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Home > Archive > General Discussion > August 2002 > Stuck..need some encouragement
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Stuck..need some encouragement
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| lillian40 2002-08-22, 5:55 pm |
| Hello to everyone...I am still in the process of studying for my A+. This ssems to be one of the longest goal I have tried to accomplish in a while. I have graduated with an Associate Degree, I am studying for A+ using Mike Meyers All in one and the Passport. Here is my problem....I am stuck.. I had intended to have tkaen my test by now, my goal was to "take my A+ in August". But seems I have come to a dead end. I have put my book down for almost a week now and at present I am still interested in learning but I am not motivated as I once were. this happended to me once before and I had to start over with page one again, cause I had lost track of my "thinking"
I am a 40 yr woman with a husband, children, youngest 10...full time job 12 hr rotating shifts, and it seems I am at a stand still in my career goals. I am thinking no one is ever gonna give me a break in the IT field, which is what I really want to do, and I am stuck..An opportunity is open at work for an Administrative Assistant working 8 hr day shifts qualifications...computer literate with knowledge of the Office 97 or 2000 which I have, but I know it will be a decrease in pay by being on straight shifts. I am considering it, since I am already employed there, hoping in time I get further...
Now it seems I won't be able to take my A+ until late September or October at least that's what I am hoping. So what I am asking from you all, is any advice or encouragement you have that may can help me get started studying again.
thanks
Lillian | |
| drebin 2002-08-22, 6:34 pm |
| hey lillian
it's probably tough with all of your responsibilities to stay focused, but it seems like your doubt that you will have an opportunity to start in the field is probably holding you back from studying. although it is difficult to land a job with no experience you should definitely try if it's what you want to do, your age should not hold you back. (for examply my manager just hired a 47 year old woman at the help desk). i know when i study for anything technical or detailed that needs my full attention, if i get distracted every 10 or 15 mins i don't comprehend and absorb the material as well. i imagine with your children it would be alot more difficult to find quiet time. you should probably set aside at least an hour or so a day to study (more on weekends) and tell your kids and your husband not to bother you during these times. if they bother you just unleash some rage and hopefully they won't do it again  good luck | |
| HOOLIGAN 2002-08-22, 7:13 pm |
| so you have a full time job, family demands and your studying? thats a lot on your plate, setting unrealistic deadlines can just cause frustration. It took me a couple of years to get my A+ and over a year and a half to get my CCNA. It will probably take three years for my CCNP as my family are my first priority. take a break for a couple of weeks, read something other then A+. then the motivation should return .
good luck and dont give up. | |
| darthw 2002-08-22, 7:36 pm |
| I do think it's best to set a goal for when you intend to take the exam. I am usually a couple weeks late on reaching the goal, but it gives me a guideline. However, priorities, priorities....
Consider the Admin. Asst. for the fewer hours and more computer hands-on. If you take the position, once you settle in, avail yourself of every opportunity to do more with the computer and impress around the office.
I took a several thousand dollar cut in pay four years ago to enter IT, but after a year and a half, I had gotten to my previous salary, and within two years I was about $10K above. So, the cut was worth it. Plus my IT skills will offer wider opportunities than my previous job would have. | |
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| Studying for certs is not easy, and it can seem a solitary endeavor if you are self studying. So don't hesitate to come here and post
By the way, the Meyers book is a great book, so you should learn the right stuff and do well!
Let us know if we can be of assistance... | |
| TxBear 2002-08-22, 7:55 pm |
| freak is correct, preparing for the exams is a lonely thankless job. When I was getting ready for the tests i locked myself in my office and didn't speak to anyone while i was studying. I was a real bear for almost a month .......no pun intended.... But i passesed both the core and the OS tests with room to spare. So study and you will do fine. If an old ex mechanic can do it you can do it. I wish you the best of luck on you're tests.  | |
| lillian40 2002-08-22, 9:22 pm |
| thanks everyone for the encouraging words, make me think there is still hope for me. I had set the August deadline because I read here where someone said it was good to set deadlines in order to make yourself study, and to me it was a good idea. I only didn't think I would be sidetracked as much as I have. But I am determined, I am gonna try again, and my goal is late September or October...or at least before the year is out
thanks again
lillian | |
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| You have the right outlook and spirit. You will be successful. If you need help along the way, you know where to find us | |
| twister166 2002-08-22, 10:58 pm |
| I myself may end up taking A+ soon to get the cert as I can teach it.
My recommendation is as followed:
Read, read and read, make concise notes but don't make detail notes, also take a little time to make some flash cards on the pure memorization part.
two days before the exam, ask your dear husband to take care everything in the house, so you can lock yourself in a room and flash cards and do sample exams.
Have a good night sleep and take the exam first thing is AM.
I know it is not easy, but support from your family goes a long way. My wife keeps the kids away from me for two before exams...
Good luck! Put up the motivation where you can see it! |
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