I grew very quickly into and IT Manager role, but now I'm stuck in a toxic workplace due to "lack of experience". How do I land an interview at a good company?
I started leading my first IT team at 19. 4ish years later and I've taken on manager responsibilites such as interviewing, hiring, reviewing, mentoring, time sheets, PTO requests, etc., for an entire service desk department across 2 branches.
Not only that, but I was moved to a metro to be the first IT person in their branch and create all their infrastructure. I have built and owned Jira systems for the dev team and service desk team. I have worked with countless of software vendors. I created and completely manage our unifi network. I make all IT purchases. And I've been doing that for the past couple years now.
But this work environment is rough. I love the work, but I get only a couple holidays paid off, 2 unpaid sick days, 14 PTO days (until last week it was 8, and they told me I cannot get more than 14 PTO days), I don't get paid great, and I'm treated poorly. I report directly to the CEO who tells me I think too highly of myself when trying to negotiate higher than a tech salary. I've been told I'm easily replaceable. I've been forced to work many hours of OT. I've put things on my personal cards (got reimbursed for most).
And I'm tired. I'm also a full time college student (WGU IT Management) and my company told me I wont get anymore raises until I finish that degree. Which makes school a lot more stressful.
I've been an Service desk Tech -> Service Desk Supervisor -> Network and Service Desk Manager -> IT Operations manager, all under 4 years.
I've been applying for well over a year now to service desk manager or operation roles. And I recently applied to a k-12 software company's Service Desk Manager role that I really want. I meet all the requirements except the experience (they said 5 years experience and a degree). But I know I would be able to do that job well. And the company is known for a great atmosphere (they give free lunch!!). But I don't think I'll even get an interview. I've been auto sorted out so many times. I did send a cover letter and messaged the recruiter on linkedIn but have not heard anything in about a week :/
I just don't know what to do. This job is killing me. And don't get me wrong, I am so grateful for the opportunity and truly understand how lucky I am. Its just time for me to move on but I can't.
Any advice?