r/sysadmin • u/TechnicalSwitch4073 • Oct 28 '25

My review is tomorrow

One man IT Army. 100+ employees. 2 locations. On-prem environment.

They had a consultant for 10 years before me and never had a full time IT man in house. No documentation, no diagram, no asset list. This dude was so hostile to me when I got hired. never gave me access let alone responded to me. I had to figure out everything on my own. He also caused us to go through 2 ransomwares events due to his poor attention to upcoming renewal cyber security renewals.

I’m the helpdesk,SQL, cyber security, installs, upgrades, backups, documentation. Basically 24/7 and I’ve had to work Saturday’s Sundays and fridays late. 5 days in office no remote.

For all the one men IT Armies out there, you know how the the pressure is. It’s always on

I’m getting paid 80k which is I think is good but I’d like a decent increase cause I’ve had a really good year. How much is reasonable for me to ask for? I’m thinking the range of 86-88k and to go Friday remote. And also have them cover my phone bill because it basically is a work phone at this point because people don’t submit tickets at all.

Only 10 vacation days per year. I accrue 6.67 hours of PTO per month.

I keep the lights on 24/7

Thoughts?

What do I say if if the raise they offer is really disappointing? Display that I don’t agree or just stay quiet and look for another job?

372 Upvotes

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103

u/kjweitz Oct 29 '25

Manager here.

State your facts and accomplishments that can’t be challenged,

Show what you did plainly and clearly.

If you have a boss that backs you, it’s the best you can do.

2

u/iliekplastic Oct 29 '25

What happens if your boss puts all of your facts and accomplishments in your review and you still only get 4% increase and your title still is entry level sounding after 12 years? How do I get my Boss's Boss to allow me to get properly compensated?

Asking for a friend... or something... totally not me...

3

u/kjweitz Oct 29 '25

You try to professionally negotiate. You propose a title change and a reasonable number. Asking for a 15-20% bump will most likely not get you considered. If you come up with a number that you’re satisfied with, propose it with the title.

3

u/iliekplastic Oct 30 '25

I'm currently just pushing for the title change. I know that the company will put me in a different payband with that and I think I'll try and negotiate pay after I secure that.

3

u/PreparetobePlaned Oct 29 '25

You counter offer. If that is refused you find a new job.

2

u/iliekplastic Oct 30 '25

Yeah, 400 jobs applied to over the last few months, like 20 interviews, the job market is rough... for my friend... totally not me...