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Posted: 1 year ago by gnikgnok:
...with school. I've finished all the core classes toward a degree in "something computer-ish", now I have to decide which direction to take and I would really value input from anyone who's got a take on this:
choices:
1) digital arts/multimedia technologies
pros - I really enjoy messing around w/photoshop & desktop publishing and I learn this stuff really easily
cons - I'm not that creative and fear the job market would be too competitive for my skill level
2) Engineering technology/IT admin
pros - I could definitely find work where I live, and I like hanging out with my geek IT friends
cons - sounds borrring to me
3) programming and analysis
pros - this would take me well beyond anything I know about computers, which is kinda cool
cons - I'm worried I wouldn't be able to compete with all the young pups who come by this stuff so naturally
The ultimate goal: a career that earns decent money (second income for family) while still allowing some flexibility with schedule, and doesn't make me dread going into work every morning.
Suggestions? Helpful anecdotes?
Score: [-] 34 [+].
Posted: 1 year ago by icepigs:
I got my degree in programming, but I'm an IT Admin.
I do the boring job because it pays really well.
I do the programming (web design mostly) because I enjoy it and make a buck or two on the side.
But I never want to stop learning.
I've recently finished all the training to become a Massage Therapist.
I'm thinking of going back to school and learning German or Spanish or maybe both.
Score: [-] 48 [+].
Posted: 1 year ago by cheeselog1234:
My recommendation is to do IT for a local public agency: Municipality, County or School District. Usually these positions are part of a union, so pay is reasonable, benefits are good and they contribute to a retirement plan. If you gain experience doing IT for a public agency, that experience is easily transferable to other public agencies if/when you move, so less worries about commuting. There's more chance for you to be local - which is important when you have kids in local schools. Public agencies such as schools are only going to get more and more computerized/networked/etc. So the need for IT techs will be in demand for quite some time or at least until robots take over the world. IT managers and directors (perhaps a later career move when the kids are all grown up) make great money. The IT director in my workplace makes 6 figures easy.
Score: [-] 29 [+].
Posted: 1 year ago by Bandit:
« gnikgnok
1) digital arts/multimedia technologies
pros - I really enjoy messing around w/photoshop & desktop publishing and I learn this stuff really easily
cons - I'm not that creative and fear the job market would be too competitive for my skill level
The most interesting of the three however, you won't be appreciated for your work, and you won't earn squat. The market is flooded.
2) Engineering technology/IT admin
pros - I could definitely find work where I live, and I like hanging out with my geek IT friends
cons - sounds borrring to me
Halfway-Decent salary however the only place you'll see more w(h)ine is in a vineyard. Users constantly griping that they can't print, deleted their hard drive or have no idea HOW all that porn got there...
and it's all your fault.
3) programming and analysis
pros - this would take me well beyond anything I know about computers, which is kinda cool
cons - I'm worried I wouldn't be able to compete with all the young pups who come by this stuff so naturally
Good salary. Semi-decent job security. You sometimes get to Plime. However, your skill set will expire every 3 to 5 years and you'll have to learn new language/software. Good amount of complaining from the user community, and you'll never be appreciated for your work. Long weekends are not for spending time with the family, they are for installing the latest version of [new software].
The ultimate goal: a career that earns decent money (second income for family) while still allowing some flexibility with schedule, and doesn't make me dread going into work every morning.
If you find this job, please email me. I'd like to submit a resume.
Score: [-] 27 [+].
Posted: 1 year ago by cheeselog1234:
« Bandit :
Halfway-Decent salary however the only place you'll see more w(h)ine is in a vineyard. Users constantly griping that they can't print, deleted their hard drive or have no idea HOW all that porn got there...
and it's all your fault.
I think this is the closest thing to being a mom. Dealing with whining & griping & blaming, she'll be a pro.
Score: [-] 29 [+].
Posted: 1 year ago by suckersklub:
If it comes to dealing with competitors for a job, you know my point.
Score: [-] 16 [+].
Posted: 1 year ago by gnikgnok:
Huge thanks for the input ice, cheese, and bandit! So it looks like door #2 would be the smart thing... I was leaning that way - figuring the things I like (#1) I'll learn on my own time anyway.
You're exactly right, cheese - dealing with whiners is my specialty. I've got the timing of a precise smak upside the head down to a science. They'll never know what hit 'em. :)
Score: [-] 0 [+].
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