Looking beyond the never-ending stream of work, the lack of recognition (although this changed for at least the short term during the pandemic) is commonly an issue.

This was shown to great effect in an episode of The IT Crowd - it might as well have been a documentary ;)

The clip can be watched here: https://youtu.be/zZCszIUcyVM

Making/Updating Documentations of Systems and Changes

IT administrators shoulder a myriad of challenges, navigating the complex terrain of network security, data management, and user access control. Ensuring the integrity and backup of critical data, managing user permissions without compromising security, and staying ahead of cyber threats are constant priorities. The delicate balance of software updates and patch management, coupled with the responsibility of scaling IT infrastructure to accommodate organizational growth, demands a strategic approach. Dealing with technology vendors, incident response, and troubleshooting further adds to their multifaceted role. Compliance with IT regulations, providing end-user support, and managing the transition to cloud services contribute to the intricate tapestry of an IT administrator's responsibilities, requiring a dynamic skill set and adaptability to ever-evolving technological landscapes.

Keeping up with the never ending improvement requests was the biggest struggle for myself when I was an IT admin in the past! Whether that was new forms and automation for existing IT processes or implementing integrations with other department systems, there was always something to enhance and new technology I have to stay up to date on. Having a consistent dialogue with department leaders and defining priorities for the organization was paramount to help keep my day to day balanced with my core admin tasks as well as keep tracking of other initiatives. 

As an IT administrator, advancing your career comes with its share of challenges:

1. Rapid Technological Changes: Keeping up with new technologies and updates can be demanding and requires continuous learning.
2. System Downtime and Crises: Managing unexpected outages and cyber-attacks under pressure is stressful and requires quick problem-solving.
3. Balancing Security and Accessibility: Implementing security measures without hampering user productivity can be a delicate balance.
4. Resource Constraints: Operating under tight budgets and limited resources necessitates creativity and strategic planning.
5. User Support and Training: Providing effective support and training to users with varying technical skills demands patience and excellent communication.
6. Work-Life Balance: The potential for after-hours work and on-call duties can make maintaining a healthy work-life balance challenging.