In the message dated: Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:19:22 EDT,
The pithy ruminations from berg...@merctech.com on
<[LISA] how to handle 'vacation' coverage for a small shop?> were:
=> How do you handle 'vacation'[1] coverage in a solo shop?
=>
[SNIP!]
Many thanks to all who responded. As expected, there's no clever way
to get good, comprehensive, experienced sysadmin coverage for a small
group without extra staff (permanent, part-time, consulting, etc). Oh,
and I'd like a pony with that too.
However, it was very helpful to get the affirmation from others that
we're doing the right things in terms of documentation, planning, and
avenues to find coverage. That information is quite useful in terms of
making a case to management for more staff, consulting services, etc.
One more observation... A number of people seemed to say in their
response that they are 'always' available, or 'always' travel with a
laptop/cell phone, etc. I've been doing system administration for about
20 years. That used to be my attitude as well. Most of the time, I still
operate that way. However, I firmly believe that the idea that key human
beings are "always" available is not an acceptable business strategy,
and not acceptable for those human beings. Over time, I've come to
value the 2nd half of the mythical "work-life" balance more and more.
While I may be available to my employer outside of work hours, during
weekends, even on some vacations, that must be my choice. That level
of availability must not be the sole business solution for system
administration coverage--it is not sustainable for the individual or
the business, particularly in a small shop.
Thanks,
Mark
=>
=>
=> If you're in a solo or small environment, how do you deal with this kind
=> of thing?
=>
=> Thanks,
=>
=> Mark
=>
=> [1] "vacation" sounds so much nicer than "hit by a bus", don't you think?
=>
=>
=> -----
=> Mark Bergman Biker, Rock Climber, Unix mechanic, IATSE #1 Stagehand
=>
=> http://wwwkeys.pgp.net:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=bergman%40merctech.com
=>
=> I want a newsgroup with a infinite S/N ratio! Now taking CFV on:
=> rec.motorcycles.stagehands.pet-bird-owners.pinballers.unix-supporters
=> 15+ So Far--Want to join? Check out: http://www.panix.com/~bergman
_______________________________________________
Tech mailing list
Tech@lists.lopsa.org
https://lists.lopsa.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tech
This list provided by the League of Professional System Administrators
http://lopsa.org/
