Turning the Corner: Upgrading Yourself from "System Clerk" to "System Advocate"

Two (of the many) types of System Administrators are identified: The ‘‘System Clerk’’ simply performs clerical tasks as she is told to do them (creating accounts, installing software) while the System Advocate proactively works with users to develop and evolve the environment. Transitioning from Clerk to Advocate involves a change of attitude and ‘‘making time’’ for advocacy. Ways to develop more ‘‘spare’’ time for pro-active work are also spotlighted. I also explain ways to avoid the ‘‘system administrator visibility paradox’’: nobody notices the system administrator on days when things are working well.