Recently jumped to a new company and it's on fire, wwyd?
Posted by MrDarkwraith@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 139 comments
Hi all, my first post here I think
I recently took a desktop support role in a new organization that I won't name but can provide minor details on here and there. After being here for a month I've noticed and determined there are a lot of things that feel kind of "off" or aren't making the most sense.
Setting off red flags essentially
If you took a job but it was giving you bad vibes in this economy, what would you do?
Crazy-Rest5026@reddit
Jump ship again. Problem fixed
FireFitKiwi@reddit
Document the issues, come up with a plan. Change a whine into a solution, email it to your boss and a competent colleague.
These are the problems, this is why it matters, here's how we fix it and what the priority is. Show signs of potential for loss, breach, violation of privacy laws etc. Helps to attach a ballpark dollar figure of the cost of doing nothing.
Comfortable-Bunch210@reddit
Work it until something better comes along
SageAudits@reddit
Any IT red flags (everyone is admin; no budgets; licensing violations etc) or just all pretty much business related?
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
Well today our server admin got laid off for some reason
Laidoffforlife@reddit
Keep looking.
crutchy79@reddit
Lurking here because SAME
forgottenmy@reddit
Don’t jump ship until you have secured a new job. I would start looking, probably better off not saying to potential employers the vibes were bad though. If they ask why you are leaving so soon, just say something like “the role and career path were misrepresented” or “shortly after being hired, I found a lack of professionalism that made me worried about the long term viability of the place” because you don’t want to sound like someone that is going to leave another job right away.
tagehring@reddit
I wouldn't comment on perceived "lack of professionalism," it could come off as badmouthing your current employer, which is an interview no-no.
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
That last sentence is perfect, thank you very much!
rh681@reddit
Also the quicker you find a new job (if possible), the less likely you have to list this place on your resume at all. A month lapse in work looks better than one month at a company.
TravestyTravis@reddit
Keeping things off the resume, but keep in mind they will need to be put on the background check. Especially if it is for a security clearance.
Resume is curated, background check is paperwork.
cincy15@reddit
Your just desktop support…. Do your job , freshen up your resume… and find a new company…
zasdman@reddit
I took a Job and should have seen the red flags during a tour.
Entire network was D-Link switches. 30 Consumer Grade NAS all over multiple Server rooms, for backup. The Manager I was replacing, told me I have never done anything like this before.
I should have just walked away.
My first day, the COO told me, I needed to fire my Network Engineer. They were building a new Manufacturing plant and Filled it with brand new EOL/EOS D-Link switches. (not the Network Engineer).
The Old IT Manager was still there for the transition and was making changes to the network, locking out the network engineer, not communicating the changes. the Engineer was trying to figure out what happened, the old Manager let the team stew in it for 3 hours then says, "Oh I changed this", he would go back in and revert the change, then send a mass email "I was able to find and fix the issue"...
I found out the 30 NAS devices were used with 10 copies of free Veeam to backup all of the data, when they ran out of space they would run to BestBuy and buy another NAS... They had no real off site backups and only shuffled the NAS's between Buildings 1 time a week, with TB's of irreplaceable data at risk.
No centralized storage, they used DFSR and every time they needed more room they Mapped another 50GB from a random server as a fold somewhere in the tree structure of the share. I mapped it out and across 10 servers where were 139 randomly mapped folders to random servers, no one actually knew where the data was actually at rest.
There were 2 completely separate networks, both completely flat. The Leadership that knew nothing about IT told my Network Engineer, do not waste time creating VLANs as it not needed and just creates extra work.
The CEO sent an email to HR, COO, and myself stating that if IT did not get out of the way he was going to fire the entire team and find people who will do what he wants. this is after he saw the Network Engineer in the hall and asked him if he had a USB cable, which he did not.
Then the CEO schedules a Lunch each week with employees that make it past the year mark, my System Admin could not make it because of an outage and the CEO flipped out saying he needed fired on the spot and that the outage was probably made up.
Audits were a joke, they just wanted me to say things were good, basically fake it. and were making me sign off on it, if I brough up that we need to actually be doing this they shut me down and said you just need to tell them you are doing it this way, we don't want them to actually look at anything.
This is a $Billion company, their largest customer is Google, they hid how bad it was from Google.
After the first couple of weeks I started applying elsewhere and was out of there in after only 4 months... I have now found out a few months later they have fired the complete IT team that was there.
This is a huge disaster waiting to happen, nothing I wanted to do to fix it was ever approved.
So yea, I should have seen the red flags at the interview stage and passed...
Google, hit me up, I will spill so many beans...
xSchizogenie@reddit
If they fucked up that much, they were not even in consideration of google. Google has a clear guide what to check if you corporate with other company’s. What you wrote in your first paragraph is more than enough not even think about to check the rest. So either you talk BS or this is is AI flop story.
zasdman@reddit
I can tell you that this company was the only company that could figure out and build a Fiberoptic communication device for the AI infrastructure. It was basically a 4U rack mount Fiber switch that had hundreds of Fibers and a Mirror that would bounce the signals to the correct fiber strand.
They seem to have been able to hide and or get away with it, Google is the reason for the 2nd full network in the building, and Google owns and manages the Firewall for their network.
I assure you this is not AI slop and is exactly as it happened. This was the worst environment I have ever worked in, basically built on consumer grade hardware.
owenthewizard@reddit
Starts with a C?
zasdman@reddit
Starts with an A
tfm217@reddit
Are the people seemingly OK with the state of things, or are they all cooperatively trying to improve the train wreck? The second scenario can be a lot of work but not as bad as the first.
Strech1@reddit
This 100%.
Personally, I'd get bored if there wasn't fire, but it depends on if the place actually wants to fix things.
hostname_killah@reddit
Really depends on the red flags
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
Currently mass outsourcing, history of bankruptcy, poor financial decisions, wanting to rebrand as an "AI focused company" which doesn't really make sense for its field.
looney417@reddit
I read the news on this company. Stellar
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
If you want to guess, DM me
Nonaveragemonkey@reddit
Sounds like run way is short and they need money... They hemorrhaging money and clients like the Russian royal family did blood?
xteta@reddit
That simile is totally new to me but I like it
Many_Height4281@reddit
those are huge signs of MAJOR executive greed and arrogance.
Look for other jobs ASAP and get OUT. Even if it works and you stick around, the company is going to get sold off and gutted 1-3y later anyway. your executives are looking to inflate value more than actually run a company
ElectricOne55@reddit
I had the same thing happen at my company where management wanted us to use AI multiple ways, and they have had multiple layoffs the past few years. Along with setting multiple goals and running on a skeleton crew.
However, when I apply to jobs most are in person or pay less. I worry about getting asked why I left under a year in some roles too. But, a lot of companies have bad management or don't pay well so leaving is the only logical option.
omn1p073n7@reddit
I worked for a company briefly with unchecked executive greed. This was a medium small business and the owners were already living like kings and would completely use their workforce as disposable and pressure long hours with 0 chance of promotion or anything else. It was the worst most corrupt thing I've ever seen, but they had a really good 'face' and even presented themselves as philanthropic. The owners eventually did exactly this, sold their always on fire Trainwreck to some other company. It was not exactly like but too close for comfort to Wolf of Wall Street. I hate knowing that it probably all worked out for those scumbags but this is America after all.
ElectricOne55@reddit
My company is doing the same. They even made our goals focused on how we can use AI with our role. They have had a layoff each of the past 3 years since I've been here. I do like that it's remote, but there's no teamwork amongst the workers and it feels very soulless and like everyone's in it for their self.
When I apply elsewhere the jobs are for smaller companies that pay less and are sometimes all in person which sucks. So, idk if it's worth it to leave a 100k job for one that pays 75k? I feel like there's way too many red flags with my role though.
roboto404@reddit
This is always a fear of mine. Moving to a new place not knowing it is much worse than the previous place.
Obviously, if the old place is not an option, I would stick it out until you find a new one. I would be applying to other places like crazy.
InsaneGuyReggie@reddit
Been there, done that
InsaneGuyReggie@reddit
Is this a property management/real estate company?
RhymenoserousRex@reddit
A public release of swapping to AI focus is the modern stock pumping scheme.
dartdoug@reddit
So you doubt that Allbirds (a shoe company) will be successful with their pivot to become an A.I. company?
Bite your tongue.
Have you no sole?
I could come up with more...
BrainWaveCC@reddit
Don't be a heel.
dartdoug@reddit
Your comment tracks.
imnotaero@reddit
Eyelet these companies run themselves into the ground while I'm looking.
I-Am-James@reddit
Look, if the shoe was on the other foot…
MightySarlacc@reddit
Don't them string you along with bunch of AI-bro sneakers waiting to cash in on all that boot legged customer data.
Creative-Package6213@reddit
The company is a shoe-in for bankruptcy!
Ron-Swanson-Mustache@reddit
OP did say bankruptcy is a well tread path for them.
Wooden_Ad_5095@reddit
Don't judge someone unless you've walked a mile in their..... never mind!
TheITSEC-guy@reddit
Sound like LT is crocks
Danowolf@reddit
Sounds like a long walk ahead.
lurker_lurks@reddit
In the long run, I don't think this will pan out.
dartdoug@reddit
If A.I. doesn't work out they will trot out some new business model.
lurker_lurks@reddit
It depends on how efficiently they can manage their sprints.
JwCS8pjrh3QBWfL@reddit
Hey in fairness they sold the shoe division to another shoe producer and now the company by the same name is basically a completely different entity.
dartdoug@reddit
True enough, but I've seen plenty of companies do these kinds of pivots in order to justify outrageous salaries for their executives. In the case of Allbirds, their most recent financials (for 2024...don't know why they still haven't posted financials for 2025) show a loss of almost $ 100 million ($ 150+ million loss the year before). They burned almost $ 64 million in cash.
Meanwhile, their CEO received over $ 1 million in compensation in 2025 with their CFO getting over $ 750k.
Those salaries were not sustainable for a company losing 9 figures a year in a mundane business like shoes...so...voila now they are an A.I. company. You gotta pay A.I. executives well to keep them, right?
BioshockEnthusiast@reddit
Only if you want to make sure the cocaine river never runs dry. Those execs need a lot of energy.
SevaraB@reddit
I dunno about all that- I’ll bet troubleshooting boot failures in Arch is a good fit for them.
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
I appreciate the pun
a60v@reddit
Are they doing anything illegal or unethical? If so, quit immediately. You don't want to be associated with a company like that. If not, start looking for a new job and try to change what you can while you are still at the old company.
OldGeekWeirdo@reddit
\^ This. Update the resume and keep looking.
NSA_Chatbot@reddit
Bro you've got a résumé for next year with
SupraCollider@reddit
What does this have to do with your job as a desktop support? Genuinely curious why this is what you’re concerned about and why you wouldn’t just keep looking for a different role if you are put off by the company itself. All of those business issues have nothing directly to do with the job of desktop support, though.
patmorgan235@reddit
Run
drzorcon@reddit
Hopefully you aren't paid in RSUs, and you might want to avoid the ISOs. If they have a 401k match, don't bother, you might not ever get the vesting... Get paid in cash, and be ready to bail.
willdeleteacct1year@reddit
So I see you work for allbirds.
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
Not far off.
Hangikjot@reddit
are the shoes really that comfortable?
avlas@reddit
Run
Cyhawk@reddit
Every company is AI focused now. Just like they're Web 2.0, and Cloud, and Crypto, and Y2K compliant, and. . .
scratchduffer@reddit
Isn't that what Allbirds shoes just did?
_bx2_@reddit
Stay here for now and keep looking for something better. A paycheck is still a paycheck, even in a disaster of a company like that.
At worst, they can you for an unknown reason.
At best, you find a better place soon.
Given how the job markets can be in various regions, it might be worthwhile to stay and collect and learn from a disaster than just to quit right away.
I too have in such a disaster, maybe not as bad. Its good to learn from these types of places what kind of people run them and how they run them poorly. This way you can observe and learn from it.
Wandelation@reddit
A "history" of bankruptcy is maybe something that would've made me avoid applying for the role.
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
You right This has been a lesson to do more research during the application process
Educationall_Sky@reddit
Sounds like where I work + 10k other red flags 😂
OstrobogulousIntent@reddit
Oh gods that could be my employer... (its not but still..)
House_Indoril426@reddit
Did you not discover any of these details in your research of the company before accepting their offer?
caffeine-junkie@reddit
Any chance the shoe is on the other foot? If it is, would prep and start handing out the CV as chances are the doors will close before end of year once the stock tanks due to nothing materializing from the new venture.
Icolan@reddit
Yeah, those aren't things you can fix in your role and are serious red flags. I would start looking again and either find something else or be ready to find something else quickly.
pdp10@reddit
You've taken the job, so you generally want to find the silver lining in those clouds.
Being a recent hire doesn't always make someone temporarily immune to layoff or outsourcing, but in practice, it typically does. Consider that the person making the decision to hire you would look bad if you got terminated soon after hiring.
What leadership likely wants, is business agility. Set aside your justifiable misgivings for a bit, and look for places where you'd like to demonstrate some adaptability and business agility. Perhaps trying some new things to save money and preserve free cash flow, or taking advantage of these "AI" efforts.
heisenbergerwcheese@reddit
All of this happened between from when you accepted to started? Definitely run. If you didnt research beforehand... still run, but it's even more your fault
hostname_killah@reddit
Yeah, if that is what's going on, those are legitimate red flags
KindPresentation5686@reddit
Um. Call the fire department, not Reddit!
miscdebris1123@reddit
Google what other people have fine in this situation. This comes upb often.
Documentation and backups before touching anything.
cdoublejj@reddit
are they insolvent?
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
Private equity saved them three years ago so currently no
stromm@reddit
Sounds like that private equity is using them for a tax liability dump.
cdoublejj@reddit
mmmm enshitified product
invalidpath@reddit
I've been in a similar boat years ago, but I either chose to ignore or didn't treat certain bits as the red flags they were. I was so tired of being where i was that I let those emotions control what ended up being a mentally horrible choice.
I started looking within a two month period and it was so bad I was taking phone interviews during work hours.
InsaneGuyReggie@reddit
Been there, done that.
texcleveland@reddit
Do humans work there?
CeC-P@reddit
Legit, if it was me: put me in charge so I can fix everything or there's no point and I'm leaving
And I'd stick to it
Break2FixIT@reddit
All places have red flags.. trust me
It is all about if you are willing to deal with them and be compensated appropriately to fix them.
DerpyNirvash@reddit
As long as it isn't illegal, do your job
_haha_oh_wow_@reddit
Insufficient information to give a real answer but probably keep collecting a paycheck and looking for a better job until I find something stable.
EvilMonkeySlayer@reddit
I once joined a small company after having worked at a large corp because my first IT job was a small company and I felt like I needed to maybe go back to that small company mentality.
I decided it was a bad move on my part and found a job at a new company within a couple of months.
You work in tech, there's almost always a shortage of skilled people. Never be afraid to jump ship if things aren't working for you.
DaftPump@reddit
Do the people you report to believe in your suggestions to rid of red flags? If so, was this told to you or did you get it in writing?
jenkstom@reddit
Focus on self care. Set firm boundaries. Learn to be assertive.
jhuseby@reddit
MSP? I’d find a new job asap if you get these vibes. Plenty of companies that aren’t shit holes (I didn’t realize that until way too long into my career).
RikiWardOG@reddit
SAME, oof. But man, I work for a crazy good place now. Night and day.
CherrySnuggle13@reddit
I’d give it a little more time while quietly documenting what you’re seeing. Some places look chaotic from the outside but improve once you learn the context. If the red flags are ethical issues, toxic leadership, or no path to improve, I’d start planning an exit.
TheStig827@reddit
As long as the paychecks get cashed, stay.
But don't stop shopping.
Once they start asking you to deffer pay.. unless they're giving you shares/stock to compensate.. bail. you're not likely to see it, as you're way down on the creditor totem pole.
1z1z2x2x3c3c4v4v@reddit
You only work to get new skills and experiences. Can you do that here? If so, you stay for just long enough to get some new and in-demand skills, then you move up or out.
Able_Perception7808@reddit
I wouldn't quit but I would start looking for the next spot. In this economy, unless it's actively harmful, a paycheck is better than nothing.
OstrobogulousIntent@reddit
Also I find that getting hired when you have a current job is actually a LOT easier than when you're out of work - puts you in a better negotiation position but also it seems like there is some innate bias in "lets hire this person who is currently working"
bbcahs@reddit
I came here to say the same thing. Start looking and hang on for a while longer.
DavWanna@reddit
It's the same thing as getting hit on more than even only once married: other people will see that someone has seen something worthwhile in you.
RikiWardOG@reddit
Do minimum and keep looking, if you left the last place on good terms, maybe see if they'll take you back lol
Danowolf@reddit
Keep the job and you should be in low spending high savings mode.
cop1152@reddit
Are the bad vibes IT-related?
Practical-Alarm1763@reddit
That's normal with most new IT job.
battmain@reddit
Lol. Currently in that position now but cannot fully get rid of msp because it's just me and I would drown. First step is to manage corporate devices. Almost there. Next is updates and forcing weekly reboots. Highest uptime on user machine was 289 days. Of course they were bitching when I kept the machine for updates.
che-che-chester@reddit
Why did you leave your last job to come here and does this job still satisfy that goal? If it was to get a certain type of experience and you’re getting it, maybe not so important the company is weak.
beedunc@reddit
Don’t leave unless you have another.
Skyhound555@reddit
Doesn't sound like there is any reason to high tail it out of there. "AI first" is simply corporate speak for "our employees need to start using AI." There is no such thing as AI not making sense for a company. Every company is trying to get their employees to understand how to use AI effectively. Same with outsourcing and even past bankruptcies. These are all just things that happen in business. Almost none of it affects you personally besides the loose threat of a layoff.
The only time you should ever immediately leave a job, is if they are doing something so wrong that I could reflect poorly on you if employers heard about it. For example, I left a company because they were sharing PCI data over insecure emails as a business process. I didn't want my name attached to something that could turn into a public data breach issue.
It may not be a forever job, but a role like this is is better as a stepping stone to something better. Getting laid off also looks better to an employer than someone who left without a good reason. You would never be able to justify why you left to another employer so quickly from a current job.
OregonTechHead@reddit
With no information, no one can give you any sort of answer.
"red flags" of things like missing updates, no helpdesk system, etc is far different than "red flags" of yelling or other toxic behavior.
Fritzo2162@reddit
I've been in that situation. Keep resumes out there and follow up on job offers. Your instincts are usually correct.
Flabbergasted98@reddit
you didn't give us any details so it's not a really fare assesment. but the short answer is going to be.
Start applying for new jobs.
Clearly stay with this one until you find something, but if this ship isn't stable and you don't see a reality where you can get it there, then jump ship.
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
I do understand yeah
The lack of details and vagueness is mostly because I've never been in a situation like this before (my career is still fairly young) so I don't really know what any sort of retaliation might look like.
Flabbergasted98@reddit
So then the question becomes, what sort of experience can you gain by staying? Will it challenge you? will you learn new things? Would the time you put in here make you more employable in the future?
There's unstable, and then there's toxic. If it's unstable because they're a startup or don't really know what they're doing, it might be worth it to stick around just to advance your resume. Personally I'd set a limit of 2 years, and then reassess.
But if the red flags are that they're toxic, and are mistreating their employees, then there's no guarentee you can leave on good terms and it's better to get out now.
BarracudaDefiant4702@reddit
Red flags can show lots of room for improvement. The question is can you / is the company willing to fix them? They are only red flags if you are not allowed or able to fix them and the company isn't doing anything to fix them. Sometimes there are so many issues (hundreds), you just have to make a list and try to prioritize them and only focus on the top 20% and if you and or can get the company to agree to 50% of that 20% you can make great progress for the first year. Each year will get better and after not too many years the smaller problems will take care of themselves.
RotundWabbit@reddit
Find another one, in the mean time help put out the fires. Unless they're physically abusing you can live with it for the money.
Secret_Account07@reddit
This is kinda vague so it’s unlikely you get good advice here.
takingphotosmakingdo@reddit
Ah yes the private equity buy out, classic signs of slow implosion.
First in and first out may occur during the next layoff wave. I'd definitely fish for info/signs of the previous layoff like how many accounts got disabled via closed ticket queues if you have access to that.
DO NOT announce or probe to staff if you're looking for this info as it'll make them target you next directly through shady practices.
The market I'm in unfortunately is like this right now. Everyone that has the golden ticket is guarding it, and anyone that's new is a threat to their perceived safe role.
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
How did you know...
takingphotosmakingdo@reddit
If you're not joking, then it's happening far too often now.
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
You hit the nail on the head frfr
OstrobogulousIntent@reddit
I would recommend quietly look for something else while smiling and nodding at your current employ and be there for them with 100% effort during work hours.
I have had 2 companies I worked for that started out great just kind of start making really bad decisions and pointing the whole thing straight toward a giant and very foreseeable dumpster fire - in both cases, I took the action I recommend to you - I quietly just started looking and found a better gig while giving the current job their full moneys worth, gave a polite 2 weeks notice and got out of the mess before they imploded (both did in their own ways - one so spectacularly that I think there were even SEC charges involved.
If it takes a while to find something at least you have a paycheck coming in inthe meantime.
GreenAmigo@reddit
Line up a new job asap. When you have secured it move. Also whilst there record things you did in notes. If there are things that are dodgy done by company record it too... for incase the fire sale turns nuclear against you.
okcboomer87@reddit
One time I took a job. Went through the training which was about a month. By the end of training I was getting the same feeling. I asked for my old job back and worked there for a while. I don't like job hopping but I trusted my gut on that one.
trixster87@reddit
Practically - Work normally, but job hunt constantly and find the next job you can.
Maggsymoo@reddit
Do you think you can make a difference? are the people nice? is the money good? will your mental well-being be ok if you stay?
if all yes, then see what you can make of it and see if you can help drive change, if not - GTFO
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
Difference, no. I've heard from senior members that it's a very do what you're told type of job
Money is good, definitely better than my old job
Mental well-being... Ehhhh? Not sure yet.
Maggsymoo@reddit
I'd get out of there if it was "do what you're told job" personally, as I think tech staff should be employed for their experience and help drive change.
gakule@reddit
I think that depends. Helpdesk/desktop support as a recent new hire isn't really a position to really start rocking the boat - whether you're right or wrong - likely won't go over well regardless of the company culture. Of course that can change quickly with demonstrating competency, but a lot of times that starts with a long line of "just worry about your job".
That said, job searching and taking the higher pay while waiting for something else to come through is probably the best route for now.
absurdamerica@reddit
In this economy? Keep getting the pay check and applying. The reddest flag is not getting a paycheck because you jumped with nothing else lined up…
TechHardHat@reddit
Document everything quietly, keep your head down, and start passively looking. You don't have to panic quit but a month of red flags usually becomes six months of regret if you ignore your gut.
itishowitisanditbad@reddit
Like they have classic IT management that sucks and decisions are questionable or like you might wake up with organs harvested... 'off'?
I feel like the devil is in the details.
If its the management stuff i'm so over it but if its the organ harvesting then i'd wait it out, its not a great time to job hunt... just stay aware and alert.
MrDarkwraith@reddit (OP)
Wait out to have my organs harvested!? But i like having organs...
omn1p073n7@reddit
chillzatl@reddit
You've replied and listed some of the red flags, but I have to ask, how do YOU know any of that is true? Assumedly it came from your new co-workers, all of whom could be complete fuckups...
My recommendation would be to ignore the opinions of people you don't know (including those here and mine, we could also be complete fuckups), show up with the attitude that you're a superstar that's going to run circles around everyone else and make a real difference and keep heading in that direction until you learn for yourself that there's no capacity for that in that company. Then you start looking elsewhere.
imitation_squash_pro@reddit
Focus on your job and what you can control. What's happening many levels above you is irrelevant. They are obviously doing well enough to have hired you. Appreciate that.
MalletNGrease@reddit
Sounds like most businesses.
Anxious-Community-65@reddit
The best time to look is when you don't desperately need to leave.. One month is enough to get a feel for whether things are fixable or structural. Red flags that are cultural or leadership driven rarely get better, experienced that myself early in my career. red flags that are just "this place is messy and needs work" can actually be a good opportunity if you have the appetite for it :)
SluggoManiac@reddit
This is a bit of a broad post, your red flag might be someone's green flag. I think we would need a bit more context here..