I shifted careers from being a mechanic in the military to IT after college. I have had a few jobs before. I have also seen a variety of boss types too. Mine is insecure and micromanaging. I know I have to "put in my time" -- even those I despise phrases like that. No one is really going to step into a sysadmin position being new, so I realize that. And I knew my first job in this industry is going to suck. Just have to put up with it and look for something better after a time, say 6 moths to a year. I just wish they didn't offer better than average pay, it makes leaving a little harder. But by no means am I a 18-22 yr. old who thinks they can jump the gun and do the "good stuff" right off the bat. Maybe after a time, they will have enough trust to something more. But regardless if my bosses intentions are to encourage growth or not, I get to choose how my spend my time -- I am thinking of certifications like CCNA and MCSA (have the CompTIA +'s). Those new ones and experience should help me get my foot in the door elsewhere.