Web Developer/Designer or Network/System admin

[coolred]

I was pretty set on heading towards being an admin, or something similar. But I have since started playing with HTML and have been enjoying it. I have been interested in PC's and networking for a while, and I think I would like doing that sort of work. But I don't really have any job experience with networking. And I have seen the numerous threads on here about admins and the like that quickly start to hate their jobs.

I am also not sure of what the current situation is with jobs available for web developers/designers. I know that many areas of IT are over saturated with good talent. Making it hard to get even entry level jobs, especially without previous experience.

Mainly I am just looking for info, opinions, horror stories or whatever you have relating to these 2 career fields

 

[Hyperblaze]

Speaking from a Systems Administrator/Web Developer point of view, you can do both!

Having those two different skill sets actually opens up more doors for you. There are a lot of people who have system administrator skill sets, as well as many folks who have web developer skill sets, but people who are good at both?

By the way. Just as an FYI. Writing HTML would not be what I consider web developing. Developiong web pages in web technologies such as Javascript, PHP, ASP, Cold fusion etc would be more akin to development. Accessing information from a database (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MsSQL, Solid) and displaying it on the screen. Developing database driven websites, interacting with the clients.

Also, knowing what technologies woud best suit the needs of the client. In my personal opinion, ASP doesn't hold a candle to PHP (you can do a LOT more in PHP then you can in ASP). However, some places prefer to use ASP. You cannot always use what you find is better, you gotta use what best fits the situation at hand.

As for System admin. Depending what kind System admin you are, your tasks may vary. What operating systems interests you? Are you comfortable on different platforms? Technologies move at a very brisk pace. Are you always eager to learn new things? You might also need to provide technical support to clients. They might ask you questions which in your opinion, the answer is so bleeding obvious you have no idea why they ask. Have any questions? ask.

 

[coolred]

Yeah, I am just starting with the basic HTML, but plan to advance further into the other areas.

 

[ppdes]

I love my job as a web developer. The admins here don't seem to ever get to write anything of their own. They always just deploy our apps, fix our version control system, install new servers, handle network outages, etc.. I think I'd get bored very quickly as an admin.

 

[GooeyGUI]

And, when you are far down the line, there is a Senior Systems Analyst position. At the head of an entire project, there are supervisory duties and client support. But, the client support might be with other managers at divisional or departmental levels.