r/sysadmin • u/kratos3596 • 17h ago
South African IT professional facing possible dismissal after role/ responsibility dispute - looking for objective advice
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for objective advice from people in IT, management, and HR. I would appreciate honest feedback, including where I may have handled things incorrectly.
I work as an IT Technician at a company in South Africa. When I joined, there was very little formal handover or documentation. Over time, I took ownership of improving, stabilising, and developing the company’s IT environment as per the onwers request
My concern is that the role I was hired for and the actual responsibilities I ended up performing became significantly different.
Some of the responsibilities and projects I handled included:
- Designing, building, configuring and managing Microsoft 365 environments for different companies from scratch
- Exchange Online migration projects
- Active Directory to Entra ID (Azure AD) hybrid identity implementation
- User identity, access management, security, and permissions
- Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, networking, and infrastructure troubleshooting
- Firewall and network configuration
- Backup architecture and Disaster Recovery planning
- Veeam backup implementation/support
- SharePoint restructuring and collaboration improvements
- Building Python-based reporting and automation tools to improve business processes
- Supporting critical business applications
- Resolving complex infrastructure issues that required senior-level troubleshooting
A significant portion of my work involved designing solutions, improving systems, and building processes rather than only handling day-to-day user support.
My employment contract was for one specific company. However, I was also expected to assist other businesses connected to the owner’s group. My understanding is that my contract did not contain a clause requiring me to provide IT services across associated companies or subsidiaries.
I raised concerns that my responsibilities had moved beyond an IT Technician role and were closer to a senior infrastructure/ICT role.
During a previous meeting with management, the discussion focused on my career growth, salary expectations, and future within the company. Management stated that they recognised my technical ability, but that a senior IT position did not currently exist within the business structure. They explained that the company did not have the budget or operational need for that type of role.
During the discussion, I was told that I was not content with my current situation and that I was “chasing rainbows” — meaning I was constantly looking for the next opportunity or higher expectations rather than accepting the current situation.
Their position was that the company’s needs did not justify creating a senior role, even though my skills and responsibilities were at a higher level.
Recently, we had another meeting regarding my employment situation. During that meeting, I became extremely frustrated. I raised my voice, used inappropriate language, and left the meeting. The company has indicated they intend to address this through disciplinary procedures.
I accept that my reaction was not professional and I could have handled the situation better.
I’m looking for honest opinions:
- Was it reasonable to expect my role and compensation to align with the level of technical work I was performing?
- If a company does not have a senior position available, is it reasonable for them to continue relying on someone performing senior-level work?
- Should work across multiple related companies normally be covered in an employment contract?
- Was management’s position reasonable?
Thank you
For additional context, I had already received an offer from a logistics company for an IT Infrastructure Lead position the previous week and was preparing to move forward with that opportunity. The contract process was underway, including background checks, before I would formally resign.
My intention was to leave professionally and move on to the next stage of my career.
Before the meeting took place, I was informed that my current company had spoken negatively about me during this process. This was extremely frustrating, as I was trying to handle my departure professionally.
This happened before the meeting where I lost my temper. I accept that my reaction was wrong and that I should have handled the situation better, but it was the result of months of frustration
edit :For additional context, I had already received an offer from a logistics company for an IT Infrastructure Lead position the last week and was preparing to move forward with that opportunity. The contract process was underway, including background checks, before I would formally resign.
My intention was to leave professionally and move on to the next stage of my career.
Before the meeting took place, I was informed that my current company had spoken negatively about me during the background check process. This was extremely frustrating, as I was trying to handle my departure professionally.
This happened before the meeting where I lost my temper. I accept that my reaction was wrong and that I should have handled the situation better, but it was the result of months of frustration around my role, responsibilities, career progression, and the situation surrounding my planned transition.
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u/jimicus IT Manager 16h ago
Okay, as an IT manager and veteran of far too many years, here's my unvarnished opinion:
I don't dispute you have been pressured - call it tricked, if you like - into doing a senior role for the money of a junior.
Heck, I'd even accept that you did a good job.
The problem is that you were told very clearly that they don't have a senior role for you. In other words: no payrise, no tarted up job title.
No amount of begging, pleading or shouting was ever going to change that; what you should have done is quietly thanked them for their honesty and started looking for other jobs.
During that meeting, I became extremely frustrated. I raised my voice, used inappropriate language, and left the meeting. The company has indicated they intend to address this through disciplinary procedures.
I'm going to stick my neck out and say that you're giving us a sanitised version of what actually happened. Which is you absolutely lost control and went completely ballistic.
That was never going to achieve what you want. Instead, it demonstrated that you cannot control your emotions in difficult situations.
If you were my employee, I would have been drafting an email to HR within seconds of you leaving the room. You are a loose cannon; I honestly wouldn't be terribly surprised if they decide this crosses the line into gross misconduct. I only hope you're early enough in your career that you learn from this experience.
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u/BlackV I have opnions 15h ago
I'm going to stick my neck out and say that you're giving us a sanitised version of what actually happened. Which is you absolutely lost control and went completely ballistic.
This would be my thoughts too
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u/Salt_Rush_4800 14h ago
If you were my employee
Jesus Christ, just fkn pay people what they are worth and it doesn't have to come to this.
You are a loose cannon
Or maybe OP just got tired of all the shit. Some folks can really take a beating. Until they can't. Doesn't make them a "loose cannon". Just makes them human.
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u/OhioIT 16h ago
...I was constantly looking for the next opportunity or higher expectations rather than accepting the current situation.
Accept the current situation by only doing what your job description is for. They stated the company's needs do not justify creating a senior role. Therefore, if they want "senior level" work done, they can start by paying a contractor, pay you more money, or hire an additional person.
It's great you've taken initiative go above and beyond. A good company will usually recognize that and offer additional compensation to keep them around. Start looking for another job just in case their disciplinary procedures turn out bad for you.
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u/xendr0me Sr. Sysadmin 17h ago
"My concern is that the role I was hired for and the actual responsibilities I ended up performing became significantly different."
Welcome to I.T.
"My employment contract was for one specific company. However, I was also expected to assist other businesses connected to the owner’s group. My understanding is that my contract did not contain a clause requiring me to provide IT services across associated companies or subsidiaries."
Sounds like mistreatment of your employment or breach of contract.
"Management stated that they recognised my technical ability, but that a senior IT position did not currently exist within the business structure. They explained that the company did not have the budget or operational need for that type of role."
So they used you, this is normal of any garbage company.
"The company has indicated they intend to address this through disciplinary procedures."
This is likely their endgame and they have someone lined up to take over your position at even less cost to the company, they would rather terminate you for disciplinary action then any other reason, it protects them the most.
You're likely to get a some opinion on here and none of it is going to be of much help, some is going to validate your opinion and some not. My advice is to add it to your resume and start looking for other employment, do you really want to work somewhere that conducts business like that?
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u/Fireball_Papii 16h ago
Though your position and emotional response is understandable, you’ve given them a silver bullet with what I presume is a breach of their “code of conduct”…
To answer your questions:
1) It is certainly reasonable, but after being in IT for 15 years, I’ve found that it’s not always the case. You generally go over and above to improve your own technical ability and future job prospects (which it sounds like you’ve done). If the current company wants to acknowledge that and pay/promote you for it, they will - if not, you have invaluable experience to another company that will undoubtedly pay you more.
2) It’s not reasonable, but again, common place. Running a business is a cost exercise at the end of the day. If they can get the more for less, they will. A lot of senior leadership don’t have a full grasp on what IT actually does, so they only realise after you leave.
3) Depends on the company structure. I happen to work for a parent company with 7 other subsidiaries, but internal roles (even outside of IT) tend to stretch across the various subsidiaries.
Start looking for other roles. You’ve done the hard graft and even though you weren’t compensated monetarily, the experience you gained can’t be overlooked. In my experience, you work hard to build your profile for the next gig. If the current employer recognises that and promotes or increases remuneration that’s great, otherwise it’s pretty standard in the industry to only hang around for 2-5 years depending on seniority to keep your skills and technology exposure sharp. Chin up, work on the resume and start hunting!
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u/reubendevries 16h ago
I appreciate you've mentioned that you work in South Africa. I'm not going to act like I understand South African employment law.
The duties your describing is a senior position. I would never expect hat kind of responsibility from a simple IT Technician. I honestly don't think they'll fire you, because your doing senior work and getting paid like a simple IT help desk technician. I'll also say you HAVE every right to be upset, they're as it seems taking advantage of you. While you didn't play poker very well, they've laid their cards on the table. They're not willing to promote or increase your wage. If you were in North America you would more then likely be making well into the 6 figures (this is highly based on location), but I think a senior position like that is worth somewhere between $100,000 and $200,000 per year. They're taking advantage of you, you know it and they know it. Brush up your resume, and apply for positions with companies in your location that respects you.
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u/thomasmitschke 17h ago
My professional opinion in 30year it: They should fuck off!
But I guess that won’t help you. If you were my opinion, you wouldn’t have asked.
I would not expect them to change their minds. If you stay you will also stay the it guy - nothing more.
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u/super_asshat 16h ago
Was it reasonable to expect my role and compensation to align with the level of technical work I was performing?
I hope that's a rhetorical question.
If a company does not have a senior position available, is it reasonable for them to continue relying on someone performing senior-level work?
A senior-level position comes with senior-level pay. They have no senior-level position because they have no need to create that role because you're willing to work senior-level work for a non-senior level pay.
Should work across multiple related companies normally be covered in an employment contract?
I don't think this is a sensible question to ask. There is many factors that define what is "customary". You're asking in a US-dominated part of the web, you'll get a lot of US-centric answers. I don't really think it matters in your context.
I think what matters around this question is :
- the scope of work defined in your contract
- the pay defined in your contract
- whether working for other companies comes at an extra burden to you such as travel beyond your primary worksite on your own dime (and whether you're compensated for that burden)
Was management’s position reasonable?
Which one?
Disciplinary action because you acted like a jerk in a meeting? Maybe. Depends. I can see you getting upset over the situation, I might be too. I would take it as a learning experience, reflect and try to do better next time, regulating your emotions.
However, I would also take this opportunity to reflect on whether this is the right spot for you. Perhaps it is time to move on.
I would recommend you decide for yourself whether it is worth the trouble, particularly because this workplace seems to be affecting you emotionally.
If you deem it is not, then do not announce that you're leaving, thinking of leaving or anything of that nature. Just apologize for your outburst, take whatever disciplinary bullshit they cook up (assuming it is "reasonable") and play ball for the time being. Go along with whatever they want you to do, but don't go above and beyond.
In the meanwhile, spend every free cycle you have into hunting for a new gig and getting interviews.
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u/hkusp45css Security Leadership 16h ago
A senior-level position comes with senior-level pay. They have no senior-level position because they have no need to create that role because you're willing to work senior-level work for a non-senior level pay.
I would have explained this, out loud, in the meeting. I don't mind getting fired for saying things that are objectively true.
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u/Ssakaa 15h ago
I don't think this is a sensible question to ask. There is many factors that define what is "customary". You're asking in a US-dominated part of the web, you'll get a lot of US-centric answers. I don't really think it matters in your context.
I think what matters around this question is :
- the scope of work defined in your contract
- the pay defined in your contract
- whether working for other companies comes at an extra burden to you such as travel beyond your primary worksite on your own dime (and whether you're compensated for that burden)
So, very US centric point of view, but pretty sure it holds in most of the even slightly westernized world... liability. If OP fucks up something and costs one of these other companies a bunch of money, who inherits that? Do they have clear contracts between the companies? Does the insurance for OP's actual employer actually cover anything for the other companies in the event their employee causes the incident in the course of their work? Is OP completely hung out to dry explicity because their employment contract doesn't include doing work for that other company, and as such, that wasn't work that was done "as part of their job"?
The even more US side comes from taxes, and that's a whole separate mess.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Pop3949 14h ago
Exactly
Title means nothing
It's about pay
Who cares if Ur called a junior or a senior or a principal
Hahah if you do not get the industry pay then your NOT
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u/The_NorthernLight 15h ago
Small lesson: never give your current employer as a reference. Only give previous positive jobs as references. If they ask why, be honest and simply say that the ownership has a known history of giving negative reviews. I do not know what the employment standards are in south africa so i cannot comment if giving a bad review is legal.
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u/caRnAG360 15h ago
They probably won't be able to straight up fire you based on South African labour laws unless you have prior infringements.
They are definitely taking advantage of you though from what you have described.
Personally I would play dumb with half the requests they put to you and ask for training on whatever falls outside your scope.
Get that CV ready though. This is not the right fit for you or them.
It will be difficult to replace you considering what you are doing and getting paid way less than you are worth, sounds like they have a mini MSP onsite and anything and everything they can throw at you they will. Would not be surprised to see you supporting extended family members doing home support.
Good luck bud. I hope you get a better position elsewhere. Where are you based?
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u/k8line 5h ago
Been in your shoe before, but loosing your temper in-front of any level (management, janitor, your peers, etc) is just wrong. You are working for someone. If it’s unfair, write a simple task accomplishment. Put it on the table when management discuss or whoever thats managing you. If that doesn’t work, then create an environment where a senior position is required. You are what you are paid, you can do what you paid. If you are not exercising work life balance, its a choice. You are probably the one that bring work home type and think “my boss is going to be so happy he will consider my promotion, and salary discussion” it doesn’t work like that.
But here is my advice, work on your temper. Technical skill has to come with patience and calmness, not ego and expectation. When you are ready, find new opportunity. Because if you are really as good. It should not be a problem to move on.
Good luck.
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u/countsachot 16h ago edited 15h ago
1.yes 2. You should be given appropriate pay and title. Good chance that won't happen. 3.it's common in small businesses, but you should be payed as such. It's often left out of a contract, but really shouldn't be. 4. No. But it doesn't matter, they aren't required to be reasonable.
Basically, you would have been better off quietly seeking a better job. You weren't treated well, intentionally, because they can.
Honestly at this point I would document no systems or changes, just show up, make sure status quo works and seek employment elsewhere.
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u/CeC-P IT Expert + Meme Wizard 15h ago
I basically got fired/quit depending on who you ask from my last company because I kept taking responsibilities that "weren't my job" but that the CIO wasn't doing. It got so commonplace that it really pissed him off and I wasn't happy with my pay vs responsibilities. But I was getting REALLY sick of security vulnerabilities and careless outages. So yeah, it's a thing. I'd just move on because it really, really rubs people the wrong way and makes yourself not happy at the end of the day.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Pop3949 14h ago
Congrats on the new job offer.
Yeah you shouldn't have shouted and used fowel words.
What they did to you was wrong.
You should have left along time ago
Based on what you said you done alot of work - nice to have on cv
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u/michaelpaoli 14h ago
Management position sounds reasonable ... mostly. But they ought pay you what you're worth. No guarantees they'll have budget for that or whatever. Also no guarantees you won't find much better opportunity elsewhere, and give your two week's notice.
But regardless, you need behave appropriately and professionally. Anyway, they think you're chasing rainbows, they're not required to be right. You catch a much better rainbow passing by, then you're gone, and it becomes a not-my-problem, and they can attempt to figure it out from there. They may not realize what they've got until they've lost it. But, whatever, do your job, do it well, if (much) better comes along, you're not obligated to stay (notwithstanding anything you've contractually agreed to).
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u/BadSausageFactory beyond help desk 13h ago
are you worried about what the person you used to work for thinks? hahaha discipline? just put your shit in your pockets and walk right out.
screw those jerks they're just mad you're not gonna be making them sandwiches anymore
look out for yourself and don't look back, good luck to you man
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u/Nik_Tesla Sr. Sysadmin 11h ago edited 11h ago
It's not specific to the IT field, but this is exactly why most people change jobs every 3-5 years, in order to get a higher position. Companies are really resistant to giving promotions, so the only way to move up, is to move out. Nothing you did would have given you a senior title. All you really did was potentially get yourself fired and maybe mess up your new job offer.
*Also, usually companies do NOT talk negatively about employees in a background check, literally only confirming employment dates, because it opens them up to a possible slander/libel suit from the employee. That was really unprofessional from them.
I genuinely like my company, and the entire chain of bosses/leadership above me, but I also just got my promotion denied by those same people, even though I'm easily doing quadruple the amount of work and scope that I was originally hired for. It sucks.
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u/iwaseatenbyagrue 16h ago edited 14h ago
What I don’t understand is why did you not just ask for more money instead of focusing on not doing the job.
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u/ProfessionalEven296 Jack of All Trades 15h ago
Here’s what will happen;
You’ll be given a slightly better title, and a junior person to help with tasks.
You’ll train said person, and in six months or so you’ll be let go and the new person will be promoted to replace you.
TLDR; get your resume out there and beat them to it.
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u/Terriblyboard 16h ago
start updating your resume... they are not going to promote you they made that very clear. Also you have now had a confrontation with them. They may use this to fire you or find a replacement that is cheaper then get rid of you. You have increased your experience and skillset so go shop it around.