'Ticket, Please! Why IT Support Runs on Requests (and a Little Sass)'
Every IT pro has their battle stories—tales of printers gone rogue, Wi-Fi that vanishes at just the wrong moment, and, of course, the eternal struggle to get users to submit tickets. But sometimes, just sometimes, justice is served with a side of sass, and the IT gods smile upon us.
Today’s story, found in the digital halls of r/TalesFromTechSupport, features a hero who stands firm before the mighty forces of Executive Suite Entitlement. Grab your popcorn, because this one’s got all the ingredients: stubborn users, ticketing systems, and a techie with the backbone to say, “No ticket, no help!”
The Scene: Executive Suite Shenanigans
Our protagonist, u/OldGirlGeek, enters the lion’s den—the executive suite area—to help a user who did things the right way: submitted a support ticket. Like clockwork, the user is waiting, prepared, and chatting with two admin assistants. But as soon as OldGirlGeek appears, the other assistants pounce, “Oh, we’re so glad you’re up here. We have a ton of things we need from you.”
Ah, the classic ambush. You can almost hear the Mission Impossible music playing in the background.
But OldGirlGeek isn’t falling for it. She calmly asks, “Are there tickets for them?” The sheepish silence that follows says it all. One admin even waves her off, scoffing, “Oh, who actually does that?”
Spoiler: The user with the ticket does. That’s why they’re getting help.
With a perfectly executed mic drop, OldGirlGeek helps the ticket-holding user, then leaves without even asking what the others needed. And the best part? These aren’t clueless newbies—they’re seasoned staff who definitely know the procedure.
Why Tickets Matter: A Love Letter to Documentation
If you’ve never worked in IT, you might wonder: Why all the fuss about tickets? Can’t you just help people when they ask?
Here’s the thing: IT isn’t being difficult for the sake of it. Tickets are the backbone of an organized, fair, and efficient support system. When everyone follows the process:
- Problems get tracked. This helps spot recurring issues, allocate resources, and prove that IT isn’t just sitting around playing Minesweeper all day.
- Priorities are clear. Urgent issues get flagged; less urgent ones don’t clog up the queue.
- No one gets forgotten. A verbal request can vanish into the ether (or the next coffee break), but a ticket stays put until resolved.
- Workloads are managed. IT teams aren’t superheroes (well, maybe a little), but they need to know what’s on their plate.
When people bypass the system—especially those who know better—it’s not just annoying. It’s a recipe for chaos.
The Power of “No”
What makes this Reddit tale so satisfying is the IT pro’s subtle act of rebellion. Instead of caving to pressure or playing favorites, she sticks to her guns. Helping the ticket submitter and ignoring the queue-jumpers isn’t just about following rules—it’s about respect for everyone’s time (including her own).
Let’s not pretend it’s easy. The executive suite is where requests often come with an unspoken “because I’m important.” But as OldGirlGeek demonstrates, the only real VIP is the one who respects the process.
A Lesson for All Offices
There’s a universal takeaway here: Systems exist for a reason. Whether it’s submitting tickets, filling out forms, or waiting your turn at the coffee machine, following the process keeps things running smoothly for everyone.
And for the IT folks reading this: Remember, you’re not just gatekeepers—you’re guardians of order in a world teetering on the brink of digital chaos. Stand tall, wield your ticketing system with pride, and don’t be afraid to walk away from those who won’t play by the rules.
Over to You
Have you ever stood your ground in the face of “just this once” requests? Or perhaps you’re guilty of trying to sneak in a favor with your local IT wizard. Share your stories in the comments! And next time you need tech support, remember: A ticket is your golden ticket.
So, what’s your best “ticket, please” moment? Drop it below—bonus points if it involves executive shenanigans!
Original Reddit Post: Ticket, please