Julia Cronin wrote:

> Your point is well taken. Our benefit package IS great. But - how
> many of us get to leave because we don't have anything "going on"?
> Where I work we always have something "going on". And I can't just
> take a day off - we have to request leave prior to taking it unless
> its an emergency.

I'd rather call it "semi-flexible" especially in my area.  It isn't
strictly a 9-to-5; who wants me reloading routers and disrupting the
network during prime time?  Or updating the ASIS, Banner, or Library
systems during those times?  While some flexibility is possible there
are also some extended demands that go along with it.  Same with our
other crew, we have numerous servers, 250+ network switches, and 7
routers out in the field that are "assumed to be there" when you want
them, and we do our best to make it so.

I'm constantly reminded of this by my wife at home every time she says
"Get off that d*mn computer and come to bed!".  But often that is the
only time to catch up on email, as well as trying to keep a finger on
the pulse of the campus network.

Others are in similar situations.  Physical plant, security, the list
goes on.  But we generally share a common thread of having some
greater-than-average flexibility but also some greater-than-average
responsibilities.  They usually balance out, if you're lucky.

Jeff Kell <[log in to unmask]>
Systems/Network Administrator
Information Technology Division