When will the job market not suck?

Ive been seeing it mentioned on this sub reddit for like 5 years that the job market sucks for sysadmin.

So when will it not suck? What needs to happen? How will it happen?

At this point it seems like a career change would suit most people better than waiting for the job market to not suck. Could've became a cpa in those 5 years we waited for the job market to not suck.

https://redd.it/1rrbbba
@r_systemadmin

Funny User Requests

So this one blew my mind and I had to share it in case anyone else needs a chuckle like I did. I work in a school and a little while back the headteacher came to us asking for a quote for a printer at home. She ended up getting it of course (out of the school's budget, god forbid she buy her own, being by far the highest paid member of staff in the school) and my manager bought her a Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C579R. (Which is probably a bit overkill to be honest but it's the same model we use for most of the school.)

Anyway, it finally ran out of ink last week so we ordered replacements to her house. She walks into our office a few days later and said she was getting an error when putting in the new cartridges. These aren't hard to install, literally just take it out of the box, peel a sticker off the back and slot it into the front of the printer. I think there are even instructions on the box. But alas, she's getting an error and can't elaborate much more than that. The printer isn't that old and we've not had any problems with the rest of the fleet so we tell her that the cartridge is probably just not installed correctly.

Then, I shit you not, with a straight face she asks: Can you install the cartridge remotely?

I choked down the laughter. I wanted to ask her so badly how she thinks that would work. But I held back and instead sent her a video of the whole process of installing a cartridge. I haven't heard back in almost a week so I assume the plastic sticker on the back of the cartridge was just not removed and she's too embarrassed to continue the email chain.

Short of us buying some sort of bomb disposal robot (which I don't think would have the range and is also probably not in the budget) I can't think of another way that cartridge could have been installed remotely.

Educators man, I tell you, they're a different beast.

Feel free to share your own mind blowing requests below. I think we could all use a laugh now and again. 😅

https://redd.it/1rqrhiz
@r_systemadmin

Playing Detective

Why do I always have to play detective? Trying to figure out what the fuck users are talking about. Trying to figure out wtf my fellow techs are talking about.

Never given context.

I provide specialized support for scientific labs that mostly do genome sequencing of diseases.

My user is complaining he can’t remote into his freezer. We have a platform where they can see their devices and click connect to remote in. I would have had to set this up and I can assure him and everyone here I have never setup a freezer for remote access. Even if I did I did not remove or change anything. So now I need to figure out wtf he is talking about.

https://redd.it/1rrpewq
@r_systemadmin

Heads Up: New 9.9 CVE's in Veeam 12 and 13

Just incase anyone here doesn't subscribe to Veeams automated email alerts there are multiple 9.x rated CVE's that Veeam announced today in both versions 12 and 13:

Veeam 12 - https://www.veeam.com/kb4830

Veeam 12 release notes and patch links - https://www.veeam.com/kb4696

Veeam 13 - https://www.veeam.com/kb4831

Veeam 13 release notes and patch links - https://www.veeam.com/kb4738

The full installers also have the latest update in the Updates folder in the ISO (although the version numbers and dates haven't been updated in the downloads page in My Account).

https://redd.it/1rrrc3u
@r_systemadmin

Windows Server Automation Tools that focus mainly on powershell

The purpose of this post is to find out what others are using for Windows Automation with a focus on PowerShell. I am currently using 2 different tools (I'll get into this) that are "free" because of other licensing we have at our org. But I think i am ready to ask if we can purchase 1 tool to move everything to a single platform.

What I also need is a tool that has a GUI/ Web frontend that I can build forms with predefined drop downs so end users can consume some of the backend automations (mostly for server builds and defining specifics on servers). A tool that would allow for modules to be imported locally would be great (can't do this with Aria Automation).

Tools currently in use are...


\#1. VMWare Aria Automation. We use this for our server provisioning. It works great and has PowerShell as an option but lacks when you need certain modules. So, i have VRO workflows that basically take some of the variables our engineer's input on the build web form and invoke a PowerShell script that is on an existing Windows Server that has those modules installed. If there are tools that you can import modules would be great.


\#2 System Center Orchestrator. I actually really like this product, but Microsoft hasn't put a ton towards it since owning it and there are always rumors that it is going away. Also the web portal allows you to set up for inputs...but no dynamic drop downs or anything. I use this for AD cleanup, Microsoft Configuration Manager automations, creating SNOW tickets via API, ingesting our LogicMonitor alerts and if any of the alerts meet certain criteria, kicking off a runbook to remediate the alert....etc...


If you have any questions, please ask...and if you have any suggestions, I really appreciate it.

https://redd.it/1rrq5rn
@r_systemadmin

Has anyone successfully reduced helpdesk tickets with in-app support?

We're exploring ways to deflect repetitive helpdesk tickets for basic usage questions in our enterprise apps, which we've identified as recurring issues. Most of what we're seeing is users getting stuck mid-task because onboarding didn't stick or the SOPs live outside the application.

We're evaluating more contextual in-app guidance and self-service support as a form of performance support and learning in the flow of work, rather than pushing more documentation or live training. The goal is better user adoption and fewer tickets for routine how do I do this?

For those who've implemented a digital adoption platform or something similar, did you actually see measurable ticket deflection? Were you able to connect adoption metrics or user behavior tracking to changes in support volume, or did it mostly shift the burden elsewhere?

https://redd.it/1rrr7c8
@r_systemadmin

Intermittent mail delivery to wrong user despite correct "To" address

The Problem:

We migrated to hosted exchange platform after experiencing the same issue on the previous service provider.

We are experiencing a critical but intermittent issue where emails intended for a specific recipient are being delivered to the wrong user’s mailbox, despite the "To" field showing the correct email address.

Key Symptoms:

• Intermittency: Most emails deliver correctly, but a small percentage "cross wires" and land in an unrelated user's inbox.

• Correct Metadata: The headers and "To" field on the received mail show the intended recipient, not the actual recipient who received it.

• Inconsistent Trigger: There is no clear pattern (e.g., specific sender or time of day) for when these misroutings occur.

No rules setup on outlook

Any ideas?

https://redd.it/1rru1zt
@r_systemadmin

Is it normal that the effort/salary ratio is that bad for IT-Managers and for other departments?

Hi everyone,

for context, I am now at 6 YoE and live in Europe. I started as an intern, then as a helpdesk tech, sysadmin and for a year now I'm a cloud admin focused on M365/Azure. I am always looking a bit into the future regarding my career and such and I noticed there are sorta 2 ways: senior technician or management.

But what I noticed looking around, not just IT-Managers but majority of managers in general in other departments, that the amount of effort they have to put into their work and the responsibility they have, is so astronomically higher than what they are paid for, that its just not worth it. My current boss for example has 20x the emails, the calls and the responsibility than I do, yet I am 99% sure he earns 50% more than me tops. Even if double, it wouldn't be worth it for me considering even if he cloned himself twice it wouldnt be enough. So far the only proper path I have seen is going towards being a senior cloud dude.

Am I just seeing bad examples around, or am I seeing the whole thing wrong? I mean, I am passionate about technology in general and love my job and would be even interested in more managerial roles, but I also dont want to get squeezed dry for not much more money as the majority of the people I know that went into burnout were managers of some sort.

https://redd.it/1rrtb8b
@r_systemadmin

Looking for good UPS replacement for Dell 3750W

Ever since I started at my present place of employment in 2014, we have had two Dell 3750W UPS units, which now are in need of replacing. Up until now, they have been reliable, but I have never been impressed with the event notifications, which are always vague and non-helpful.

Looking for input on similar 5000VA units from Eaton, APC, etc.

Thanks in advance!



https://redd.it/1rrz8dg
@r_systemadmin

Thickheaded Thursday - March 19, 2026

Howdy, /r/sysadmin!

It's that time of the week, Thickheaded Thursday! This is a safe (mostly) judgement-free environment for all of your questions and stories, no matter how silly you think they are. Anybody can answer questions! My name is AutoModerator and I've taken over responsibility for posting these weekly threads so you don't have to worry about anything except your comments!

https://redd.it/1rxwalk
@r_systemadmin

Patch your gear - Max severity Ubiquiti UniFi flaw may allow account takeover

For the UniFi folks https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ubiquiti-warns-of-unifi-flaw-that-may-enable-account-takeover/

https://redd.it/1ry39us
@r_systemadmin

First UniFi With a 10.0 CVE, Now ScreenConnect 9.0 CVE

UniFi: 10.0 NVD - CVE-2026-22557
ScreenConnect: 9.0 NVD - CVE-2026-3564

Nobody has said it yet (not that I've heard), but this would be how I assume adversarial AI systems enter the arena. Hopefully these were security researchers using tools to bug hunt & claim bounties, but two major players in the same week - makes me wonder.

As I've been telling friends and clients, the rate of small intrusion to network takeover is accelerating. The window to respond is closing. Historically, a foothold gave enough time to detect, triage, & remediate, at attack team/human operation cycles. Humans vs humans, you've got (some) time.

My hypothesis/assumption here, but that rate is probably thrown out the window. A small breach + rapidly iterating attacks against all internal services will turn up the next weakness in the chain, until full access is accomplished.

These AI systems are like a 50-Cal Rifle, you use them to punch a hole into the network, and the attack pours through that hole.

For defenders, you can't be constantly on guard, can't be constantly ready to "fire back" or deploy time/energy chasing down everything that makes the system throw an alert.

Maybe I'm just a bit burned out, but two days in a row my evenings have gone to shit, as I'm digging through logs and reading up on the next problem to tackle tomorrow - and meanwhile keeping clients advised of what's going on, and still trying to leverage remote support via tools that are BROKEN because of the PATCH - effing ScreenConnect - no notice no comms - not a care in the world to share it with PAYING CUSTOMERS.

https://redd.it/1ryipfs
@r_systemadmin

Weekly 'I made a useful thing' Thread - March 20, 2026

There is a great deal of user-generated content out there, from scripts and software to tutorials and videos, but we've generally tried to keep that off of the front page due to the volume and as a result of community feedback. There's also a great deal of content out there that violates our advertising/promotion rule, from scripts and software to tutorials and videos.

We have received a number of requests for exemptions to the rule, and rather than allowing the front page to get consumed, we thought we'd try a weekly thread that allows for that kind of content. We don't have a catchy name for it yet, so please let us know if you have any ideas!

In this thread, feel free to show us your pet project, YouTube videos, blog posts, or whatever else you may have and share it with the community. Commercial advertisements, affiliate links, or links that appear to be monetization-grabs will still be removed.

https://redd.it/1ryq9z5
@r_systemadmin

When directed to ignore compliance and\or stop asking for written change request. How\Have you handled it?

When operating at a director or manager level in an institution and you have your CFO or President or CFO backed by the President\\CEO, come to you directly and tell you to elevate a user to an elevated privilege, or remove endpoint protection, or some other crazy directive.

I'm sure most of us would say we need the directive in writing, explaining we need this for audit\\change logging, and this is established best practice, and hope that would put an end to it.

However I experienced a first today, I was told that when I ask for the directives in writing it makes it look like I'm trying to shelter myself from any legal or business repercussions if their decisions\\request result in a disaster. I was told bluntly "that is not the case, as the sole IT Director I would shoulder 100% of the responsibility legally and professionally I would be destroyed". They then followed up with that I need to stop asking and just do when directed. I pushed back I made it clear I have to have logs, I need to make sure we can audit if something breaks and that without written directives if I get audited it might go from "they made a mistake" to "they are trying to steal or hurt the company"

Yes I know red flag GTFO, I'm trying, but can anyone actually confirm if that statement is legit? I'm reaching out to an employment lawyer but there has to be someone here that can see this or know someone that could weigh in with expert level views and either confirm or deny.

Thanks in advance and yes this is real, it happened, and I've been in the business for decades, never saw this

https://redd.it/1ryjc2r
@r_systemadmin

Anyone buying new servers this year?

With ram and every server being expensive, what has happened to people's projects? Has things gone on hiatus? Recently got a quote for servers, they were $40k per pizza box, but we got a quote close to $200k each this year, a 5x increase.

https://redd.it/1rym7kp
@r_systemadmin

Salaries (Europe only) - IT 2026

role:

salary:

location:

experience/scope:

benefits:

https://redd.it/1ryr9gu
@r_systemadmin

IT Contract work

Company i worked for for the last 23 years was acquired by another company last October. after endless meetings to transfer knowledge they are finally ready to fully take over the environment. My current official role is IT Director but i see myself more of IT Manager/sysadmin jack of all trades ... After having a meeting yesterday with head of IT for the new company, they proposed contract work on a monthly basis (no long term commitment). Needed time is 5 hours per month. New company is based in Austria and I'm based in Canada. The ask is following:

1. what is appropriate dollar amount per hour to ask?

2. does month to month contract makes sense or should i insist on something longer, perhaps minimum 6 month commitment?



https://redd.it/1ryu1qh
@r_systemadmin

M365/EXO Error creating new resource mailbox (Cannot convert a primitive value to the expected type)

It seems I can't create new resource mailboxes (room or equipment calendar) in M365 EXO. I'm seeing the error:

"Error executing request. An Azure Active Directory call was made to keep object in sync between Azure Active Directory and Exchange Online. However, it failed. Detailed error message: Cannot convert a primitive value to the expected type 'Edm.Int64'. See the inner exception for more details." etc. DualWrite (Graph) RequestId: xxx The issue may be transient and please retry a couple of minutes later. If issue persists, please see exception members for more information."

Well, this hasn't worked for hours now. Anyone seeing this? We're pure EXO shop, no on-prem Exchange.. I assume mailbox creation events should be visible in Purview audit log, but nothing there, not even errors.

I should note that modifying existing resources works fine. For example, changing display name for a resource changes it in Entra too, I can see 'Microsoft Substrate Management' process doing its job.

Nothing relevant in M365 admin center service health section... I'm in north EU.

https://redd.it/1rytbmw
@r_systemadmin

Excessive Authentication Prompts after applying KB5078752

Anyone else seeing this? We applied KB5078752 to our domain controllers on Monday evening and starting Tuesday we're seeing users getting password prompts, generally from Outlook. The prompts would generally indicate a locked out account but this is not the case. It doesn't seem to be all users but certainly a large portion of them. We're running a hybrid Exchange environment.


No stale Kerberos tickets, no cached bad credentials. We're at a loss here as of now.

https://redd.it/1ryv6rd
@r_systemadmin

Difficulty communicating with C-level traveling in China. Any ideas?

We currently have a C-level role traveling in China who weve lost contact with a few days ago.

Originally they were able to use Teams per normal but a few days in they lost access to all MS systems. From there we were able to coordinate getting WeChat setup using internal messaging in an app we develop, but after a day of communication that way it appears they have lost access to that internal system and to WeChat as well. There's word that they were banned from wechat but Im not sure how that got back to us.

They are supposedly returning in a few days and barring some form of foul play these sort of trips will likely be a regular occurence moving forward.

We've had some critical payroll related communication get held up because of this, resulting that payroll will be a full week late, presuming no foul play and them returning on time to approve it.

We're US based, any ideas for keeping some sort of communication channel alive on subsequent trips?

Edit:

The issue affecting payroll is unusual, and it would normally not have been a problem for them to be out of communication. We're hit with both simultaneously which is what is causing the pressure here.

Edit 2:

From what I gather from this thread, communication using a US based SIM should work. We believe they left their US phone at home and got a temp once they landed, but that is speculation at this point with the lapse in communication. Even so, from what it sounds like most channels should still normally work and there must be something else going on. Since discussion has hyper-focussed on the payroll issue, which is a seperate problem we're addressing, and less so on the communication issue, I'm flairing this resolved.

https://redd.it/1ryirwn
@r_systemadmin

What are you using to remote control computers?

Hello

We're a company of about 400 people. We don't have a proper solution in place to remote control (see and control the screen) of the user computers.

We've been using Quick Assist but it's a pain in the ass if you need to do anything as admin.

TeamViewer is a no go because it supports unattended access.

We need to be able to push it with Company Portal to multiple PCs.

What are my fellow system admins using to get Service Desk onto other people's computers?

https://redd.it/1ryzrdi
@r_systemadmin