First off let me apologize, as this is somewhat lengthy. OK here is the situation. I am currently working as a network technician for a large company. Most of my work is setting up new machines for the users at various locations but all within the same environment. I have been with them for 1 year now and it seems that the learning stage is now capped. I have started thinking about looking for something new that will allow me to learn more about networking. I got on with this company shortly after getting A+ certified. My original plan was to continue my certification track and achieve MCSE within a year. I got too comfortable and that goal got pushed back very quickly. The money I make is real good considering my lack of experience and education/certifications but I need something more. I have also installed MS FrontPage and have always had a desire to learn more about making web sites. There are just a few barriers for me right now. School is not currently an option and I cannot take a pay cut so an apprenticeship type situation is out of the question. Now I am sure that there are quite a few of you here that make websites for a living so I'd like to ask you all a few questions.
1. Of course is about Salary. What can I look to make just starting out? 2 Years? And 5 Years down the road?
2. Are there many people who just make the sites for a living or are there other duties? If so what do these other duties consist of?
3. I would like to just be the creator of the site not really the one who comes up with the design. I truly have no creativity. A friend of mine told me that his wife used to work at a company where she actually met with the customer and got the information on the kind of site they were looking for. Then she would do the design layout. And then she would give it the Web designers to create the site. Is this common in most places or just a rare case?
4. What technologies and certifications do I need to stay current on and where are the future trends going. Are there any good books that will help me through the transition and help me decide if this is the route I'd like to go?
5. What are you schedules like? One of the hardest parts of leaving my current job will be the fact that I worked 3.5hrs last week and still got paid for 40.00hrs. How many of you get to work form home and how many must go the office each day?
6. Somewhat personal. What is most rewarding form your job with website's and what is the biggest disappointments?
I know this is a VERY long post but I am at a lost as to where to ask these questions. I figured who better than those who know. Also PM me if you'd rather not post your responses
1. Of course is about Salary. What can I look to make just starting out? 2 Years? And 5 Years down the road?
2. Are there many people who just make the sites for a living or are there other duties? If so what do these other duties consist of?
3. I would like to just be the creator of the site not really the one who comes up with the design. I truly have no creativity. A friend of mine told me that his wife used to work at a company where she actually met with the customer and got the information on the kind of site they were looking for. Then she would do the design layout. And then she would give it the Web designers to create the site. Is this common in most places or just a rare case?
4. What technologies and certifications do I need to stay current on and where are the future trends going. Are there any good books that will help me through the transition and help me decide if this is the route I'd like to go?
5. What are you schedules like? One of the hardest parts of leaving my current job will be the fact that I worked 3.5hrs last week and still got paid for 40.00hrs. How many of you get to work form home and how many must go the office each day?
6. Somewhat personal. What is most rewarding form your job with website's and what is the biggest disappointments?
I know this is a VERY long post but I am at a lost as to where to ask these questions. I figured who better than those who know. Also PM me if you'd rather not post your responses