Bashing My Head into a Brick Wall (Again)
Exploring the Corporate Job Market in 2025
I think I actually know better, but perhaps I’m just a glutton for punishment. I’ve written more than a single post on various social media about the constant pain and discomfort that I’m in as it’s related to my employment. Last night was no exception, and may have been the final straw that’s broken the camel’s back as it’s said.
I’m in the market looking for a new job. I’ve applied to be the Front End Manager at my current employer, even though, truly, I don’t want to do that role. The additional responsibilities versus the pay just don’t align. However, I need to do something to catch back up. My financial stability is waning, in fact, crumbling with my Partner’s SSI problems. My single income of $16.80 an hour just isn’t enough to make ends meet no matter how hard I bend, misshape and break the math. These numbers are warped worse than a 77 after a 69. (If you know, you know.) And today, I’m hobbling around like a 90-year-old grandma, in constant pain. I just can’t tolerate this any more.
So what’s a girl supposed to do? Despite the impending economic destruction that we’re all facing in America, I need to look for a less stable employment opportunity. I’ll do pretty much anything that doesn’t involve being on my feet all day. Yeah, I’m looking at office jobs. And hopefully, I can find a smaller company that won’t require the passing of a background check who can fill an empty seat and will help nurture and grow to build the company. I’m looking to rekindle the software support specialist role again.
But what exactly does a Software Support Specialist do? Basically, I’m a glorified chat bot, I guess. I’ll answer the phone, or maybe email or perhaps chat and get screamed at by irate people who just want their damn App or software program to work. And they want it to work pronto, like, yesterday. After the initial ass-chewing with the application of a numbing salve, my job would be to clearly document the problem (the symptoms), and then dig into the various configuration options of the software in question to de-tangle the ball of yarn that the customer has managed to weave. After I root through all the settings, I’d document any changes that need to be addressed, and kindly explain to the customer that they are in fact a dumbass or idiot, which ever is appropriate. Depending on the company, then I would clean up the internal notes and draft up a cleanly presented knowledge base article for resolving the problem when it inevitably comes up again— assuming the company in question believes in not reinventing the wheel every time the same problems manifest. (This was not the case in my former employer.)
I would do this probably between 10 and 30 times a day, especially if I’m doing this using remote viewing technology, like PCAnywhere, VNC, or Remote Desktop. And a major benefit of doing a job like this would mean that I’d probably earn a lot closer to my dream of $50K a year, I wouldn’t be standing all day, and I’d be in a more climate controlled environment. Hell, in the event of a major pandemic, I could even work from the relative comfort of my own apartment, although I’d probably still get dressed in the event of an impromptu Zoom Meeting.
So, now the question is, how do I approach this certainly questionable job market? Obviously, the first thing, I need to know what job titles to search for. This is important, because I don’t think many employers care about my uniquely crafted Creative Solutions Specialist tag, even though I think it’s most appropriate and has a positive vibe. So far, I found the following:
Applications Support Analyst
Computer Support Specialist
Customer Success Specialist
Customer Support Analyst
Desktop Support Technician
Help Desk Specialist
Information Technology Support Specialist
Support Analyst
Technical Support Engineer
Technical Support Representative
Technical Support Specialist
Now that I’ve got all these titles to choose from, finding a job is still an epic battle. I have nearly ten years of experience, but that was at the turn of the century, and nearly 20 years ago. Technology has changed, but basic problem solving techniques have remained relatively the same since the beginning of human history. I note what’s happening, research the available options that manipulate the problem, change one thing, document any changes, and ask the ultimate two questions:
Did what I change break anything else?
Did what I change actually fix the problem?
Furthermore, my specific job search is hindered by not only the fact that I don’t have any recent professional experience, but I also have a black mark on my record. But, I do at least have the fact that I’m an inexpensive option to hire. I am only requesting $50K annually for compensation. In Boston, I feel that’s probably pretty cheap, considering that I was making $42K a year living in Cincinnati back in 2007. I do have nearly ten years of experience. I’m patient, I’m kind, I’m polite, and I have a positive demeanor, at least I attempt to, which I think is more than I can say about some other people I’ve had the pleasure of conversing with. Not to mention that I have unyielding determination and patience— two absolutely critical qualities that are needed in any Customer Support role.
But the main problem, and I think a lot of people are running into this problem is the ATS crap employees are ramming into. The Automated Tracking Systems that use Artificial Intelligence to screen and filter out candidates to make the job of Recruiters and Human Resources departments easier. And for the past year, I’ve been making a casual shot at looking for a different job. I’m very good at my current job. I’m a valuable asset to the workplace (despite being replaceable in a moments notice, but that’s a whole other topic). Not to mention that, again, I’m probably one of the most inexpensive labor parts in the Front End. (I know this because a former Front End Supervisor was making $17.00 an hour, got hired two years after I did, and wasn’t nearly as competent at the job as I am.) But, an ATS doesn’t care how competent or dependable I am, and unless I can actually talk to somebody who’s making the decision to hire for the company, I don’t stand a chance.
Unless I lie.
That’s the advice I see over and over again. Just be dishonest about your employment, just to get past the ATS. But I know where the path of dishonestly leads, and trust me, it’s not a good place at all. I’ve recovered from that lifestyle, I don’t wish to revisit it, regardless of the problems I’m having. Morals and ethics should be non-negotiable. And I don’t believe that I should have to lie just to get my foot in the door. That’s a primary malfunction with our Society as a whole. That’s how we ended up with a felon coming in as President. I digress.
At any rate, I’m hoping that maybe somebody out in the Universe will stumble into this article, and have the opportunity to assist me with a new/revitalized career resolving software problems. This was a job that I did love for a long period of time (that is before corporate politics interfered). I’m hoping to get back into the role, despite being nearly 50. The experience you’re getting is quite honestly a steal! Can anybody help a [creative and slightly sarcastic] girl out?