What comes next?

[SilentZero]

Alright folks, I need some good advice.

I am currently a software engineer/architect working with Java/J2EE, XML (xpath/xquery/etc.), and SQL. I work extensively with IBM products (develop with IBM's Websphere Integration Developer, and Websphere Rational Application Developer, and use Websphere Process Server as well as IBM DB2 on a daily basis). I am starting to fall into a rut in terms of my happiness with my work, and feel like my work is lacking any type of challenge whatsoever.

I have done a few certifications in the past few years mainly just for something to do and help give my resume a boost if needed (i.e. SCJP). Is there anything else I can do continuing education wise to advance my career in any way? (studied CS in University, so I'm looking more along the lines of certifications, etc.).

Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Markbnj]

I guess it depends on what you want. Your credentials pretty much suit you to corporate IT development, but you're not stuck with a certain industry. Would a horizontal move to another business provide the jolt you're looking for? Because outside of the differences between one line of business and another, IT work is IT work. If you want a bigger shake-up than that, then I would say get into jquery, php, asp.net, c#, python, something along those lines. But you might suffer an income drop crossing over.

 

[SilentZero]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
I guess it depends on what you want. Your credentials pretty much suit you to corporate IT development, but you're not stuck with a certain industry. Would a horizontal move to another business provide the jolt you're looking for? Because outside of the differences between one line of business and another, IT work is IT work. If you want a bigger shake-up than that, then I would say get into jquery, php, asp.net, c#, python, something along those lines. But you might suffer an income drop crossing over.

Thanks for the reply.

You hit the nail on the head with the corporate IT assumption, as that is basically where I fall now, doing enterprise design/development. I think you might be right that a horizontal move or perhaps a more drastic move might be in the cards for me, and provide that change that I am looking for. I will have that opportunity as my wife (an environmental engineer) wants to relocate to Florida to be close to her family, is actively seeking employment down there.

Ideally, the realm of IT security interests me most, and I would give a finger to break into that field. However the absolute lack of professional experience in that field would seem to make it an impossibility, especially in this job market. In the end, I think I will be limited to what my professional experience is in. I wish I knew how to break that barrier, but thus far it is eluding me. I am only 30...and have another 35+ years of work ahead of me, so the time is now to guide my career in the right path before it is stuck on cruise control.

Thanks again!

 

[Markbnj]

I don't know if it's impossible. That's a field that, for better or worse, seems to put a lot of stock in certifications. With your background, if you pursued certification, joined some security related forums, and networked around you could break in.

 

[Argo]

Depends what your interests are - certificatiosn usually only mean something for IT in non-dev companies. Most good development companies don't care about your certifications so don't think those will gain you much.

On the other hand, if you want to advance yourself as the developer try picking up some of the open source java frameworks (sping, hibernate, quartz, etc...)... One of the main downsides of working exclusively with any technology like IBM - is that it locks you into a particular way of thinking that is not very applicable outside of financial/insurance sector.

 

[Titan]

Honestly, if you're not happy with work, go find someone to talk to. A therapist, a lifecoach, or both. If you have any kind of health benefits you have no excuse.

You've done the right first step in admitting you're not happy.

Sounds like you have it under control but don't let a snowball turn into an avalanche. Break the mold.

<-- Someone who kept pushing at work in an unhappy job until massive burnout, like could barely stand. I was lucky and bounced back, and still do code work, but it took a 2 year break.

 

[degibson]

Originally posted by: Titan
Honestly, if you're not happy with work, go find someone to talk to. A therapist, a lifecoach, or both. If you have any kind of health benefits you have no excuse.

You've done the right first step in admitting you're not happy.

I agree entirely. Spouses/friends work too.

 

[SilentZero]

Thanks for the meaningful reply's...glad I posted here instead of OT!

Argo...yeah I have considered that as well. I have worked with spring as well as hibernate, and am actually a C/C++ developer at heart (only picked up Java a few years ago to expand my horizon's, and ended up working with it coincidentally). I couldn't agree with you more about the way of thinking one can be locked into by using one form of technology (some days I feel like BPEL is my middle name).

Titan...good advice there. There is a senior guy at work with whom I speak with about this, however he would be considered a "lost cause" as his answers are typically "run for your life" or "get out now". I would like to think I have it under control, but for how long is the question. I definitely do not want to get to the point of burnout..which I think is all developers worst nightmare.

I have been giving this a bit of thought however, and perhaps a open source project would be a good way to steer things in a more positive direction. Peer collaboration, challenging work, etc. At the very least it would give me an opportunity to do new things, or do familiar things in a new way. Not sure how relevant it would be career wise, but at least it wouldn't be mundane.