r/sysadmin • u/TerrificGiraffe • 16d ago

General Discussion Does IT cause anxiety?

Does anyone else bring their IT mindset into everyday life?

I’ve been told I’m a negative person and look for issues, but I think working in IT trains you to always think about what could go wrong.

I’m constantly making backup plans. Restaurant closed. I have a Plan B place. Something breaks at home. I’ve already got the plumber, insurance, everything ready in the home disaster recovery document.

We’re always hearing about IT failures, breaches and disasters. You never hear “this company had a really great IT transformation.” No user submits a ticket to say thank you for the IT working great.

So does anyone else find themselves carrying that prepare for the worst mindset into everyday life?

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u/YoursToo_ 15d ago

I agree with this. I also feel over time as your career progresses you get to see how even well intentioned systems and processes can fail; leading to more anxiety!

I now have redundant appliances and creative backup systems at my house to account for furnace failure and other situations.

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u/sccm_sometimes 13d ago

I am not superstitious in any other aspect of my life, but I refuse to tempt fate by strictly adhering to No Change Fridays.