Work Dilemma

[SagaLore]

I'm a Systems Administrator for a large wide area network. Our team consists of 8 people, same job title as me, but we all focus on something different.

My focus is network security. I have always had the knack for it and the interest. Just recently had comptia's Security+ training. Very much enjoyed, and really want to continue on this path, some day getting my CISSP as well as everything in between. A CISO (chief information security officer) average salary is 120k per year.

My manager has put in his resignation. So now there is an open management position. Promoting from within is possible, as well as hiring from the outside.

The main head quarters for the IS department is an 1 1/2 away from my main office and from where I live.

The management position is rather stressful, and main office is also a more uptight tone. Where as my local office is much more laid back and I get a lot of respect there - the main office doesn't know me too well even though I've been here for 2 years.

So my dilemma,

do I apply for the management position? Is several years of IT Management experience fair well on a resume, or am I better off persuing my security certifications in a much more peaceful manner? I'm sure the management position pays more than what I get now, but at the same time it doesn't pay overtime which I get now. And there's a strong chance a requirement is I have to live (move) close to the main office.

Also, I'm married, but without kids. My family is only 10 minutes away from our house (hers is an 1 1/2 away, other direction than the main office).

What would you do if you were in my situation?

 

[Rufio]

no, because u sound ilke u will not be happy

being happy is more important.

 

[bunker]

Originally posted by: Rufio
no, because u sound ilke u will not be happy

being happy is more important.

Bingo. There's nothing worse than hating your job (short of not having one).

 

[Kadarin]

Personally, I hate working management, and wish to avoid it where possible.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: Rufio
no, because u sound ilke u will not be happy

being happy is more important.

Definitely. Also, in the current market a fresh security cert will make you very employable, probably more employable than having the management experience.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: Rufio
no, because u sound ilke u will not be happy

being happy is more important.

Agreed.

You want more money, but moving's expensive in itself. Sounds like your wife would also be forced to change jobs, and move even farther from her family, if you took the main office job.

If you want a raise, try looking for a new company close to you.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Originally posted by: Rufio
no, because u sound ilke u will not be happy

being happy is more important.

Definitely. Also, in the current market a fresh security cert will make you very employable, probably more employable than having the management experience.

Okay. I like that reasoning. I had the feeling that was the direction I should take, but since I'm relatively new to Information Systems in the big picture, I wasn't quite sure.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle

Originally posted by: Rufio
no, because u sound ilke u will not be happy

being happy is more important.

Agreed.

You want more money, but moving's expensive in itself. Sounds like your wife would also be forced to change jobs, and move even farther from her family, if you took the main office job.

If you want a raise, try looking for a new company close to you.

I believe I have the highest paying network job in the city. So I either have to wait a few years to let my annual salary raise increase, or have to move eventually anyway.

 

[Rufio]

I have never been quoted so much in one thread.

woo hoo!

 

[Keego]

do you need the money?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: Rufio
I have never been quoted so much in one thread.

woo hoo!

you said it first, and you said it right, good job

I've been "stuck" at the lead software devleoper level for about 8 years now, by choice -- it's still more fun for me to get to design and create applications than to do paperwork and critical-path charts and meetings all day, even though the pay would be higher

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

Going into management is pretty much the death knell for continuing to do technical work.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Originally posted by: Rufio
I have never been quoted so much in one thread.

woo hoo!

you said it first, and you said it right, good job

I've been "stuck" at the lead software devleoper level for about 8 years now, by choice -- it's still more fun for me to get to design and create applications than to do paperwork and critical-path charts and meetings all day, even though the pay would be higher

Within the 2 years I've been here, my manager has gone from 50% technical work 50% management, to about 5% technical work 95% management. But I think he enjoyed the management work more. Sorry to see him go. One of the reasons, which I didn't list, of even considering trying for the management position, is because there is another person on our team that is interested in it and he drives us crazy. Very egotistical, is a back stabber, and even at the same level as the rest of us he tries to delegate all his work. I don't know what would be worse - to manage and be out of my comfort zone, or to be managed by hiim and be in my frustration zone.

So far I'm taking it nobody here wants to be an IT Manager. I could have sworn that a few years ago that was the job to try and get, I guess now everybody knows better and are avoiding it at all costs...

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Keego
do you need the money?

Right now, no. But my wife and I agree that it would be better if she could be a stay-at-home mom when we have kids, so I'm looking to increase my salary to a level where she doesn't have to work. But then again, if I became manager I wouldn't have very much time to spend with my kids.

So is the consensus, I should stick with my current path and get all the security certs I can?

If that's the case, I might have to start another thread discussing security certs...

 

[Jugernot]

Originally posted by: Rufio
no, because u sound ilke u will not be happy

being happy is more important.

I concur...

 

[DrPizza]

You sound like you already know you don't want to do it... Listen to your heart.
But, what are the opportunities for advancement if you took the new position? If you'd be pretty much stuck, then that's another negative.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
You sound like you already know you don't want to do it... Listen to your heart.
But, what are the opportunities for advancement if you took the new position? If you'd be pretty much stuck, then that's another negative.

No advancement. That might be why my manager is leaving. Wow, so I guess IT manager just isn't worth as much on a resume at it used to be?

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

<snip>
So far I'm taking it nobody here wants to be an IT Manager. I could have sworn that a few years ago that was the job to try and get, I guess now everybody knows better and are avoiding it at all costs...

It's just that true tech types don't want it... There will always be plenty of management types (PHB anyone?) with enough tech knowledge to be dangerous who will take those jobs.

I remember a quote someone said once: Those who wish to be leaders are the least qualified. (Ok, maybe a misquote, but you get the idea.)

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
Personally, I hate working management, and wish to avoid it where possible.

Agreed, I can't see ANY benefits to it. Maybe 15-20K a year and no way is that worth the hassle.