What about me?
So, tonight I helped my grandmother pick out a laptop from CompUSA to go along with the Verizon FiOS FTTP (Fiber Through To Premises) that was installed at her house today. My grandmother is officially ahead of the curve in technology available to her.
The question is; where on the curve am I? The salesdude at CompUSA really irked me tonight. He was a bit pushy when he didn’t need to be. Even my grandmother noticed. What she didn’t notice was the quick exchanges between he and I. You see, when you get two tech people in a room, there’s bound to be some flexing of digital muscle. At one point, in response to his admonishment to secure my grandmother’s wireless network (which Verizon does by default), I mentioned that I “do this kind of stuff for a living” and know how to go about it. He asked me what I did, and I told him I was currently a Data Support Specialist for the school system. Without missing a beat, and perhaps without any thought, he dismissed any position with the school system being worth the time of someone who knows their stuff. In short, he said that the school system didn’t pay enough. His expression and tone captured his assumed superiority over the person who accepted such pay: me. Later, in response to him saying he was in school, I mentioned I was as well. When asked where, I told him University of Phoenix Online. I think he stopped himself from making a comment right away, but later slipped in that the great thing about his school, ECPI, was the hands on experience and connection to certifications. To sum up the experience; I helped my grandmother buy a laptop and had my choice of employment and school belittled. It was certainly a mixture of joy and disdain.
People at work tell me I’m wasting my time, that my talents and knowledge outweigh the position I’m in. I’m accused of being complacent. I don’t think I’m complacent. I know that I must progress, but I also know that there is more to progress than promotions and salaries. Currently, I help people who make a difference. I help teachers. No, I’m not paid very well, but I get by. I know I can’t stay in this position forever, but I’m going to give it my best while I’m there.
I know the University of Phoenix Online is unorthodox. No, I don’t get the hands on training that I would enjoy. Obviously I’m still debating whether I want to continue the program there. I’m halfway through though, I would like to just finish it.
I know I’m not on the bleeding edge of technology. I’m forgotten more than many ever learn, and I’m only 22! I feel so behind sometimes, and yet so far ahead. What about me? Do I make a difference? Am I on the right track? I hope so. I hope the difference I make is worth the sacrifice given. Whatever the sacrifice may be.
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