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| Setht37 2003-01-20, 11:43 pm |
| I say it is possible if you truly love IT and you keep up with Technology. Things will get better. | |
| mindmesh 2003-01-21, 8:00 am |
| I love what I do. I think that these students that get out of tech school should start a class action lawsuit and sue the schools for false advertisement. | |
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| And the publishers and promoters of books and stuff for the likes of A+ by telling them they can earn tens of thousands of dollars a year! Why can't they quote the correct rates and not those of MCSEs? | |
| mindmesh 2003-01-21, 8:19 am |
| Well with an A+ you'd be about right to say you'll make about $20K per year. J/K 
Yeah they need to do things about this because they're flooding the market and Robbing these people of their money. Its sucks and needs to be stopped !!!! | |
| theshewolf 2003-01-21, 6:15 pm |
| I've been in this industry for 19+ years, and if you don't want to program...GET OUT!!! If you don't know FrameMaker, PeopleSoft, etc., no one wants you, despite your experience.s | |
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| I just love the field. The fact that there is always something more that you can learn intrigues me. But if I had billions of daollars and had to have one job it would be in the IT field, its fun, power, and interesting all at the same time. Oh my gosh I've turned into a geek. | |
| cruss575 2003-01-21, 7:27 pm |
| The IT industry is extremely high-speed and sometimes it feels like you are on a treadmill, just running to keep up. This is dramatically different from, say, accounting where you learn fasb and get your cpa and just study relatively small updates in your area of expertise. (I am not dissing accountants!)
I think it is definitely possible to have a full career in IT. I fail to see why it is not possible. Will you always have a constantly increasing salary? Probably not. Will there be periods of unemployment? Probably so.
But as many people before said, if you love your work (or at least some substantial parts of it) then it really isn't hard to see yourself working in your field of choice until retirement.
The trick is that at some point in your career, you will have to choose to either stay in the technical track or jump to a management track. This is a big gamble because the two skill sets are radically different and by choosing the management track, you necessarily fall out of touch with the technical aspects.
I really wish more IT people had better management skills or someone to mentor them from a management standpoint. Unfortunately, these "soft" skills are not generally valued by many IT folks (IMO), so people don't generally practice them. There is still a certain amount of arrogance/isolation that others will put up with because of a certain skill set, but it becomes a limiting ceiling in making a successful transition to management. This is somewhat off-topic, but if IT folks took the time to learn project management, presentation, and listening skills, there wouldn't be a hard fall if things didn't work in IT.
Either that, or don't fall off of the treadmill. | |
| Kasor 2003-01-21, 10:11 pm |
| Depend on your career goal... how far and high you want .... | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-22, 6:14 am |
| Actually this IT business is just for fun. I actually hope to become a professional gigolo at some point as my real career. | |
| oddduck 2003-01-22, 7:34 am |
| I think I want to go to Uni and become a High School Computer Science Teacher (If I ever get into University.... If you saw my highschool OAC grades....). I've talked to a of my professors at the private tech. college I am going to, and they have told me it's a great idea and how big the need is. I've been looking at a co-current BS and BEd, but will I ever get accepted? Probally not this year, even with my night classes.
Marianne/oddduck | |
| chodan 2003-01-22, 1:11 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by theshewolf
I've been in this industry for 19+ years, and if you don't want to program...GET OUT!!! If you don't know FrameMaker, PeopleSoft, etc., no one wants you, despite your experience.s
These things may be true in Austin but in Kentucky there is very little demand for peoplesoft or framemaker and as for programing there is a demand but its more of a niche field in this area.
I haven't seen a opening for someone skilled in people soft in ages. | |
| heuristic 2003-01-22, 1:23 pm |
| I think I.T can be a lifetime career, I do believe it is ageist and sexist, but my plan is to move into senior IT management, but still maintaining my techie skills and improve my business/getting free lunches and client nights out skills. | |
| Teck Shark 2003-01-22, 2:04 pm |
| I think IT or any field can be a lifetime career. It just takes work, determination, and motivation. You need to get motivated to do the work, and be determined enough to keep on striving for more. There may be setbacks, layoffs, unemployment, etc., but just stay focused and on the course & you will succeed. | |
| Teck Shark 2003-01-22, 2:08 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by chodan
These things may be true in Austin but in Kentucky there is very little demand for peoplesoft or framemaker and as for programing there is a demand but its more of a niche field in this area.
I haven't seen a opening for someone skilled in people soft in ages.
Same is true in my area. RPG is in high demand up in this area. Otherwise there is limited programming jobs available. | |
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| na, its not a life thing for me. I've lost a hell of a lot of motivation over the last 6 months and I cant see myself staying as a field network engineer anymore, to much stress involved with not exactly the best financial rewards. I'm thinking of hardcore networking, like Cisco/IP or something were I dont have f*cking idiots coming upto me and whining all the time ... working during lunch just to get a 'expected result'
maybe its because I'm a field engineer, all I see are problems and errors and things you dont expect to happen  I never get the chance to sit down and have a bit of fun !!! | |
| chodan 2003-01-22, 6:08 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by Ando
na, its not a life thing for me. I've lost a hell of a lot of motivation over the last 6 months and I cant see myself staying as a field network engineer anymore, to much stress involved with not exactly the best financial rewards. I'm thinking of hardcore networking, like Cisco/IP or something were I dont have f*cking idiots coming upto me and whining all the time ... working during lunch just to get a 'expected result'
maybe its because I'm a field engineer, all I see are problems and errors and things you dont expect to happen I never get the chance to sit down and have a bit of fun !!!
A big problem with the field work is you always get the "while your here" stuff thrown at you that wasn't on the workorder or it has little to do with your job. | |
| revcop 2003-01-23, 3:27 am |
| Now if you can do nothing but IT, then I imagine it can be a lifetime, if you are lucky to stay employed for that long. | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-23, 5:23 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by chodan
A big problem with the field work is you always get the "while your here" stuff thrown at you that wasn't on the workorder or it has little to do with your job.
Boy, can I ever relate to that one! | |
| Teck Shark 2003-01-23, 8:45 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Linux Guy
Boy, can I ever relate to that one!
Me too! | |
| ccieToBe 2003-01-23, 11:07 am |
| I'm staying in this field until I get bored with it which isn't likely to happen any time soon. | |
| Teck Shark 2003-01-23, 11:44 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by ccieToBe
I'm staying in this field until I get bored with it which isn't likely to happen any time soon.
The same goes for me too. I love the field & I hope to keep advancing. | |
| jonhiker 2003-01-23, 1:32 pm |
| quote:
originally posted by Ando:
maybe its because I'm a field engineer, all I see are problems and errors and things you dont expect to happen
..i saw that all of the time in my last job.
My brother started out many years ago doing the same thing. He worked his way up thru network admin and now is in project management at a large comunnications company. A good friend is in software architecture for a public utility, started out in operations. . Another fri end started in operations and is a prgrammer with no desire to move into anything else.
The opportunities are out there for long careers in IT, and it's up to the person to chart their course. And, acquire the skills needed | |
| darthw 2003-01-23, 10:34 pm |
| quote:
A big problem with the field work is you always get the "while your here" stuff thrown at you that wasn't on the workorder or it has little to do with your job.
Boy how I get this, too. And the "Gotta have this yesterday, so can you do it right now?"
IT has given me a chip on the shoulder. I'm getting to the point where I don't hesitate to remind folks of the old adage, "A lack of planning on your part, does not create an emergency on mine." At least it's not as bad in my current position as it has been at others, but it never ends. | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-24, 6:19 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by darthw
Boy how I get this, too. And the "Gotta have this yesterday, so can you do it right now?"
IT has given me a chip on the shoulder. I'm getting to the point where I don't hesitate to remind folks of the old adage, "A lack of planning on your part, does not create an emergency on mine." At least it's not as bad in my current position as it has been at others, but it never ends.
I would like to be able to say that, but I can't. One of my clients is the dean of fincancial aid where I work. If he screws up, and I don't get him the data that he wants even though its his fault, the kids don't get their financial aid, and all the heat comes down on me. The fact that he can't explain what he wants most of the time is not much of a help, either. You just have to learn to work magic. | |
| Teck Shark 2003-01-24, 9:45 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Linux Guy
I would like to be able to say that, but I can't. One of my clients is the dean of fincancial aid where I work. If he screws up, and I don't get him the data that he wants even though its his fault, the kids don't get their financial aid, and all the heat comes down on me. The fact that he can't explain what he wants most of the time is not much of a help, either. You just have to learn to work magic.
Boy isn't that the truth! Most of the time they can't tell you what it is they did or what they need. But one thing's for sure... they need it yesterday! I wouldn't call myself a magician, but you definitely learn to do some magic. | |
| groversyck 2003-01-26, 9:50 am |
| IT is becoming (is) like medicine.
You must study continuously. "Bleading edge" yesterday is state of the art today, and antiquated tomorrow.
At the speed technology is moving forward, the above schedule is almost using a "24 hours equils one day" time frame.
My recent, former employer put no value on training or certification. I am now going like a one armed paper hanger, trying to catch up.
You can never stop studying, and never look back.
Grover Syck
gsyck@cinci.rr.com | |
| DivxGuy 2003-01-26, 1:40 pm |
| quote:
Why can't they quote the correct rates and not those of MCSEs?
MCSEs don't make all that much anymore, either.
RD | |
| jhferry 2003-01-27, 12:30 pm |
| Funny I came across this thread as I am contemplating leaving the field. I actually love IT. Its just the politics and the crap already spoken of that get me down. I have had the toughest time upgrading to the 2000 MCSE. I have an Nt 4.0 MCSE so I feel like Im always going around the block to get to the same place. My Company is in major trouble and my job is at jeopordy. I guess Im tired of looking for jobs and studying. I think If the market was better I would be more motivated. I think the problem with life in IT is stability. If you have an absolute need to feel secure all the time I dont think IT is for you. If you love it enough to know you will probably last a couple of years at a clip in a job, then hit the pavement/books again then its a good career choice. | |
| chodan 2003-01-27, 12:46 pm |
| Name some industries that are rock solid that you won't have to worry about job security at some point.
It will be very hard to find them.
Even self employment is iffy, actually more small businesses fail than succeed.
If you want job security then get on welfare it seems you can stay on it forever in the US, doesn't pay to well though. | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-27, 12:49 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by chodan
Name some industries that are rock solid that you won't have to worry about job security at some point.
Mortuary science. | |
| everetjo 2003-01-27, 12:53 pm |
| prostitution
bovine proctology | |
| groversyck 2003-01-27, 1:08 pm |
| After the cuts at my former employer, an outplacement service was part of the termination package. The councler said that today, 5 years or less in one job is becoming the norm. The turnover is due both to the changing economic situation, and the disatisfaction of the employee.
I was with my last employer for 20 years. In that time I actualy worked 5 different jobs for them. 4 of the 5 were lateral moves insted of a promotion in the same area. So even though I was at the same employer, I had 4 diffrent jobs.
Grover Syck
Gsyck@cinci.rr.com | |
| jhferry 2003-01-27, 1:23 pm |
| I dont mind job security at some point. When you look to the future there really isnt anyway to know how things will pan out for this field. Like the msn article said we could all be passed up by the H1-b people at some point. Or... it will make it so the salarys are so low who wil want to work for that. Think about it. What if the current trend in salary decreases continues. Will you still want to deal with the constant security issue then? I see Network engineer jobs posted in NYC for 40/k now. Not the average but they are dropping. | |
| DivxGuy 2003-01-27, 1:38 pm |
| quote:
What if the current trend in salary decreases continues.
That's already affected the market, as many who were in the field have left it, and the best university students pass up IT for more lucrative majors like law.
RD | |
| jrichker 2003-01-27, 4:49 pm |
| Twenty Three years and still counting...
I plan continue in IT until I retire. Of that 23 years, 9 1/2 was as a field service engineer with the main focus on fixing DEC minicomputers. The next 5 years were a transition to Novell & Microsoft Network & OS service. The last 9 years has been Network administration and desktop service. I expect to continue in IT along similar lines with a possible foray into project management. | |
| cruss575 2003-01-27, 6:01 pm |
| quote:
quote:
Originally posted by chodan
Name some industries that are rock solid that you won't have to worry about job security at some point.
Mortuary science.
While it's true that all people die (some even die with money to pay for a funeral), this has to be one of the most morbid and conversation-killing occupations I can think of (with the possible exeption of cleaning port-a-johns). 
If you do what you love and you still are into Mortuary Science, then please stay away!! | |
| cruss575 2003-01-27, 6:03 pm |
| BTW, lifetime employment in the field of prositution also qualifies as disgusting!
"Come Here, sugar. Let momma gum ya!" | |
| Mr. Linux Guy 2003-01-28, 6:14 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by cruss575
While it's true that all people die (some even die with money to pay for a funeral), this has to be one of the most morbid and conversation-killing occupations I can think of (with the possible exeption of cleaning port-a-johns).
If you do what you love and you still are into Mortuary Science, then please stay away!!
Hell, I used to work in a funeral parlor . . . it can be fascinating work! | |
| MartyMcFly 2003-01-28, 6:22 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by everetjo
prostitution
I think that once the body goes, you can't do the job, so I dismiss this one instantly.
my one would be Job Centre Employee. | |
| cruss575 2003-01-28, 6:51 am |
| If you are in the Washington DC area, federal government work is as close as you are ever going to get to lifetime employment. Technically, there are only two ways to get fired: one in timesheet fraud and the other is theft - everything else is tolerated.
Even the first one is not really enforced - I know of government offices where the employees are frequently seen down at the bar across the street during the day!
And federal government work can provide a comfortable living! A GS-13 step 10 will pull down high 70s-low 80s with no problem. Not bad for spending your days down at the bar.
quote:
Hell, I used to work in a funeral parlor . . . it can be fascinating work!
Really? I figured the work environment would be pretty boring. Stiff even. |
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