Help me figure out "what I want"

[Trevoke]

I realize that it is going to sound like I want something impossible -- I just want to know what kind of job title I should be shooting for, if not honestly what position. If I get a few career ideas as well, it would be excellent.

I am 24 years old, and have been working as a Systems Administrator in a small company for the past two years. It's a nice job title, but I'm really "the IT guy". My boss actually handles the firewall/router, website and mail server (though I know what they run, and I can take care of them). I handle the rest, which means the help desk, the database-related stuff (Elliott), and the backup/restore. *sigh* It's not much, when described that way, but I have gained good knowledge of Novell, GNU/Linux (Debian, Gentoo), how to handle the database (and how to recognize human error...), and a little Windows knowledge.
Unfortunately, it's a small company and the users get the level of comfort they want, which essentially means security goes out the window.

I want.. To take care of a network. I would like my main computer-related interaction to be done with computers, not people (because hell desk makes me hate both computers and people, and that's not the objective).
I'd also like a position where I can grow. I'm currently reading through the online MySQL reference book (1000 pages, or more, I don't know), just because I'm essentially done learning what I needed to learn to do this job well, and I do it quickly.
I don't want to handle databases -- not full time, anyway. I wouldn't mind mangling people (aka techs!) but I'm not sure how to get something which may make resume-readers "Aha! Good for mangling the IT dept!"

I am currently looking for a new job, but I don't want data entry, I don't want night shifts, ...

So, according to you, what do I want, and what do I need to get there?

"That time in Seattle... was a nightmare. I came out of it dead broke, without a house, without anything except a girlfriend and a knowledge of UNIX."
"Well, that's something," Avi says. "Normally those two are mutually exclusive."
-- Neal Stephenson, "Cryptonomicon"

 

[LadySlinger]

Do you program at all? Look into being a programmer.

How about management? Nah...that would involve you having to deal with people on a regular basis.

Or try going into Network Administration. Besides, if you get into a role where you can be a network administrator, you'll deal with people less and less...users will never be totally out of your life, but you basically get to be the geek in the corner pounding away on the keys of your laptop ("The Box! It Glows!")

Or even try getting into Information Security, maybe specialize in Network Security. Eventually (i.e. 8-10 years from now) you could work your way up to being a "Go-to" consultant on how to make networks secure.

 

[Xaqte]

I second the programmer thought.

If you work it right, you could eventually work remotely from your home (which requires little people interation). I've completed the metamorphosis from the IT "do it all" to a programmer & I'm loving it.

Good luck!

X

 

[Tarwn]

Interesting, I'm a programmer and I have to deal with people all the time. mostly because they have no idea what they really want, no idea how to plan their projects, and no idea what the word "scope" means. So I spend about 70% of my time doing non-programming tasks and only about 30% or less doing programming.
Then again, maybe you guys meant real programmer, not IT Developer

 

[LadySlinger]

Well I guess then it boils down to how much the potential job requires you to interact with people and what kind of people. Is there a person that delivers the message of the latest developments between you and the other group? Or does the company cut the middle man out and hope for the IT and non-IT to talk to each other and understand each other.

You could also get into engineering and developing of the computers. Then again our engineers still deal with the end customers and the sales reps...hmmm...

 

[Trevoke]

My issue with being a programmer is that it limits me in the chain of command. I'm doing things for other people, which is all fun and good, but doesn't open a way up the hierarchy for me.
Management would be fine -- I like dealing with people as long as it's not "Why does Excel do this?" or "Nguuu you borke teh intarweb". I just want to make sure I have the proper skills to manage people so that the people I manage are happy and productive.

It looks like Netadmin or manager are the options.. I probably need certs for Netadmin, and.. I don't know what I need for management. I think I like the Management option better, again, because there's no glass ceiling above my head (while a Netadmin can't really move from being a Netadmin.. can he?)

I like people AND computers. I want to keep liking both.. I think Managing the IT department would be swell, but maybe I'm imagining things (isn't the best manager the manager who knows what your work requires?)

"That time in Seattle... was a nightmare. I came out of it dead broke, without a house, without anything except a girlfriend and a knowledge of UNIX."
"Well, that's something," Avi says. "Normally those two are mutually exclusive."
-- Neal Stephenson, "Cryptonomicon"

 

[LadySlinger]

In order to become a manager, you really need to start learning a little bit of everything for general management, or become specialized in a field. I.e. if you go into Networking, become an admin, then you can eventually turn into a Manager for the Network Admins. IMO, if you do want to become a manager, once you get the experience down, get into a position where another manager can be your mentor. I've seen too many IT departments managed by people who have been "thrown" into the job with knowledge of how to be a manager, but little experience.

The downside with Management is that you essentially go into Office Politics once that "Management" title has been added to the role. You have to keep showing other managers that you deserve the role, otherwise if you don't constantly display yourself or your team to others, then you may find yourself looking for a new job.

However, getting back to the subject, again, get a lot of experience down and patted down in your head. If networking is the way to go, get the certs...start off with Network+, Security+, then go through all the Cisco stuff. Once you have a few years of on-the-job experience, you then can begin to look into management-like roles. Whether its Team leader (less politics), or becoming full blown manager heading up to CIO. Of course many of this can span years, rather than a few weeks (FYI).

 

[Trevoke]

Well, I'm young, and as the Queen song goes, I want it all, and I want it now.
On the other hand, the world doesn't owe me anything, so I'm willing to earn it all.

"That time in Seattle... was a nightmare. I came out of it dead broke, without a house, without anything except a girlfriend and a knowledge of UNIX."
"Well, that's something," Avi says. "Normally those two are mutually exclusive."
-- Neal Stephenson, "Cryptonomicon"

 

[kHz]

You have to deal with people no matter what your job is going to be. Customer relationships are important so you should invest in them. I work with a guy who has virtually no customer relationship skills whatsoever.