Burned Out and Betrayed: Lessons from My Toxic MSP Experience
In the fast-paced world of network engineering, career opportunities can sometimes turn sour. In this blog post, I share my personal journey with a small Managed Service Provider (MSP) that promised a leadership role and modernization—but delivered a toxic work environment instead. My story is one of unmet expectations, burnout, and ultimately, a hard-learned lesson in recognizing red flags early on.
The Promise That Wasn't
A small MSP approached me with an enticing proposition: come on board as the senior network engineer and lead the team into a modern era of enterprise-grade solutions. With my extensive networking experience, I was excited about the opportunity to standardize on high-quality gear—pushing enterprise brands like Cisco, Aruba, etc, where it made sense—and moving away from outdated, local on-premises systems toward data center colocation or cloud-based solutions.
Initially, I started as a contractor, filling in gaps and providing strategic direction on network upgrades. Over time, I was convinced to join full-time with the promise of being the senior lead. However, the reality was far from what had been sold to me.
A Toxic Workplace Unfolds
Miscommunication and Undermined Leadership
From the start, there was a clear disconnect between what was promised and the day-to-day reality (hell, my laptop wasn’t even ready on day 1)
Role Ambiguity: I was never formally introduced as the senior network expert. Instead, I was lumped in as “another tech,” with my expertise overlooked by peers and management. Eventually most peers came to appreciate my expertise.
Lost Vision: The original plan to standardize on enterprise-grade gear and modernize the MSP’s offerings quickly fell by the wayside. The focus was on low-grade consumer products, undermining the potential for growth and improvement.
Toxic Reporting Structures: A major turning point came when one of the senior technicians was “promoted” to a managerial role without any transparent communication. Although I was initially led to believe we were equals, I was later informed that I would be reporting to him. This miscommunication set the stage for a hostile, toxic relationship that made daily work unbearable.
Personal Struggles Amid Professional Chaos
During this tumultuous time, I was also juggling significant personal challenges. My wife was on bedrest with our first child (who is now a very vibrant almost 6 year old), and I found myself working from the hospital when complications arose. The added stress of a demanding job and a critical family situation only amplified my frustration and feelings of betrayal.
Ultimately, the situation escalated to the point where I “wore out my welcome” and was fired by the very manager I was told I did not report to. The sting of being deceived and the disappointment of unmet promises during such a vulnerable time were profound.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Network Professionals
1. Trust Your Gut
If an opportunity seems too good to be true, or if early interactions raise red flags, trust your instincts. Early signs of miscommunication or a lack of clarity about your role can be indicators of deeper issues.
2. Get Everything in Writing
Whenever you’re offered a new role—especially one that promises significant changes—insist on clear, written expectations regarding your responsibilities, reporting structure, and the vision for your position. Documentation can provide critical support if discrepancies arise later.
3. Prioritize Your Well-Being
No job is worth sacrificing your mental and physical health. Balancing professional and personal responsibilities is crucial. If your work environment begins to negatively impact your well-being, consider seeking alternatives sooner rather than later.
4. Seek Out Transparent and Collaborative Cultures
Before committing to a role, research the company’s culture. Speak with current and former employees if possible. Look for organizations that value transparency, clear communication, and collaborative leadership.
5. Learn and Grow
Even painful experiences can offer valuable lessons. Use this experience to refine your career goals and to better assess future opportunities. Your skills and expertise deserve to be nurtured in an environment that respects your contributions.
Moving Forward
My experience with this MSP was a harsh lesson in the importance of aligning personal values and professional expectations. Although it ended in burnout and betrayal, it also provided me with invaluable insights into the kind of work environment I want—and deserve—to be a part of.
If you've faced similar challenges or have advice for navigating toxic workplaces, I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s build a community of professionals who learn from our challenges and support one another in our careers.