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Home > Archive > Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries > June 2001 > Career Change
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| Hi Everyone
I was hoping that someone can provide me with some advice. Let me start by explaining my situation. I'm 29 years old, living in NJ with my wife and 1 child on the way. I have a BS degree in Chemistry and have been working for 6 years as a product development chemist. I'm making a very good salary, 60+K. However I'm unhappy with the career choice I have made and would like to make a change. I have always enjoyed working with PC's and would like to follow this as a career. With the lack of real IT experience, I know that I will take a big salary hit. I will be taking the A+ exams in 1 week. I was hoping that I could get a part-time postion working nights and weekends to gain some computer experience. I was also planning on taking either Server+ or Network+ before going for the Microsoft certs. Can anyone offer any advice on how to start at a higher salary without puting my family through financial hardship. Will my current work experience count for anything?  | |
| Bobby Digital 2001-05-30, 9:09 am |
| Without any "real-world" work experience, pure luck. I understand where you are coming from because before I entered the IT field, I had a secure and stable job making $60,000+ a year and great benefits. When I changed, my starting salary was $28,800. Also, the benefits were not that great, but it got my foot in the door so-to-speak. I eventually moved on to a better position making in the $40,000 range and eventually hope to move up to something better in the future.
The point is to be realistic. You are not going to go out and make your current high salary with no experience and just an A+, Network+, and Server+. There are a very, very, VERY few exceptions. "You have to crawl before you can walk"
Good Luck
BD | |
| Nicole 2001-05-30, 9:41 am |
| Although it can be tough right now with your child on the way, your idea of a part time job may be the way to get a foot in the door. A local computer shop or temp agency may need weekend or evening workers.
I would be more concerned about losing your health insurance right now... those COBRA payments can be killer. Many IT jobs are on a contract basis, and don't offer benefits, so that would narrow your job hunting options.
You could also consider trimming the fat out of your budget and downsizing so you could start putting some money away for a couple of years, then try to make the switch when you have some reserves to supplement your salary.
You might explore options in your current company in the IT department -- if they know you and like you, they may be more likely to pay you better than another entry level tech. It will almost certainly still include a substantial pay cut, though.
Have you thought about programming as a career option? In your spare time, you could write a software program that utilizes what you know, i.e. chemistry and product development. I don't know how much of a market there is for chemistry software, but it's one way to prove your salt without going to work. | |
| eheinz 2001-06-05, 2:41 pm |
| I wouldn't think you would have to go through such extremes in salary, etc. I guess I'm optimistic in thinking you could look at various avenues besides just entry level tech jobs. What about business applications, operations, or project management with more of the IT slant? That's basically what I'm doing now. I left retail management for an entry level help desk job (but for me it was a pay raise since retail is a real drag) and 9 months later, I'm a business analyst/project manager. I'd take Nicole's advice on exploring other areas or roles with your company.
Look at as many options as you can. You definitely want to maintain insurance and be able to pay the bills, but maybe hanging where you're at to store up while working on certs and gaining experience could be a plus even though it's hard to stay if you don't like what you're doing (did I mention retail?).
Best of luck to you and your family. | |
| BGP4Me 2001-06-05, 7:56 pm |
| Your employment outlook is not as bleak as it sounds. Your background may also give you an edge even though you are a career changer. If you have an analytical background as well as people skills, along with certs that show some self-motivation, there are employers that will give you a chance. The main problem is getting past HR types and self-proclaimed IT experts. Be positive and willing to learn and you will definitely be successful.
I agree you should first look within your present company for opportunities. And there are a lot of opportunities in the NYC metro and NJ area.
Good luck in your new career path! | |
| Kasor 2001-06-05, 10:33 pm |
| You shall do the programming for chemistry software! No one know better than chemist itself... | |
| frp29 2001-06-05, 11:01 pm |
| I myself understand what you are going through because I have been working in construction for the last seven years and I know what it's like to have a job that bores u to death. I also decided to make a carrer change and it is hard because I work part-time and I have no real experience besides building and upgrading my own computers for years. I know u have to do whats best for your family right now but any job is better than what you are doing now, so just take any job until you decide other options. Try interning or volunteering for jobs to get experience. I did it and it helped. I feel your pain as much as anyone else here and it well turn out for the better. U gotta start at the bottom in whatever you do in life.
Good luck man!
A+ MCP 2000 | |
| MIlan3 2001-06-07, 11:23 am |
| Hi
I am also a career changer- I was bored with my current field and decided to go for it! But because you have a family on the way I would really heed the advice given and check around in your current company first. I also live in the NYC area and if you do not have any IT experience it can be really hard to get your foot in the door (trust me I am still trying!). Because I am also new to IT I have been doing some volunteer work to hone my skills. I suggest registering with New York Cares Organization to gain some hands on experience.
Good luck! |
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