New guy looking for words of wisdom, please read

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Hi all. Scott here. Yes, I'm the nube in the room.

I am 43yrs old and changing careers to IT, my first love from high school (yes I started working in DOS on an IBM 80-8). Just looking for words of wisdom as I know it may be an uphill battle, at least early on, competing against younger and more tech savvy job seekers.

Thanks

 

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Hi Scott,

Welcome, quite a brave move at 43, I'm a similar age and have worked in IT for the past 16 years from Desktop support to running an IT and BI departments. Currently developing Agile PM and Business Analysis skills working for a bespoke software solutions company.

The bad news is it can be a real challenge to keep up and I'm not sure there's another career path where knowledge evolves so quickly, there are times when it can be a grueling 24/7 365, demanding and thankless role. Not selling it am I.

On the other hand if your keen on technology and just can't help but play with the latest gadgets, finding yourself fixing personal IT kit for friends and family in your spare time, your steadfast, undeterred by a bit of hard work and your prepared for copious amounts of studying then the rewards can be had.

Good luck.

 

Welcome Scott

What sort if IT work are you looking to get into?

 

Welcome, I was a later comer (27 rather than 43) to IT, it's certainly possible, my only word of advice is to expect to take a pay\rate drop tho as you're probably going to start at the bottom of the ladder again.

Apart from that, good luck

 

Thanks for the responses. I know it will be daunting at first, and unfortunately know I'll have to start at the bottom. Thinking about the security track, but obviously I'll be flexible based on who gives me a chance to prove myself. Just wanted to make sure this wasn't more of a pipe dream. But it sounds like if I'm prepared to pay my dues, it can be done. I always love a challenge and fortunately my wife is supporting my decision. Look forward to learning more and I feel like this will be a good place for support. Thanks again.

 

welcome mate!

what certificates are you looking at starting with?

 

Starting with the CompTIA A+

 

Sounds like your head is in the right place and your expectations are right.

Alot expect to read a book, take the exam and earn 60k a year within 3 months

Good luck on your journey and be sure to post on here if any help required!

 

Hi Scott

I have been working in IT for the past 16 years and I have been recently been made redundant. The jobs I have been looking at requires me to have knowledge of Networking so I also want to do Comptia A+ then Networking. I need someone to study with via skype.

 

In fairness, there were companies out there promising things like that a couple of years ago!

 

Don't believe everything you see in an advert...

I've covered myself in Lynx, just waiting for the hotties...

 

Done the same sort of thing (at 32 rather than 43 mind you).

Apart from Proposing to my Fiancé, its the best decision I have ever made mate.

Good luck, I am sure you will be fine.

 

Of course, I myself wait for stewardesses whilst drinking my Carlsberg, and if Natwest are helpful banking ...

Best of luck to the OP in your endeavours. I hope it goes smoothly!