47 Truths That Perfectly Capture How Working in Tech Consulting Felt Like
Spoiler: it was never about the tech
No two days are the same.
On a Monday, you're leading a smooth, stress-free go-live.
By Wednesday, you’re staring at a blank ticket titled "CRITICAL" with no description, no attached error message.
Working in IT, I’ve hand-written so many acronyms about the industry I’m learning, joined back-to-back calls, had random AHA moments, and yes, survived 1000s of messy days.
So I thought to share 47 truths, tiny reflections, and glimpses that sum up what it really feels like to work in tech, systems, or digital projects.
Even if you’re not in IT, consider this a peek into that world.
1–10: The Emotional Landscape
Logging out at 7 PM. Getting pinged at 6:59 PM.
That one user who broadcasts, “Salesforce is down again,” when they forgot their password.
Going from imposter syndrome to being the expert…in the same meeting!
Asking, “Is this in scope?” for the 8th time, with a smile.
Watching a developer’s eye twitch when the product owner says, “Can’t you add a button?”
The rush when a proof of concept demo goes right. Yipeeeee!
The crash when 105 test cases fail during user acceptance testing.
Finally understanding the legacy system from the 80s…right before it gets replaced.
Waking up thinking of JIRA reports and dashboards.
Explaining your job to your family and still hearing, “So…you fix computers?”
11–20: The Culture Clashes
Working with teams in different countries and learning that “yes” might mean “no.”
Juggling three time zones and forgetting to mention EST or PST in the invite.
Writing documentation no one reads… until you’re on paid time off (PTO).
Being called “Miss Mae” on Teams and it softens the blow of a midnight bug.
Playing translator between the tech folks and the business users.
Saying, “I’ll get back to you” and knowing it’ll take 4 follow-ups.
Debating: make slides, sheets, or just bring high-energy?
“Circle back” fatigue.
50+ Slack messages that could have been a short Loom or Zoom video.
Meetings that stole your time and brain cells.
21–30: The Human Moments
That one colleague who asks, “What’s been good, Mae?” even on a tough launch week.
Receiving a “Thank you” message from someone who left the company…and tearing up.
Watching a junior analyst grow into their confidence.
Turning a super user into a system champion.
Feeling like you have to choose between rest and month-end results.
When your child hugs you mid-Zoom and that’s the best part of the day.
Being mentored by someone who once told a client, “Stop making easy sh*t hard!” Total badass, and I’m forever changed by her.
Choosing to pause before replying to that email written in all CAPS, red font.
Understanding people’s emotions, even in “technical” work.
Taking mental health days off because, they’re a lifeline.
31–40: The Lessons You Don’t Learn From Certifications
No tool can fix a broken, obsolete process. Ever!
Change only works when people trust you.
The best solution is often the simplest one.
Tech moves fast, but quality relationships takes time.
It's okay to say, “I don’t know. Let me find out.”
Being a master communicator is a crucial leadership skill.
Everyone needs to feel heard, especially quiet voices.
A clear file name or a well-thought of help text for a field can save hours.
Quality testing takes more time than anyone thinks.
A well-documented lesson learned is the trophy you carry into the next project.
41–47: The Bigger Picture
The tools change, but the work is still human.
Progress doesn’t always look pretty.
Empathy goes further than any status update.
Rest is part of the job. Stop viewing it as reward.
The people you build with matter more than the platform you use.
Your well-being isn’t a trade-off for success.
You don’t have to be at 101% all the time.
If you show up with curiosity and genuine care
that’s more than enough.
Final Thoughts
If you're in IT, you know this life.
The back-end pressure.
The front-end visibility.
The behind-the-scenes miracles.
And if you’re not in IT - hope this gave you a glimpse.
Whether you're a developer, business analyst, project manager, or someone who still has to explain what they do at family parties…
Here’s your reminder:
You’re not invisible.
You’re doing meaningful work.
Your effort is acknowledged, even when no one says it out loud.
What would you add to this list?
P.S. If you’re looking for an IT partner, I’d love to work with you.
I help companies simplify business processes and build systems their teams actually enjoy using.
I also mentor young professionals who are growing their tech careers (especially those figuring it out without a roadmap).
Let’s create something that works and feels good.
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