Career Change

[meDave]

Here is my Situation I'm 35 and I have been in the same profession since I was 17 (Printing)
well the industry has been declining the last couple years and 9-11 was pretty much did us in
So here is my question is computers a good career? and what field of coumputers have the brightest future?
I know i have to go to school but I dont want to take a class and find out that I am not going in the right direction.
any info would be helpful, Thank you

 

[rh71]

Wow not a single response yet...

"Computers" encompasses almost EVERYTHING you can think of...

- hardware engineer
- software application developer (programmer/engineer)
- web designer/developer
- graphics / 3D design
- help-desk (software support)
- LAN administration
- networking

My personal stance on a computer career now... tough to get your feet wet without real world experience. Most jobs (depending on what you do) require 3-5 years professional experience before they even consider you a candidate. That's why you hear how a lot of IT folks are out of jobs... either that or they had to cut back a bit on the "extra" employees not critical to the business. 9/11 and the economy effects everyone... people stop spending, contracts don't get signed/renewed, less work for everyone. When you see the biggest of companies start to lay-off seasoned veterans, you know the industry is in trouble.

Starting a computer career now with the hope that you can earn a good living within the year probably won't be a good idea. If you have the resources in the meantime, by all means go with it since the economy can't stay this way for too much longer. Certifications and hands-on at home will get you started nicely. Message forums that discuss hardware/software problems are a good place to gain knowledge in many different areas... I started that way only 2 years ago... motivation is key.

Specific fields? There's ALWAYS going to be a need for programmers. Web developers who can code with dynamic languages are just as good. I think the Administration/Networking fields are too saturated, but they are pretty easy to "get into". Help desks are a good starting point if you are willing to do a contractor role... and to get your feet wet.

My 2 cents. Good luck.

 

[DaveSimmons]

"plastics."

Good advice from rh71. As I and many other people say when this comes up as a "what should my major be" / "should I finish my BS in Herding Cats" question, you should find and do something you actually enjoy if you want to become more than mediocre at it (and not hate the 1/3 of your life you'll spend doing it).

So, what about "computers" are you interested in and think you'd enjoy doing?

 

[meDave]

Thanks for the reply money is not a real factor here. I've always been the sole provider at home but
now that my daughter is older my wife started working this year so now i could work partime and go
to school without being hurt too much, will have to tighten the belt a lil but thats ok. Sorry about the
Vaugeness of the question I know there are some many different careers in "computers" so that why
i asked to try to find out which one of these fields i would benefit most from. and that I am not just going
blindly signing up for classes. thanks again



Edit: as far as computers go built somes systems for friends and fam, setup couple home networks
so just kind of a tinkerer right now.

 

[axelfox]

do what it seems like everyone is doing....going back school.

thats just me, though.