The problem with being in IT is the simple fact that everyone automatically believes your a geek and / or a nerd. Now these aren't bad things, I mean I'm a geek/nerd with a social life (a manic social life). Now I don't mean Social as in:
"I go out and role play with people in the woods and cast magic missile"
I mean:
"I work two jobs, 5 days a week and 3 nights a week, when Im not working you can find me:
Wednesday - Bar in the town singing with the other half
Thursday - In pulse (not sure if its a pub or bar, they have never been too clear on that one) singing
Friday - In the Railway (my mecca) drinking
Saturday - Most likely in the Railway, I haven't left since 4pm Friday
Sunday - Yep still in the Railway drinking since Friday"
There is a massive stereotype about IT support and techy's which I think is unfair, I know that every work force has a Stereotypical view of the job role, and now I shall go into them:
Call handler:
Stereotypical View:
The Call handler (aka The phone monkey) is a sad little person who phones you up at 5pm to sell you magical fairy dust which can cure the common chav, this person enjoys annoying other people because their sad little life merrits no real achievement. They are all students who can't get a real job.
The Real thing:
Is just another person trying to make their way in the world, they are racking up office experience just so they can get another job and make a living. They work very hard as each sale they make gives them a % (not true in every case) which goes to paying the rent. A number of call handlers are over 22, not students. I have known a large number of 30+ in the job as if you are a good seller you make a lot of money
IT Techy:
Stereotypical View:
A nerd who loves to play role playing games who works, lives and loves computers
The Real thing:
A person who likes to work with computers but also has a social life outside of work. The real nerds who live and die for their computers are the people who never leave their house, shows like the IT crowed (funny show) have yet again chuck a stereotype back at the IT savvy people.
Teachers:
Sterotypical View:
A sad person (or happy, depending on the grade of teacher) who lives to teach, some people think their teachers live at the school, Teachers are their to drag you down as they are "uncool" and not "fly" like the kids (word)
The Real thing:
Someone who has devoted their working time to teaching kids, they have to have a love of working with children and they try to help them learn so they can make their own way in the real world, really nice people (who when you see years after school you still call them "Mr." or "Mrs."
Bookmaker (Gambling Office)
Stereotypical View:
A old person who is bitter with life, only their to rip people off. Smoke filled room makes them smell like a ash try at the best of times as they give you evil looks
A old person who is really happy all the time and calls you "love" or "duck"
The Real thing:
Any age (18+) worker who wants a easy time, I worked in a bookies for 3 years, was the easiest 3 years of my life, even when I was a manager was still very easy. The pay and hours are good, meaning that the worker should be happy, will only be angry at a punter who is being evil.
Keep watching the floor! (don't make eye contact with anyone)
