. Thankfully, I recently sold my business and moved across the country to blaze a new path for myself. Good luck to you!
I have the same problems - every one on the list affects me almost daily. Time management is hell. But I love what I do.
What saves me is sales ability. Six years ago I was an average user selling, internet to business and related networking domain etc services when I decided to geek out hardcore and learn everything about the stuff I was selling. Thus I was reborn a tech and left my job to be the computer guy.
I charge people around 100 bucks an hour and subcontract some work out to the techs I used to work with too. I have a bigger house and better car - I make 3 times more than the sales job paid and I stayed home and slept today because its Friday and the phone didn’t ring!
Life is wonderful. I have freedom and a flexable schedule. I work for people I like and the ones I dont like go away because I overcharge or just pull a no-show half the time! Plus there are extra fees tacked on when you are an jerk to me. However, no one owns me anymore, unlike having a job.
With my sales ability (people skills?) I have learned to control customer expectations by explaining what it takes to get things done and what it costs. I use some charm and intellect to dominate them and take their money.
I speak in simple terms people can understand but I MAKE them understand. “Your hard drive is like a tangled pile of string, lets reformat and start over” or “a router is like a phone system. It takes a call and routes the webpage to your extension.” forget the OSI model and tcp/ip 10/100 binary B.S. - speak in terms they can comprehend.
I only work for people or businesses that have money. If you are broke and can’t afford me. Too bad because I am busy. Rich people will pay $600.00 for a reformat because they can afford it and I do it perfectly and explain how time consuming and hard that is, besides they don’t know anyone better. (because they are already SOLD on you) Poor people have junk computers, they complain and want to get it done for $50.00. Avoid them at all costs.
I don’t apologize for anything breaking. I cleverly shift the blame back to them or Bill Gates. It’s never my fault.
I use sales to push the value of a service call. I come over to fix your email and by the time I leave they have an external backup, a stick of RAM and a couple clever new tricks to make them feel smart (think - google earth, maps, phonebook, mozilla tabs…) I walk way with $600.00 instead of $100.00 I resell the parts which I keep a stock of in my car at 50% markup plus bid the add on sales as per job items - not per hour and whammo I get paid right.
This is my version of the computer guy. I’ve adapted these methods as a live and learn process. Hope it helps someone.
Excelent article, is the first time I visit this web site, and I just match the perfect article for my situation, Im totaly Agree with you..
thanks,
Mike
Excelent article, this is the first time I visit this website, and I see this article that match with my situation, I have been IT for 4.5 years, and Im starting to feel the same way, since 1 year a go.. Its so true..
thanks for the article,
regards,
Mike
Ozzy buzzed me and said he needs you to help Tom Decicco tomorrow if possible.
$100 an hour? You’ve got to be kidding. Computer guys are not worth that hourly rate. Sorry if that bothers you, but it’s the truth.
Sounds good that you’re changing paths!
A lot of people respect the computer guy, but some treat them as slaves. Why? Because they treat their computers as slaves - mules to do their work for them.
I liked it when computers were a hobby, and people actually wrote programs and had fun. As computers got better at doing useful work, they began to be owned by people who didn’t take the time to love and enjoy them (not to mention companies). They just want to exploit them - and this gets transferred to the computer guy. What you’re complaining about is exploitation.
After seriously considering it, I decided not to be a professional computer guy. My main reason was that I would be working with Microsoft products again. I find linux retains more of the hobbyist ethic of computers, so I just enjoy them that way - like the good ol’ days. And I also realized that while I sometimes enjoy chewing on a computer problem or helping someone, sometimes I don’t! Freedom is the key to removing exploitation.
Set yourself free, and Good luck!
This is great — I have felt all of these issues and found myself laughing. You should really try to get more exposure.
SH
So real, it hurts. I used to be the computer guy, doing repairs for a shop and doing customer service… now I do operations type work in an office. Usually I just mention where i work briefly and then talk about how I also have a band that I’m starting. Much rather talk about music than “how can I download music with my computer” or “my internet connect stopped working, how does a firewall work”. Ugh.
I have felt your pain… all of it. Having followed a similar career path, it should be no surprise… but instead of jettisoning the industry, i just stopped being ‘the computer guy.’ I now am a professional problem solver. I work in the most underpaid department of my company (where I was briefly hideously underpaid). it is also the main source of our revenue — our production department. Now I still work in production, but mostly so I can feel the pain. because my job now is to point out all of the tech problems we have (fixing some, working with other departments to fix others) and all of the _process_ problems we have. Seriously, if you are sick of support, support-like work, or just being a modern IT plumber, take a look at process management and problem solving. It takes a lot of social interaction to do it well (not trample egos, etc), but if you have any flair there, it is a whole different (and better) class of problem solving. I have no faith in my company, but I do love my job. How many other people get to honestly say that?
Sorry, you don’t sound like the computer guy to me. You seriously don’t know how to setup an intranet? Do you know what that is? No wonder you don’t like being the computer guy.
Hey Shaun,
Check out my loving parody of this awesome post. Things are tough all over, y’know
[…] is a repost from another blog, but since it got dugg, I want to repost it […]
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this kind of scenario is common for us, the “computer guy”. i think there is nothing wrong with the outsider to see or treat us like that, that is normal. The problem i think is on how we deal and handle that kind of situation. if you learn a little bit about marketing/sales, (human)communication, social(engineering?), your brand/position will be benefit you. you will be a real respected hero.
you can’t change people, but you can change yourself.
[…] there’s the fact that everyone knows I’m a geek - a fact that everyone tries to exploit for free by catching me “off-guard” to ask questions or get advice. Sure, I don’t mind […]
Reason #10 - Most Of Your Accomplishments Are Invisible
So are the accomplishments of the accountant, the secretary and the gardner. You are a computer guy, not a brain surgeon.
Reason #9 - Every Conversation You Have Is Roughly The Same
If you are a stock investor, you get stocks questions. Mechanics? car questions. If you have no other hobby, then yes, you are stuck talking about computers. There is always the opportunity to hand over your card and proudly state that your business could not be better. Also mention $150/hour.
Reason #8 - You’re An Expert Of Bleeding-Edge Technology Products, Aren’t You?
Why can’t you be? Scan the headlines of gismondo and engadget for 6 minutes every day and you wil be an expert. You deal with computers, probably the most complicated apparatus invented by man, what is so scary about cell phones, pdas and plasma tvs.
And even if you don’t know, you can always educate people about how to do their own research.
Reason #7 - Your Talents Are Forcibly Undervalued
Home users never pay for computer support.
Reason #6 - You’re Never Allowed A Moment’s Peace
That’s because:
- You can’t say no.
- You are good at what you do.
It took only one “accidental” wipe/reinstall of the neighbors’computer for them to think twice before calling for my help. Come to think of it, they never asked me back.
Reason #5 - People Ask You To Perform Miracles
Never hurts to try. I saved keyboards that had coke poured into, and thumbdrive that had passed the laundry test (wash - rince - dry)
Reason #4 - Your Assumed “All-Knowing� Status Sets You Up To Let People Down
Just be glad you are not a doctor. When things go wrong, you get sued for millions.
Reason #3 - You Possess Unlimited Responsibility
Anyone who views you as incompetent is invited to try it themselves.
Reason #2 - A Life Of Alienation
Read back about having a hobby, or a life, or something to talk about besides computers.
Reason #1 - You Have No Identity
See previous point
All in all your article is great. I know that in this industry it is easy to feel that way, but you really should not!
[…] 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? · LifeReboot.com […]
Man, how I can relate. Computers were always a big hobby, and I thought “Wouldn’t it be neat to work with them as my job.” Boy, was I wrong. I’ve come to the conclusion that computers bring out what I like to call the “Psychic Vampire” in many people. Also I finally realized that I was engaged in people-pleasing behavior. I would go around looking for problems to solve for people and then be secretly upset as I was fixing them.
I solved the problem by going back to my first career as an over-the-road truck driver. The first month I was back out on the road I turned my cell phone off, which was quite an effective way of breaking people from calling me on my dime for free technical support.
These days I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut when I overhear people discussing computer problems. I’ve had it with helping people who just want to help themselves to someone who is more knowledgeable than they are.
Anyone wanting to make the jump into a career change driving a truck over-the-road I can likely hook you up with the information you need at www.truckerphoto.com.
Riiiiing!!! Riiiing!!! Riiingg!
Computer Guy: TechSupport! Can I help you?
User: Hello It’s Mr. B Weiner am traveling and in a Hotel. I have this new Wireless laptop however I press the “On” button and nothing Happens…
Computer Guy: Can you make sure power cable is plugged in the device and certify if it is also plugged in the wall. Maybe you can go to next avaialble socket and check if you have power there.
User: Wait A Minute! I don’t think you understood me. I said the laptop is “WIRELESS” so thats why I did not bother to bring the power cable.
Computer Guy: (runs to his nearest anti acid)
(and I swear that i had a call like this, the user was a bean counter)
ok.. did you break the internet again?
Part-time consulting might be the way to go. Don’t feel bad charging triple-digit hourly rates, no one forces them to work with you. Play dumb on all the free stuff if you have to, it’s not a sin.
One item I thought you missed was the idea that touching an application makes you the ‘owner’ of it. “I don’t know what’s wrong with our database, but can you look at it?” is uber-frightening. Even if you don’t do anything, except give advice (which the clients can’t remember anyway), they’ll somehow imagine that you actually worked on it or fixed it, much to the anger of the original programmer.
Good luck with the next career - you’ll find PC knowledge will serve you well just about anywhere.
[…] case you were wondering what brought this on, I happened to run across this article which garnered a lot of sympathy from […]
not many people talk about the adverse side of IT jobs, especially when the reward is high!but when it comes to the use of it for ‘life and fun’ no time left for it! the article is worth spreding for ‘food for thought’. Perhaps future generation will benefit!
[…] a second later), my urine-soaked pants weren’t. That game will scare the liquids out of you. No truer words have ever been spoken. This is why I tell people I’m a math major. Ian brought me a “I’m getting married […]
Sad but true
[…] Preach it, brother! Learning to say ’sure, I can help, but since it’s what I do for a living, I need to charge you’ helps a lot. Now, about my Mother-in-law…. […]
great job Shaun, look at all the buzz, v nice,, you certainly have a gift for writting,,
[…] & read this link : http://www.lifereboot.com/2007...../Postingan yg nyata ttg kehidupan orang IT. Semuanya bener kejadian dalam keseharian gw. Sampe2 gw […]
You hit the nail on the head. The only thing worse - being the small office computer guy AND having a real, billable job at the same time. If you think people bug you for free advice when they find out you know computers, see what happens if you tell them you do taxes!
10 razones por las que ser "el que sabe de computadoras", no paga
Ser "el que sabe de computadoras" muchas veces resulta contraproducente. Aqui hay 10 razones para pensarlo dos veces antes de publicitarte como experto
So you want to be a writer?.
Ok, from now on you are a Wanna-Be-Writer. Tell people you are a wanna-be-writer when you meet them and see what happens!
I think you will be discussing your new carreer and it will help you realize it.
I look for your upcoming “10 reasons why it sucks to be a W-B-W”
Or not!
Write a book on “How to Avoid Telling People What You Do For a Living, A Secret Life of a Tech Suport Guy”. Just Credit me with the Title. Good Luck
[…] Asà lo releta Shaun Boyd, en su post 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€?. […]
[…] Article […]
[…] 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? · LifeReboot.com (tags: blog computer technology geek Jobs lists sysadmin) […]
I can relate. Even my business card says “Computer Guy”.
I feel your pain. Great article, man. It made me laugh.
Come on - EVERY trade, and I mean every trade could cite any of those and more reasons for ‘not liking their job’.
I agree with all the posts that effectifely say grow up, get a spine or get out of the career you are in and find one you can be happy in.
I’ve been in computing now for 25yrs and yes I’m also ‘the computer guy’ but it all comes to your attitude towards your job. Does it own you or do you let it own you?
I sit next to a guy who earns twice as much as me and I don’t care. He on the other hand gripes all day long about the bloke between us who earns a few thou more!!!! It’s YOUR attitude, you need to change it.
[…] http://www.lifereboot.com/2007.....puter-guy/Â […]
hey that’s so wierd… EXACTLY the same thing happens to computer chicks! … and I thought it was just us
Great article, although it makes depressing reading, seeing as I’m a first year doing a Computer science course =(
I usually have to be a prick when I tell people that I don’t want to fix their computer problem. If I try to be nice, nobody listens.
[…] 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? […]
I’ll admit, the first thing I thought of, apart from the obvious relations to my own life, was that you could make the same exact statement for being a doctor…
food for thought.
My personal favorite scenario:
Pre-sales consultation. “For what you are doing, I would really recommend that you buy X. It is a lot easier to use, and I know it really well so if you have a problem I can probably help you out.”
So my dad buys “Y.” It was on sale. Actually, he spent more, but it was shinier, bigger, whatever. Then proceeds to complain that he can’t get anything to work, and ask for help.
“X” was an iMac G5. “Y” was some kind of a big Gateway bundle with all kinds of peripherals thrown in running some version of XP with which I was rather unfamiliar.
I should mention that we’re on opposite sides of the country.
My mom bought the iMac G5 I recommended. She’s still a little timid with it but generally able to get things done pretty well!
[…] Random Tidbit: Some great geek shirts and why it doesn’t pay to be the computer guy. […]
Your page perfectly describes every day of my life. I love my job but, much like a doctor, when I’m on my lunch break piss off! If you have a question ask for my business card then go away!
Added… based on personal experience..
Reason #11 - Computer “Girl” is moooreee invisible than computer guy
When users called computer service and the one who answer the phone is computer “girl”, they will likely to ask, “Is there any computer GUY there?” or “Are you sure you can fix this?” or worse…. “Can i speak to your IT Manager?” while the girl herself IS IT manager.
Reason #12 - If a computer guy/girl fix things, they are “TECHNICIAN” .. not “IT ENGINEER”
Computer guy/girl expected to be magician, all the problems should be solved when it comes to them. When they cannot plan for the IT systems or Office automation for the whole office, they are only considered as ‘technician’ , but when they actually plan the IT infrastructure, they will considered as ‘over budget’ or ‘too high-tech’ ..
[…] [Taken from http://www.lifereboot.com/2007.....uter-guy/] […]
lol, you fix computers right?
I feel your pain…
ever try saying….I have a name you know…
that’s “Mr. Computer Guy” to YOU!
and the price just went up!
Some of the “computer guys” should read intellectualwhores.com and ladderwiki.com - for me it looks like Reason #2 and Reason #1 are related to the topics discussed at these sites.
i’m in the same field as u were =P
u’re great.. keep writing…
i can’t donate any money, but i clicks the ads in ur pages, thought it would help raise some money.. ^^
well, gudluck!
[…] 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? […]
[…] Read the rest of the article. […]
I agree with this completely, as a student in a small school and town, every fucking day I hear “Oh I’m having a problem with … and I can’t fix it, can you help?” So much that I am refusing to give help. Outside of family and close friends, I won’t help. Relating to #4, I have had someone come up to me and ask how you add more songs to Guitar Hero, he gave me the website and said ” The instructions and Video are on the site.” I answered, then why don’t you do it yourself? His reply: Well I don’t know how to do it. Another one related to number 4, A kid came up to me, asking how he can unblock myspace from his computer, I replied I don’t know, and he shouted out into my face, “WHAT? YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING DO YOU?” then the next day he came up to me and asked me the instructions for doing it that I apparently researched on MY TIME.
I hate the computer-illiterate.
[…] 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? · LifeReboot.com (tags: technology humor) […]
[…] computer guy”. Posted on May 22nd, 2007 by Joe. Categories: Professional/Tech.Someone sent me this link today from lifeboot, this is great and worth the read. If only non-technical people would read and […]
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Computer Guy
Der Mann spricht mir aus der Seele!
http://www.lifereboot.com/2007.....puter-guy/
Scan the headlines of gismondo and engadget for 6 minutes every day and you wil be an expert.
No 6 minutes of looking at headlines will not make you an expert in anything.
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[…] read more | digg story […]
[…] Anyone who has been into computers knows this. Top ten reasons why NOT to be know as the computer guy. […]
[…] Why it doesn’t pay to be the computer guy - Top 10 […]
[…] Read the Article Here […]
The solution to this problem is to take the plumber mentality to solving a computer issue. Plumbers charge by the hour no matter how simple the problem. People complain about the cost but will still always pay the plumber’s bill in the end. That is what is needed in the tech profession. No more MR/MS nice guy.
[…] Good Read and so true […]
[…] just pointed me to an article at LifeReboot entitled 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guy”. It’s a somewhat sad but funny essay that is mostly true, about the way “computer […]
[…] heard about this post from Diggnation [revision3.com]. It’s 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guy” [lifereboot.com]. I completely agree with this article. Anytime you mention ANYTHING close to the […]
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owesome
[…] as a warning, I did not write the following blog entry. It was first posted here, but the website has now gone under, and I thought it was so relevant to me personally, that I […]
[…] (Reposted with permission from Shaun Boyd of LifeReboot.com.) […]
boohoo hoo!!!
That’s me!!! That’s my biography!!
Someone even asked me to fix his plumbing because he knows i’m a computer “Engineer�!!! When I told him i do not know how to do that, he looked at me with a disgusted face and told me: “Oh! you must be an engineer only “on paper�! �
I’m fed up ! fed up! fed up!
Just tell me one more thing: what is your current profession?
[…] Ten Reasons It Doesn’t Pay to be ‘The Computer Guy’! […]
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[…] 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? · LifeReboot.com There are some reasonable ITIL-related points here, e.g. without a service level agreement you implicitly support everything (tags: funny article computer guy systems system administration itil itsm) This entry is filed under Links. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Leave a Reply […]
[…] 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? (from Ungsunghero) - I tried to for seven years. I’ve worked in the computer industry in various ways — help desk support, web design, consulting and sales, field technician, freelance computer specialist, and whatever other fancy name you want to give “the computer guy.â€? I stopped enjoying it. There were certainly times when I enjoyed myself, but most of those times were when my computer talents were still developing. Once I stopped learning new things on the job, I would become fidgety and want to move on to something else. My favorite reasons include: Reason #7 - Your Talents Are Forcibly Undervalued and Reason #5 - People Ask You To Perform Miracles. For #7, it’s not so much as monetary value as they take what I do for granted. You’ve probably heard similar phrases as, “Aw, come on. It shouldn’t take you too much time. You probably can do it with a hand tied behind your back.” Of course I may have exaggerated here, but helping people like that always gets on my nerve and I usually don’t repeat the mistake of ever helping them again. As for miracles, I’m guessing it’s because people don’t have an understanding of how computer works and assume everything is fixable and everything can be recovered. […]
Spoonfeeding is not the solution to anything. give them a cent today they come back for two tomorrow, then yo’re in trouble. go make your own school of courses for people, so they LEARN, instead of relying on you day in day out.
[…] 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? Filed under: Technology, Links, Friends — Wayne @ 10:11 pm  As orignally posted from Shaun Boyd’s website: http://www.lifereboot.com/ 10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€? […]
[…] . Se não me engano foi para ler uma matéria famosa do autor do blog, Shaun Boyd, “10 Reasons It Doesn’t Pay To Be “The Computer Guyâ€?. Um texto muito engraçado, sobre aquele cara que sabe muito sobre computador e está sempre sendo […]
[…] The article is From here […]
[…] the original author of this post is Shaun Boyd of LifeReboot … original post can be found here .) I only met my brother’s ex-girlfriend’s family once — the year they […]
[…] has a great article on this that speaks volumes of the […]
I work for a multinational corp. They had us sign a really thorough non-compete agreement. Regardless of how they do or do not check on it (I’ve never known anyone to get checked / busted), it is a great shield.
I cite the non-compete and say “man, I am so sorry - I cannot do that - but I can refer you to several sources”. Of course once the “FREE” source (me) is gone it’s funny how unimportant the issue becomes.
[…] companies.I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts the other day, Diggnation, and they featured an article about how it didn’t pay to be the computer guy. Wonderful inspiration to a young […]
the computer guy” = help desk support? web design?
well that is quite the lowest position you can get in the field of “computers”… Its the kind of thing 15 year olds do at school.(although it did sounded cool during the dotcom bubble)
Sorry but HTML is NOT a programming language.
With regard to Reason #7: The fact that the computer guy spent five hours on the machine so that he may charge $100/hr pales in comparison to the amount of time the user spent putting in and managing all the data in the box. All the pictures, MP3s, videos, e-mail, etc… All that lost time. “How do you place a monetary value on that?” should be the computer guys response. Yes, the PC is inexpensive these days, but the labor, both to the user and the computer guy, is not.
I agree 100% with what your saying. Just this week at work I’m in my cubicle, and one of my co-workers come up to me introducing me to one of his family members that came with him to work. It was a nice gesture, which I am grateful for the opportunity to meet. Now this co-worker and I often talk about life, movies, politics, and in general guys things. What more, my occupation at work is a programmer, not the “computer guy”, though it seems that if you use a computer for a majority of you work, that you somehow are a guru to fixing them as well. What shocked me is that I was introduced to his family member as the computer guy that “can fix anything”. His daughter, whom I have never met before, says that she has a computer that is really having problems. At this point I’m both shocked and kind of perplexed. My thoughts at that moment were, “wow you have a computer, gee, who would have thought to possess such a device.” I also remember thinking how could that be the first thing you say to someone just meeting them? Lifting my dropped jaw slightly I responded by how computers in general can be difficult and the cause of many headaches, and basically eluded at notion of “repair.” Why is it that programmers automatically get classified as the “computer guy” or repair guy?
[…] was listening to one of my favorite podcasts the other day, Diggnation, and they featured an article about how it didn’t pay to be the computer guy. Wonderful inspiration to a young entrepreneur! I […]
I got around the issue by having business cards printed up with pricing on the back.
Soon as someone finds out I’m in support and they ask about “this thing that’s happening on my home PC” I hand them a card (never my work one, always the one with pricing) and tell them to give me a call about it sometime.
It’s amazing how many folks don’t bother once they realise you aren’t a charity. And if they do, the pricing I came up (30 minute charge blocks, minimum of a 1 hour call out fee) with means it really is worth my time
heh its like with any job except when it comes to computers most people don’t know shit so there’s more need for help in the sector rather than say car mechanics
It’s utterly ridiculous…I rarely see family or friends b/c its always a favor…or some kind of homework…and I know jack about computers…I just do the research for them and use common sense logic to solve the same problem they could easily do themselves…and even though everyone comes to me for help even at work…no respect…b/c i’m a young girl with big breast…even though i knew more than the IT guy they hired…and the only degree I’ve got is from bhs highschool…
well just so all you computer guy’s know..i totally dig you…intelligence is sexy…humility is hot…and video games rock…
DON’T WORRY YOU’RE APPRECIATED…
Im in the same field and I have to say, It aint that bad. Everybody is always happy to see me from the bottom level to the top executive, because Im here to fix something they fouled up. Its all about your attitude for it. The one thing that I dont like about it is that it does not impress the ladies. I just tell them that I work in Post Production. I do work for one, Im the computer guy there, and also many other things as well. If word gets around the neighborhood that you know my shit, I undercharge and ask for it in cash, I lay it down straight and tell them I do an analysis of what its going to take to fix it. If I dont want to do the job, I quote high. It is really not as bad as you say. I go to lunch with everybody at work. At home, Nobody bombards me with questions.
I feel ya. Im 15, and im the only kid in a house of 7 computers that knows ANYTH