I'll never forget setting up my very first web server service, creating a single HTML page, and viewing that page from a coworker's computer. It was thrilling to see that simple It works page. My coworker said, "Congratulations, you connected two computers over a wire." His comment didn't faze me a bit. I was happy about it because I had done something I never had before. That simple web page set me on a whole new path as a system administrator. I began learning advanced HTML and BASH scripting, and it reignited my interest in programming. That was 1995, but I get that same thrill today when I write a script and receive my expected output.

That excitement has fueled my tech career for more than 30 years. I learned so much so fast that I began teaching Linux and shell programming in 1999. My goal was to inspire other tech folks to explore something more engaging than their pursuit of Windows certifications. I'm proud to say that some of my students have had long, successful careers. A few started their own tech support businesses. One or two of them are still in business all these years later. Those that followed the corporate path have enjoyed diverse career choices in programming, management, executive leadership, and various areas of technical administration. I'd like to believe that I helped inspire them through my excitement for computing technology and what it has to offer.

Disgruntlement and apathy are contagious, but so are enthusiasm and passion. If you've ever worked with a team member who is lazy, irritable, or rude, you know that their attitude negatively affects the entire group. Conversely, if you work with someone who is happy, positive, and kind, they uplift the attitudes of the group. And group attitudes tend to escalate over time. When I worked at Red Hat, my group was positive, inspiring, and fun. We worked very hard, but we enjoyed every minute of the days we spent together. I would go to work early and stay late because the environment was absolutely intoxicating. My manager was forward-thinking, and we were in friendly competition for his accolades. He held us up to the rest of the company as what his vision of loyal Red Hatters should be. I was part of an elite team. We had great pride in our work and unexpectedly brought in millions of extra dollars to the bottom line. I truly loved that job and the people with whom I worked. It was quite possibly the happiest time of my work life.

The antithesis of that position was one in which I'd spent 16 years wondering when the next round of layoffs was going to consume me. It was an unpleasant and degrading environment that bred paranoia and negativity. It was the least happy time of my work life. I regret staying there for so long. It would have been better to have been laid off and forced to pursue something better for myself mentally and emotionally. It wasn't difficult to find a more positive place to land.

I've always been told that work isn't supposed to be pleasant, and that's why they pay you to do it. I disagree with this old saying. A job can be and should be a pleasant place to go. After all, you spend a third of your life there and it should motivate you to do your best. Your coworkers should be encouraging. Your manager should be a positive force. Stop rolling your eyes. I know the reality of working in a tech shop, but they don't have to be the soul-killing dungeons of yesteryear. They can be better. They should be better. They must be better.

In corporate-speak terminology, I'm giving you an action item as your assignment to prove my point. Set a daily notification reminding you to say something positive to a coworker. Tell someone they've done a great job. Tell them that they've helped you. Tell them you're glad they're on your team. Give someone a positive affirmation every day and watch the changes happen. Sure, they might wonder what you're up to for the first few days, but soon you'll see a change in the team's attitude. Your team will become more productive, more efficient, and healthier. Go and inspire someone. Trust me, you'll feel better too.

Ken Hess * Senior ADMIN Editor