30 Disadvantages of Being a SharePoint Administrator (Bugs Behind Buttons)
Considering a career as a SharePoint Administrator?
It’s easy to get drawn in by the tempting prospects:
But there’s more to the story.
Today, we’re going beneath the surface. Way beneath.
Into the problematic, the unpleasing, and the downright demanding aspects of being a SharePoint Administrator.
Complex technical skills required? Check.
Constant need to stay updated with evolving technology? You bet.
Stress from managing sensitive data and system failures? Absolutely.
And let’s not forget the challenges associated with managing user permissions and security.
So, if you’re thinking about stepping into the world of SharePoint administration, or just curious about what lies behind those lines of code and data management…
Keep reading.
You’re about to get a comprehensive look at the disadvantages of being a SharePoint Administrator.
High Responsibility for Business-Critical Data and System Uptime
Sharepoint administrators are responsible for maintaining and optimizing the performance of their organization’s Sharepoint environment, which often houses business-critical data.
Any downtime or loss of data can lead to significant consequences for the business, including loss of productivity, revenue, or even legal issues in some cases.
This high level of responsibility can lead to increased stress and pressure, especially when dealing with system failures or data breaches.
Additionally, they are often on call outside of normal business hours to handle any unexpected issues that may arise, which can lead to a poor work-life balance.
SharePoint Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining the SharePoint system in their organization.
However, one of the main challenges of this role is the constant need to keep up with SharePoint updates and changes.
Microsoft regularly updates SharePoint with new features and improvements, and it’s crucial for administrators to stay on top of these changes to ensure the system runs smoothly.
This means spending significant time learning about new updates, testing them, and implementing them in the organization.
It also requires a strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement, which can be demanding and time-consuming.
These constant changes and the need to learn about them can also add to the stress and pressures of the job.
Need to Maintain Strict Access Controls and Permissions
Sharepoint Administrators are tasked with managing a complex system that is used by many different individuals within an organization.
This means that they must implement and maintain strict access controls and permissions for each user.
This is a crucial aspect of the job, as it ensures that sensitive data is only accessible by authorized individuals.
However, this can also be a significant disadvantage as it can be time-consuming and requires meticulous attention to detail.
Furthermore, any mistake in setting permissions can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential legal issues.
This puts a lot of pressure on Sharepoint Administrators to get it right, adding to the stress of the role.
Stress From Quick Turnaround Expectations for Issues and Requests
Sharepoint Administrators often face considerable stress due to the constant demand for immediate resolution of issues and requests.
This role is critical in ensuring the efficient operation of Sharepoint systems within an organization, and any interruptions or issues can significantly impact business operations.
As a result, Sharepoint Administrators are often expected to quickly respond to and resolve any problems that arise, often within tight deadlines.
This fast-paced, high-pressure environment can lead to stress and burnout, particularly during periods of high activity or significant system changes.
This constant pressure to perform can also affect work-life balance and personal well-being.
Complexities of Migrating and Integrating Legacy Systems
As a Sharepoint Administrator, one of the major challenges is the complexity involved in migrating and integrating legacy systems.
When an organization decides to shift from an old system to SharePoint, it involves the process of transferring huge amounts of data.
This can be quite a complex task as legacy systems often use outdated technology and can be riddled with data inconsistencies.
Additionally, integrating these old systems with SharePoint can be an arduous task due to differences in data formats, system architectures, and possible compatibility issues.
These complexities can result in longer working hours and increased pressure to ensure successful migration and integration without data loss or business disruption.
Balancing User Needs With Security and Compliance Policies
Sharepoint administrators often find themselves in the tricky position of balancing the needs of end users with the requirement to adhere to strict security and compliance policies.
Users often demand ease of access and user-friendly interfaces, while security protocols and compliance rules may necessitate more complex, less intuitive systems.
This can cause frustration as the administrator may have to constantly mediate between user expectations and the realities of maintaining a secure, compliant system.
Furthermore, administrators are often the ones held accountable if a security breach or compliance issue occurs, placing them under high pressure to ensure all rules are followed without compromising on user experience.
Frequent Monitoring of System Performance and Usage Patterns
Sharepoint Administrators are required to constantly monitor the system performance and usage patterns to ensure smooth functionality.
This involves regular checks and troubleshooting of any issues that might arise.
The system may experience downtimes, slow performances, or unexpected errors, all of which need immediate attention.
Administrators need to be on top of these situations at all times, which can be stressful and time-consuming.
This constant vigilance might result in extended working hours, including nights and weekends, to maintain the system’s efficiency and reliability.
This constant need for monitoring can limit their ability to balance their work and personal life.
Requirement to Develop and Enforce Governance Policies
SharePoint Administrators are often tasked with developing and enforcing governance policies for the systems they manage.
These policies are necessary to ensure the proper use and security of SharePoint environments.
However, this responsibility can be burdensome as it requires a deep understanding of the organization’s needs, the abilities of SharePoint, and the latest best practices in IT governance.
Additionally, enforcing these policies can be challenging, as it often involves dealing with resistance from users who may not understand or agree with the restrictions placed on their use of the system.
This can result in increased stress and potential conflicts within the organization.
As a SharePoint Administrator, a significant challenge can be dealing with inconsistencies across different SharePoint versions.
SharePoint has been updated and improved several times over the years, with each version having its own features and capabilities.
Therefore, an administrator may have to manage multiple versions within a single organization, each with its unique quirks and requirements.
This can be difficult as the administrator must be proficient in all versions, not just the most recent one.
They also need to ensure interoperability between versions, and this can lead to time-consuming troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Additionally, the process of upgrading to newer versions can be complex and fraught with potential issues, adding another layer of difficulty to the role.
Risk of Data Loss or Corruption During Content Management
Sharepoint Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining an organization’s SharePoint system, which often involves managing large amounts of data.
This role comes with the inherent risk of data loss or corruption during content management.
Despite having robust backup and recovery systems, the risk of losing important data or having it corrupted during transfer, storage, or retrieval still exists.
A small mistake, technical glitch, or cyber attack could result in the loss of critical business data.
This not only puts the organization at risk but can also lead to significant stress and pressure on the SharePoint Administrator.
It also requires them to be extremely careful and diligent while performing their duties.
SharePoint administrators face the challenge of customizing SharePoint to meet the specific needs of their organization.
While SharePoint offers a robust set of features out of the box, tailoring these features to a specific business process or workflow can be complex and time-consuming.
This requires a deep understanding of both SharePoint and the organization’s internal processes.
Administrators may need to develop or purchase custom SharePoint solutions, which can be expensive and may require additional maintenance and support.
Additionally, improper customization can lead to performance issues or even system failures, which can impact the organization’s operations and productivity.
Responsibility for Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning
As a SharePoint Administrator, one of the key responsibilities is to plan and execute backup and disaster recovery strategies.
This is a high-stakes task as the loss of data could have serious repercussions for the organization.
This responsibility requires continuous vigilance to ensure data is regularly backed up and secure.
The task also involves formulating a recovery plan in case of data loss due to unforeseen circumstances such as system crashes, power failures, or cyber-attacks.
This can be a stressful responsibility, as the SharePoint Administrator may be held accountable for any data loss or downtime.
Moreover, keeping up with the latest best practices and technologies for data backup and recovery can be time-consuming and challenging.
Potential Lack of Resources or Budget for System Improvements
Sharepoint Administrators often face challenges due to potential lack of resources or budget for system improvements.
Managing and maintaining the SharePoint environment can be a complex task, requiring consistent upgrades and adjustments to meet changing business needs.
However, many organizations may not allocate sufficient budget towards these improvements, forcing administrators to make do with outdated or inadequate systems.
This can lead to inefficiencies, increased troubleshooting time, and potential system failures.
Additionally, the lack of resources may also limit the administrator’s ability to implement new features or enhancements that could improve overall system performance and user experience.
Despite these challenges, the role offers an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and creativity in finding cost-effective solutions.
SharePoint Administrators are tasked with managing the intricacies of SharePoint Farm Architecture.
This system is composed of various servers and databases, all of which must work seamlessly together to provide SharePoint services to users.
As such, administrators need to have a deep understanding of each component and how they interact.
This can be particularly challenging given the breadth of knowledge required, which can involve managing server roles, configuring service applications, and troubleshooting performance issues.
The complexity of managing a SharePoint Farm Architecture also increases when considering the need to implement regular updates and patches to keep the system secure and efficient.
This constant need for vigilance and ongoing management can make the role demanding and stressful.
Deciphering and Resolving Conflicts in User Collaboration Features
SharePoint administrators often face challenges when it comes to deciphering and resolving conflicts in user collaboration features.
SharePoint is a platform designed to foster collaboration, but when multiple users are interacting on the same document or project, conflicts can arise.
This could be due to the overlapping of changes or different versions of the same file.
As a SharePoint administrator, you would be responsible for resolving these conflicts, which can be time-consuming and complex.
It requires a deep understanding of the platform’s functionality and the specific project’s requirements.
It can also lead to frustration when conflicts recur or when solutions are not straightforward.
Being a SharePoint Administrator often involves the responsibility of providing training and support to end-users.
This can be challenging and time-consuming as users may not have a comprehensive understanding of the technology and the full range of its capabilities.
The level of computer literacy among users can vary greatly, which may require the administrator to repeatedly explain basic functionalities or troubleshoot simple issues.
Additionally, the administrator may also need to create user guides, manuals, and other educational materials to facilitate the learning process.
The administrator must also be prepared to provide ongoing support as users adapt to updates and changes in the SharePoint system.
This constant need for training and support can detract from the administrator’s other responsibilities and cause a significant increase in workload.
SharePoint Administrators often face the challenge of aligning SharePoint strategies with the overall IT objectives of the organization.
This can create pressure as the administrator must ensure that SharePoint, a platform that is often used for specific departmental needs or projects, also adheres to the broader IT strategy and policies.
This might involve ensuring data security, maintaining system efficiency, and facilitating system integration.
The administrator must balance the unique requirements of SharePoint with the overall goals of the IT department, which can be a demanding and complex task.
This often involves a constant learning process to keep up-to-date with organizational changes, evolving IT strategies, and technological advancements.
As a SharePoint Administrator, one of the biggest challenges you may face is explaining the value and importance of SharePoint to non-technical staff.
These employees might not understand the full capabilities of SharePoint or how it can help streamline their workflow.
This can lead to under-utilization of the platform, resistance to adopting new procedures, or even misuse of the platform.
It could be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating to continually provide education and training about SharePoint’s features and benefits.
Additionally, the lack of understanding can also make it difficult to justify necessary upgrades or expansions of the platform to higher management.
Challenging User Adoption and Change Management Processes
Sharepoint Administrators often face the challenging task of encouraging user adoption and managing change processes within an organization.
This involves not only implementing new systems and features, but also training employees to use them effectively.
It requires extensive communication, patience, and a deep understanding of both the SharePoint system and the specific needs of the business.
Administrators must be able to effectively manage resistance to change, which can be a common occurrence when introducing new technologies or processes.
This can be particularly challenging in larger organizations where changes must be implemented across multiple departments or teams.
Additionally, the SharePoint Administrator is often the point of contact for troubleshooting and resolving user issues, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
Sharepoint Administrators often face the challenging task of balancing flexibility and standardization.
SharePoint is a platform that offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of customization, making it a highly adaptable tool for different business needs.
However, too much customization can lead to inconsistencies, maintenance difficulties, and potential compatibility issues with other systems.
On the other hand, too much standardization can limit the platform’s functionality and hinder its ability to cater to specific needs.
This means that SharePoint Administrators must constantly make difficult decisions about how much customization is beneficial and when it becomes detrimental, often requiring a deep understanding of both the platform and the specific needs of the organization.
Ensuring Consistency in Metadata and Taxonomy Across Libraries and Lists
Maintaining consistency in metadata and taxonomy across different libraries and lists can be a major challenge for a SharePoint Administrator.
This task requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the intricacies of the platform.
If data is not correctly classified or tagged, it can lead to confusion and inefficiency.
The task is further complicated by the fact that SharePoint is often used by multiple departments within a company, each with its own unique requirements and ways of categorizing information.
This can put a lot of pressure on the administrator to ensure everything is uniform and in sync, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
Addressing Performance Issues Related to Large Volumes of Data
Sharepoint Administrators often face the challenge of dealing with performance issues related to large volumes of data.
As the number of users and the amount of data stored on SharePoint increases, it can lead to slower system performance and a decline in user satisfaction.
Administrators are tasked with consistently monitoring and managing data, and making necessary adjustments to enhance performance.
This can involve complex tasks such as modifying the system architecture, managing database server resources, or implementing data archiving strategies.
These tasks not only require a deep understanding of SharePoint and data management, but can also be time-consuming and stressful, especially when users are experiencing difficulties.
Furthermore, as data volumes continue to grow with the advancement of technology, this challenge is likely to persist and may even become more complex over time.
SharePoint Administrators are responsible for ensuring the security and compliance of the SharePoint environment in their organization.
This means they must always stay updated with the latest SharePoint security patches and compliance updates.
Microsoft frequently releases updates to fix vulnerabilities and improve the functionality of SharePoint.
These updates can be complex and require careful planning and testing before they can be deployed in a live environment.
Missing or delaying an important update can expose the organization to security risks.
Furthermore, understanding and implementing the updates often requires technical expertise, which can be time-consuming.
This constant need to stay informed and updated can be stressful and demanding for a SharePoint Administrator.
Resolving Cross-Functional Collaboration Issues
Sharepoint Administrators often face the challenge of resolving cross-functional collaboration issues.
SharePoint is a platform designed to facilitate collaboration among different departments within a company.
However, not all departments use the same tools or follow the same processes, leading to compatibility and interoperability issues.
The SharePoint administrator is typically tasked with finding solutions to these problems, which can be time-consuming and complex.
Furthermore, it may involve managing conflict or tension between different departments or teams, which can add a layer of interpersonal difficulty to the job.
This can be stressful and require a high level of diplomacy, patience and problem-solving skills.
Time-Consuming Troubleshooting of Workflow and App Issues
SharePoint administrators are often tasked with troubleshooting workflow and app issues which can be a time-consuming and complex task.
SharePoint is a robust platform with a multitude of features and functions, which although beneficial, can also lead to numerous potential issues and glitches.
Administrators have to deal with challenges such as system crashes, slow performance, data loss, or configuration problems.
In addition, SharePoint’s complexity may require the administrator to spend a significant amount of time learning and keeping up-to-date with its features and updates.
This requires a high level of commitment and can sometimes lead to work-life imbalance.
Moreover, troubleshooting often requires immediate attention, which could mean working outside of regular business hours or being on-call.
Managing the Expectation to Deliver Customized Reports and Dashboards
Sharepoint Administrators often face the challenge of managing the expectations to deliver highly customized reports and dashboards.
Every organization has unique needs and wants specific data points to be highlighted in their reports.
As a SharePoint Administrator, you may be expected to tailor these reports to meet each department’s specific needs.
This can be a time-consuming process and requires a deep understanding of the organization’s operations.
Additionally, you may have to continuously update these custom reports as the organization’s needs evolve, which can add to the complexity of the job.
This continuous customization process can be stressful and demanding, especially if you are managing multiple projects at once.
Overseeing Site Collection Management and Site Hierarchies
As a SharePoint Administrator, one of the main responsibilities is to manage the site collection and site hierarchies.
This involves managing permissions, creating new site collections, and ensuring that all sites are properly structured and functioning.
This can be a challenging task, especially in large organizations with complex site hierarchies.
You will need to understand the various permissions and roles within SharePoint and how they interact with each other.
This can be a time-consuming task and can lead to errors if not managed properly.
Additionally, SharePoint administrators must constantly stay updated on any changes in SharePoint’s features and functionalities to ensure the site collections are managed effectively.
This constant need for learning and adaptation can be stressful and demanding.
Managing the cost for SharePoint Online or On-Premises infrastructure can be a significant challenge for a SharePoint Administrator.
The pricing model for SharePoint Online can be complex, with costs varying depending on the number of users, storage, and additional features required.
For On-Premises infrastructure, the cost considerations include server hardware, software licensing, maintenance, and potentially, the cost of hiring additional IT staff to manage the system.
The SharePoint Administrator needs to manage these costs effectively while ensuring that the organization’s needs are met.
This may involve frequent cost-benefit analysis, budgeting, and negotiations with vendors.
In addition, the constant changes and updates in SharePoint technology may require further investments, adding to the complexity of cost management.
SharePoint Administrators are often at the mercy of rapid organizational changes that directly impact their SharePoint planning and strategies.
For instance, changes in business objectives or technology investments could require a drastic modification of SharePoint deployment plans.
Also, the transition to new business processes or management systems might necessitate a complete overhaul of SharePoint architecture.
Additionally, mergers and acquisitions can bring in new policies, requiring the SharePoint Administrator to quickly adapt and integrate the new policies into the existing SharePoint environment.
This constant need for adjustment can be stressful and time-consuming, and may potentially disrupt the smooth operation of the SharePoint platform.
Difficulty in Balancing Scalability, Performance, and Costs
As a SharePoint administrator, one of the main challenges is maintaining the balance between scalability, performance, and costs.
SharePoint is a tool designed to be scalable to accommodate the growing needs of an organization.
However, as it scales, the performance may be affected if not properly managed.
This could slow down the system and impact productivity.
Moreover, ensuring optimal performance often means investing in additional resources such as hardware, software, or skilled personnel.
These additional resources can significantly increase costs.
This puts the SharePoint administrator in a difficult position where they have to constantly tweak and optimize the system to ensure it runs efficiently while staying within budget.
This balancing act can be quite stressful and demanding, requiring high levels of technical knowledge, strategic planning, and financial acumen.
Conclusion
And there it is.
An unfiltered exploration of the disadvantages of being a SharePoint administrator.
It’s not just about managing databases and coding sequences.
It’s demanding. It’s commitment. It’s navigating through a labyrinth of technical and organizational challenges.
But it’s also about the satisfaction of resolving complex system issues.
The joy of implementing a well-structured digital workspace.
The thrill of knowing you played a part in optimizing an organization’s productivity.
Yes, the journey is challenging. But the rewards? They can be phenomenal.
If you find yourself agreeing, thinking, “Yes, this is the challenge I’ve been seeking,” we’ve got something more for you.
Delve into our insider guide on the reasons to be a SharePoint administrator.
If you’re ready to tackle both the hurdles and the triumphs…
To learn, to grow, and to excel in this dynamic field…
Then perhaps, just perhaps, a career in SharePoint administration is for you.
So, take the leap.
Investigate, engage, and outshine.
The world of SharePoint administration awaits.
Work and Wander: High-Paying Remote Jobs for the Adventurous Soul!
Paycheck Perspective: These Jobs Have the Smallest Salaries in 2025
AI’s Blind Spot: Careers That Rely on Human Intuition
Find Your Joy: Jobs That Combine Fun and Finance
The Loathsome Ladder: The Most Hated Jobs in the Career Climb
