Author: Olivia

Hi all, Been a lurker on this thread for a long time, I've had some great jobs and shitty jobs mostly in IT for various reasons. I've arrived at the conclusion that if I was to continue the way I was I'd just be bouncing around at the bottom level for the rest of my life. I've decided to change that, currently I'm retaking Math from school and had the idea of attending university for computer science as I work in IT anyway. However I've seen more than a few people on this thread comment that they taught themselves coding and still landed good jobs, would you recommend the self taught route or going to Uni? Baring in mind I'd much rather not fork out 15-20k plus for a degree that may not even be useful compared to self taught resources/certifications…

This is the most demoralising thing I have ever had to do, I have a degree in cyber security and I can program in three different languages, I know how to write a database and a website, and I'm familiar with both Linux and windows. I have genuinely lost count of the number of applications I have sent out, it feels like each one is just chipping away at me but if I don't do it enough I loose universal credit literally my only revenue stream (£257 a month btw) it all fucking sucks.

My job has required new hire classes once a week where I either come in early or leave late. I’ve already been here for 2 months. I mean seriously, why add more to what I already have to do and have me come in early or stay over? I already work 12 hour shifts, I’m exhausted as it is and barely get enough sleep plus I work night shift. I just want to go home after work or sleep until I have to leave. This is supposed to go on for 3 to 4 months and I don’t feel like doing it. It’s a waste of my time and takes time away from me doing what I enjoy. Why should I care about the company history and culture? I’m just here for a paycheck.

So I have a question regarding this concept that this group seems equipped to answer. The idea is that a workplace shouldn't be understaffed if a member calls in because the business should already have someone hired to take on the role while you're away. Does this mean the business should hire extra people that are only really necessary when people call in? Does that reduce hours for everyone because there are more people that need hours? Or is the idea that these workers are only coming in when you call in? I've been confused as to how it's supposed to work for a while so if someone could explain it to me I would be very grateful

I’ve been with this company for about 6 months and 3/4 of our department will clock out when their shift is over but still work for another hour or so because we cannot get overtime. It’s a toxic environment where it is almost expected that we do this without the managers saying anything. Each of the other people in my department work 5-10 non-paid hours a week and those employees who don’t are asked to “Step up” to make sure their efficiency is that of the more senior employees. I am at a loss because I am not working for free.