[darkcloud]

Lately the thought has crossed my mind to begin to set myself up for a career change. Not saying I want to immediately change but would like to prepare myself if necessary. I'm currently self-employed helping my Dad run our family business. I enjoy the work a lot but at times my Dad can be stubborn or slow to react with changes. There are many changes I want to make and he drags his feet. I don't know if it because he's afraid of the change or just thinks things are fine the way they are progressing now. Either way that's a whole other topic.

So I've begun to think of a eventual career change. I do have a degree in Sport Management, which I don't think I even want to use. I would love to go into that field but don't have the time to put in 10+ years to pay my dues and start making real money. Well I have been thinking the IT field, primarily web design, network admin, project manager. I can get myself around a computer pretty well and think I can hold my own since I have no real formal training. I can handle all the at home stuff you really need to do. I was also thinking I can transition to this field because I can take my time with the work required. As I'm in no rush I can pursue certifications in the areas I want to concentrate myself in w/o the worries of any real downtime at work as I work for myself.

Well I know there is a decent amount of IT professionals in here so what do you think? Also anyone recommend a good training school? Also is there anything I can start reading/studying on my own? Or am I nuts and shouldn't even consider this?

[darkcloud]

no one?

[!Xoible]

i just read the title. going into IT: not a good idea.

[SoYank]

If you are interested in the IT field you might consider taking part-time courses at a community college. That will at least give you more insight into whether this is a field you really want to pursue. A couple of courses in should do this without committing you too far.

[!Xoible]

here's quick advice:
there's a shit load of people who have more experience than you, here and in fucking India... not to disrespect India, but there's a BILLION people who are willing to do what you do for much much cheaper, and willing to work 24/7 too.

if you want to go into IT you gotta find a technology that little people only know + impractical to outsource.

if you know nothing about IT at all start taking classes, use online tutorials EXTENSIVELY and pick up books at local barnes and nobles and go from there.

[b335i]

Wouldn't recommend it! I am in IT and I am very glad I have a career ahead of me in a completely different field. After about 6 more years of school, that is ! Like others have said, it is a good field, if you know the right people and you know your stuff. Getting into the game at this point in time would be harder than you would think. GL

[!Xoible]

^^ agreed. for the record i been trying to get out of IT for more than 1 year...

[DesiGUY]

In IT, some of the fields are programmer, architect, testing, business analyst...

BA is the only thing thats not going to be outsourced. You'll be safe.
If you like it, get into it.

[Explorer3253]

I would also say PM wouldn't be outsourced either..I'm a PM now and it seems like there are always projects to do and they should always need a PM on-site to help delegate and oversee and be the centerpoint between the IT team and Business team

[DesiGUY]

The shortest route to become a PM for anyone who has no IT background is thru' BA...

by short i mean, min 3yrs, depends on how you perform... u must be like turbocharged and then supercharged(or viceversa) 335i (325i doesnt work)

[OC Guy]

Don't go into IT.

-IT Guy.

[CRZ410S]

If your long term goal is to own your own business one day then go for it. Otherwise, IT is a very competitive environment with too many people already which tends to keep salaries down. Good luck on your decision

[hks786]

Original thought for me years ago was IT but now I'm studying Business Law.

[NPDAN]

Too bad your in Ohio... I would have the perfect opportunity for you...

[achien]

you need to put in your dues in every career, there are no short cuts, son!

[darkcloud]

Thanks for all the comments guys! Like I said I'm not really in a hurry and time is definitely on my side. I could really take my time and get hella certified, granted w/no real work experience, before I'd even really have to go get a job.

Originally Posted by CRZ410S

If your long term goal is to own your own business one day then go for it. Otherwise, IT is a very competitive environment with too many people already which tends to keep salaries down. Good luck on your decision

I'd always like to own my own business. As I work for myself now and everyone that does loves the flexibility and to see your own hard work prosper.

Originally Posted by NPDAN

Too bad your in Ohio... I would have the perfect opportunity for you...

Depending on the opportunity we'd be up for a move......

Originally Posted by achien

you need to put in your dues in every career, there are no short cuts, son!

I know that. Just some careers dues are shorter/longer then others. Sports is looooong unless you really know someone. They love college grads because everyone wants to work in professional sports so they can higher college grads and string them along at >$10/hr(I was making $8/hr, no benefits w/the Cleveland Indians). I knew people waiting that had been there 4+ years with no opportunity in site. It's pretty shitty. I was not about to wait till I was 30+y/o to start making some cash.

[Daya]

maybe things are different for people just getting into the field, but I got into IT over 7 years ago and love what I do while making a very good living doing it.

Technology has revolutioned the way we do business and communicate. It is ever evolving and will always be needed. Yes, it is a competitive field, but if you have a good head on your shoulders and can innovate new ideas there will always be employment opportunities.