I love working in the SMB space, but man does it seem to be overrun with admins that prefer to fill their days with trivial tasks because they don't know how they should really be spending their time.

Have you tried enterprise with a proper company?

I bought into the bs about SMB being the place to be cause enterprise was "too corporate" or whatever is spouted around here, but jesus christ is it ever better.

IT/ops get a proper budget. No trying to convince some owner that doesn't know tech at all that just because a machine still turns on doesn't mean it shouldn't be replaced. 6 years ago.

If 24/7 coverage is needed, 24/7 coverage is scheduled. The only times I get called in the middle of the night is when I'm on the on-call rotation, and that's just two weeks out of every 6 months. Plus since there are already helpdesk and/or jrs scheduled to be on, I only get called when something is really fucked.

When you're an admin, you're actually an admin. You have a few layers of helpdesk and jrs between you and the end users and if someone ever tries to skip the queue and email you directly, even for "just a quick question", the only reply you have to send is to their supervisor and they will be reprimanded. This means you actually get to focus on, you know... administering systems and focus on project work.

Oh yea, and because you're properly staffed, you actually get to book proper vacation time without the fucking owner bitching and moaning.

I am paid damn well, I come in at 8 and leave at 5, I don't touch work stuff when I'm not at work, I rarely deal with end users, and I haven't had to touch windows in about 5 years.

Enterprise tech is where it's at if you value your sanity and free time.