So if you had zero commitments...

[f0xy]

What would you be doing to progress your career in IT?

Considering relocating, maybe even to another country. Worked for two companies since 2007 supporting SME's, both end user desktop and server support. For the past 3ish years been customer facing on site, responding to network/server faults, new deployments, migrations, etc.

Downside is being a small company there is no room for progression, same faults week in week out, and limited chance to get any certs. Ended up doing CCNA R+S off my own back. Have had exposure to all the usual MS software, ESXi, VoIP and networking kit in general. Having done CCNA, ideally want to move more into networking side of things instead of 'general' support.

So if you had zero commitments right now, where would you be heading (for a permanent job)?

 

[msremmert]

I currently work in IT as a network engineer. I did a CCNA off my own back too about a year ago and I'm currently working on the CCNA security in my spare time. There's a couple of very clever networking folks on this forum but well done in getting it done in your own time.

I used to work in a first line role and the money was always a bit piss poor and the job grew boring quite quickly. Plus you sound over-qualified to be telling users how to plug in their printers and lurking on AD unlocking accounts.

In my previous role I wasn't using my CCNA and was getting minimal networking experience so I swapped my job. Been doing the new job for about 2 months now and I'm enjoying it. I'm actually in work right now. I've decided to pick up shift work - boat loads of extra money to be made. Plus night work gives me time to work on my extra qualifications and catch up on

Anyway in your situation I'd start hunting for a new job, ideally in the networking world - I don't know what you're on but an entry level job will get you into the £25k+ club.

When I had no commitments, in less than a year I changed jobs twice and more than doubled my income.

 

[BatFastard]

I am currently a "Project Consultant" within a small company that does transport and warehousing systems.

I do a bit of everything - I've designed, implemented and tested our Android application from scratch. Linux server admin, Oracle SQL admin, bit of PHP developing and 2nd line technical support all rolled into one. I'm 26 and feel I need to go and specialise in a certain area now - would love to get my Redhat/Cisco certs but ain't able to get them here.

Just prepared my CV and I am looking for something new as I think by the time I am 30 - if I haven't specialised in something I'll be stuck at my current wage for rest of my life.

 

[ChrisR]

I'd honestly say I'm where I want to be now so probably would be doing the same Have managed to 'do' pretty much all the things I wanted to try work wise and have ended up in a good place so not sure what I'd be doing different if anything.

 

[f0xy]

I currently work in IT as a network engineer. I did a CCNA off my own back too about a year ago and I'm currently working on the CCNA security in my spare time. There's a couple of very clever networking folks on this forum but well done in getting it done in your own time.

I used to work in a first line role and the money was always a bit piss poor and the job grew boring quite quickly. Plus you sound over-qualified to be telling users how to plug in their printers and lurking on AD unlocking accounts.

In my previous role I wasn't using my CCNA and was getting minimal networking experience so I swapped my job. Been doing the new job for about 2 months now and I'm enjoying it. I'm actually in work right now. I've decided to pick up shift work - boat loads of extra money to be made. Plus night work gives me time to work on my extra qualifications and catch up on

Anyway in your situation I'd start hunting for a new job, ideally in the networking world - I don't know what you're on but an entry level job will get you into the £25k+ club.

When I had no commitments, in less than a year I changed jobs twice and more than doubled my income.

Yeah, general fault finding, server down faults and AD administration is wearing a bit thin now really. Also not to mention having to stand in for desktop swap outs on-site and general end user 'IT' problems too. Im a bit above that £PA, without including a new phone every year, and getting paid mileage anywhere I end up, even to our main office. So in reality the 'overall package' is slightly higher than that again. I'm about 20 minutes outside Manchester, but have only been looking for positions with an approximate 'commute' cost per year subtracted, as originally I didn't want to chance to take a drop overall - but I suppose if the position has progression things may be different. The other option was to move elsewhere if the job was right though, as I have no commitments hence the thread!

I am currently a "Project Consultant" within a small company that does transport and warehousing systems.

I do a bit of everything - I've designed, implemented and tested our Android application from scratch. Linux server admin, Oracle SQL admin, bit of PHP developing and 2nd line technical support all rolled into one. I'm 26 and feel I need to go and specialise in a certain area now - would love to get my Redhat/Cisco certs but ain't able to get them here.

Just prepared my CV and I am looking for something new as I think by the time I am 30 - if I haven't specialised in something I'll be stuck at my current wage for rest of my life.

Similar to myself with a 'bit of everything', sometimes I think I'm too heavily relied upon in specialist areas where others can't contribute or sort it out etc. I know some things would have to change if I left, as some of the customers just could not be supported any further with the type of systems they have. Downside of a small company I guess.

 

[iain187]

I moved across the country for a promotion already. The missus is pretty easy going so luckily I fell on my feet.

Part of the job I took means the government have to sign off my network as secure (long story)

Our company has 5 sites and I'm the only one with this requirement.

Predicting the future, I think the company are going to centralise our IT to a 'secure' network so hopefully as I'm the first person to go through the process I can leverage myself a position building/looking after the 'central secure' network


After that, not sure... Depending on what contracts the company wins it could become a massive job (fingers crossed)

 

[182Trophy]

Get as many qualifications in your field and go to a country where they are needed = big dollar. Aus for example used to be like this, f**k nows if it still is. My cousin moved out there and is making stupid money, married a lovely aussie girl and is living the dream. Bbbqs on the beach and that. That is what i would do.

 

[Gray]

Yeah, general fault finding, server down faults and AD administration is wearing a bit thin now really. Also not to mention having to stand in for desktop swap outs on-site and general end user 'IT' problems too. Im a bit above that £PA, without including a new phone every year, and getting paid mileage anywhere I end up, even to our main office. So in reality the 'overall package' is slightly higher than that again. I'm about 20 minutes outside Manchester, but have only been looking for positions with an approximate 'commute' cost per year subtracted, as originally I didn't want to chance to take a drop overall - but I suppose if the position has progression things may be different. The other option was to move elsewhere if the job was right though, as I have no commitments hence the thread!



Similar to myself with a 'bit of everything', sometimes I think I'm too heavily relied upon in specialist areas where others can't contribute or sort it out etc. I know some things would have to change if I left, as some of the customers just could not be supported any further with the type of systems they have. Downside of a small company I guess.

Sounds like we are in similar roles.. but I do internal support in UK&I for a Global Company.

I am in 2nd line / Regional Support but our SD are pretty shite so I am always picking up their mistakes.

I am going to do my CCNA and a couple of other MS qualifications.... looking to go to a smaller Company and work in Infrastructure Support, I don't want to interact with end users anymore, ha.

 

[Deeg]

I am currently a "Project Consultant" within a small company that does transport and warehousing systems.

I do a bit of everything - I've designed, implemented and tested our Android application from scratch. Linux server admin, Oracle SQL admin, bit of PHP developing and 2nd line technical support all rolled into one. I'm 26 and feel I need to go and specialise in a certain area now - would love to get my Redhat/Cisco certs but ain't able to get them here.

Just prepared my CV and I am looking for something new as I think by the time I am 30 - if I haven't specialised in something I'll be stuck at my current wage for rest of my life.

I think I've asked this before, but don't remember the answer. Who do you work for? PM me if you prefer.

 

[sbridgey]

I am currently a "Project Consultant" within a small company that does transport and warehousing systems.

I do a bit of everything - I've designed, implemented and tested our Android application from scratch. Linux server admin, Oracle SQL admin, bit of PHP developing and 2nd line technical support all rolled into one. I'm 26 and feel I need to go and specialise in a certain area now - would love to get my Redhat/Cisco certs but ain't able to get them here.

Just prepared my CV and I am looking for something new as I think by the time I am 30 - if I haven't specialised in something I'll be stuck at my current wage for rest of my life.

Sounds strangely like the place I work!

 

[welshname]

Sounds strangely like the place I work!

Sounds like every small business' sysadmin!

For me, if you've no real progression where you are then you've got to make the move. I'd be doing the same in your shoes. Only reason I've not is I've got no qualifications so no proof of my skills. Just finishing off a server migration at work and then they've agreed to pay for all my MTA,MCSA and MCSE courses and exams, overtime for the studying and all I've got to do is stay on for 12 months after completion. Can't complain tbh. Although I've decided to go down the DBA route rather than networking. Although I might look at doing extra courses too which was also discussed.

So yeah if there is no real way up at your current place then follow the money whilst you've got nothing keeping you here.

 

[sbridgey]

Sounds like every small business' sysadmin!

I meant the products his company develop.

 

[Dave..]

If I had zero commitments right now, I'd sell the car and spend the savings getting set up in Australia.

There is literally nothing this country has to offer anyone looking to buy houses/start a life.

 

[Daniel]

If I had zero commitments right now, I'd sell the car and spend the savings getting set up in Australia.

There is literally nothing this country has to offer anyone looking to buy houses/start a life.

Too right!

If I had zero commitments, i'd be off. If you're good at your job, no matter what line of work you're in, you'll get work.

This country, despite it's very good benefits, is not somewhere i'd want to start a life.

If I knew then what I know now etc...

 

[sbridgey]

I'd love to go to Oz, wish i could afford to go.

 

[SharkyUK]

If I had no commitments I'd be off doing the Bloomberg contract that was just offered to me! Silly money and in an area I specialise in, but relocation to London was part of the deal along with extended time working abroad. If I were single and 10 years younger I'd be off. Sadly, I'm not!

 

[BatFastard]

If I had zero commitments right now, I'd sell the car and spend the savings getting set up in Australia.

There is literally nothing this country has to offer anyone looking to buy houses/start a life.

If you think our cost of housing problem is bad - it's absolutely tiny compared to Austrailia's house prices (That I've read about anyway!)

 

[Advikaz]

Would be in the Marines.

Can't really put my other half through it now, she didn't know me previous to civvy either.

 

[Feirny]

Would be in the Marines.

Can't really put my other half through it now, she didn't know me previous to civvy either.

You've not read everything

 

[Advikaz]

You've not read everything

Oh err yeah

Computers.

 

[Paprika123]

In an ideal world I'd sack my IT career off and get into demolitions

But back to reality...I went contract.