Need Career Counsel (or a Counsellor!)

[smandoli9]

43 yrs. old, wife and kids, no savings, can't fool around with bad career options. No college degree worth writing down. Wouldn't mind living in a different US region.

Currently make an unimpressive wage of $39k for an enjoyable, local mid-size business, working as an expert Access/VBA developer. They are eager to recast as sales support, because I have a good phone demeanor, and they understand little the value of what I've given them -- or what they could have if my project's scope were increased.

2 OPTIONS FOR GETTING FROM $39k TO $48k:

First, cast a job search. My current position allowed me a lot of growth in my DB skills, and maybe I can relocate and do well. (Ready alternative: hang around, watch my Access project graduate to MySQL or MSDE, and then base my job search on that feather-in-cap.)

Second, make a career in GIS (Geogr. Info Systems) relying on ESRI software. It's a hot field by all reports. The cools aspects are as follows:

a. I have an education oportunity.
A univ. in my own city, with a renowned
geogr. dept., would let me slide into a
Master's program. This is due to favor
of a well-placed prof and my great GRE scores.
b. I hear that ESRI is buying into Access
structure and VBA, presumably like AutoCAD.
My programming skills would be highly
transferable.

Any thoughts on these options?

Also, with thousands of dollars in the offing for the Second Option, I wouldn't mind paying a Career Counselor. A real one. One who knows within $5k what my skills are worth, what GIS is worth, US regional considerations including cost-of-living qualifiers. Do professionals like that exist? How do I find one?

[purple]_______________________________
_{Never confuse movement with action -- E. Hemingway} [/purple]

 

[LadySlinger]

Yes, career counselors do exist! Just look in the phone book.

Really though, if this program sounds like its something you want to get into, then DO IT! That's my free advice. Cause really, think about it, would you prefer to be paid $48K and doing something you're not enjoying, or get paid more for doing something you enjoy and that meets your current career expectations? I.e. even if its $45K?

PS, your job sounds like the last job I had...sales didn't know what to do with the IT person so they revamped the duties to include not only the current tasks, but faxing over things for reps and such to keep the job "guaranteed". I finely left there after an extensive job search

 

[Dollie]

Ditto with what LadySlinger said. I would also talk to the "well-placed prof" as well. To me (and please note that I'm basing this on one posting) it almost sounds like you're enthusiastic about a career in GIS and have the ability to go into that field right in the palm of your hand.

As someone who has gone back to school recently, I've found myself encouraging people who want to further their education in order to further themselves (and their career) to just do it!

Sometimes you have to think of yourself, and not your employer, first. Sometimes the two go hand in hand, but sometimes they don't.

 

[LNBruno]

IMHO:

"Kids, no savings, can't fool around with bad career options" doesn't sound like the best foundation for considering relocation.

You seem more enthusiastic about Plan B. And it sounds more promising not only in future financial terms, but in your own self-worth.



< M!ke >

 

[LadySlinger]

LNBruno does hit a good point. Moving someplace else may not necessary solve all of your problems. I.e. if you moved someplace where the cost of living is less but the area still pays about the same sounds really great and gives you that extra bonus. However, you have to look and consider if cost of living is less in this area, what type of education will my children receive? Or does your wife work? You might have an easier time getting a job, but if she has a career going it might be difficult to uproot her, or her industry might not be as economically strong in the area you're looking.

I also agree with Dollie that in your post you sound enthusiastic about the GIS. I know I'm going back to school this fall myself because I want to become more specialized (and eventually make more money too!).

 

[kHz]

LadySlinger, what are you going to specialize in, out of curiosity. What is your current job?

I am entertaining the thought of going back to school in the fall, but am not quite certain what. I have an MSEd, and have thought of an MBA but I despise accounting (undergrad business administration). So first I need to decide on what! I am thinking of school because I want to always have options in case something bad happens. And with an ever changing economy I want to hedge my bets to get another job quickly with the same pay (or better) than I currently earn.

 

[LadySlinger]

kHz, I'm currently a Network Admin. I'll be going back to school for a Master of Science in Information Assurance. Only about 30 schools in the U.S currently have the program. It's put on by the Dept of Defense, but can also be used in the Business World since the classes deal with cryptology, digital forensics and such.
I had looked into MBAs and MSCIS, but they really didn't excite me. I looked at these as just enhancing my broad skills already. When I saw this program I knew it was something that I wanted to get into.

Here's a link for more info:

http://www.nsa.gov/ia/academia/acade00001.cfm

 

[kHz]

There is an information assurance program (MS) at my local state university, too. I have looked at it, but haven't made any decisions about anything.

If you get your MS in IA then get a job that requires a TS/SCI clearance then you will have almost limitless possibilites. Of course obtaining a security clearance is one of those chicken-and-egg things. Most jobs require the clearance but you can't get the clearance without the job. Some places will hire and let you apply for clearance, but not handle any information that requires the clearance (which mostly limits your effectiveness in the job - hence, not too many use this approach). Each arm of the government require their own clearance, too. If you work for DoJ then you get clearance from Justice, but if you work for the Pentagon you get clearance from DoD. If you had TS at Justice and went to work for DoD, then you would have to apply, though you would most likely get a provisional TS from DoD because you already had a TS from DoJ, so it would be a formality, but still they would have to push the paperwork through. Since 9/11 the lenght of time to get clearances has increased, too.

Good Luck!!

 

[mmorancbt]

One thing I would caution you against is using an "expert's" advice to determine what you "are worth." And I know what you mean. You are trying to determine whether or not you can really earn the $48k/year with your skill-set.

A couple things I would recommend:

First, get the book, "More Than Enough" by Dave Ramsey. It discusses money, savings, and even touches on career planning. More importantly, it starts by addressing the creation of a family vision for income, savings, and career. I believe vision is the single biggest problem facing virtually everyone who feels a little stuck in a position.

Second, if your project warrants upsizing, do it. You can earn $40K-$75K/year with Access, VBA, some SQL. Round this out with some web (.asp/asp.NET) talents - don't let any tell you this is complicated. However, this assumes you go out and sell your value (I already assume that you are good).

The other item - and this is just a read of words and phrases in your post - is that it sounds like you are somewhat passive at presenting the company with your ideas and what you want. Your phrase, "hang around, watch my Access project graduate to MySQL or MSDE, and then base my job search on that feather-in-cap." is what I base this on. Of course, this is a huge assumption for me to make on a single post.

However, I would recommend you push a little for the upgrades and projects you want.

Does the company you work for know your income goal and your professional growth goal? This is a first step. You should be able to tell them, I believe I provide enough value to earn $48k (once again, assuming you do). Then ask them, do you agree or are there other skills and projects I must undertake to prove this to you? If so, let's setup a plan moving forward - a review in 6 months and one in a year. If I meet objectives, I get a raise to $43k in 6 months and then to $48K in 12.

If they come back and say they would never pay that, at least you know.

Lastly, $39K - $48K is an increase of $9K. That amounts to $750 per month. That is equivalent of 10 hours of side work at $75/hour. 15 hours a month at $50/hour. You can give yourself a raise for 2-4 hours a week. The side benefit is you may make great contacts consulting on the side. You keep yourself in the company that you apparently enjoy and at the same time up your value and your contacts.

That is my take on the situation.


Matthew Moran (career blog and podcast below)
Career Advice with Attitude for the IT Pro

http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/pm/career

http://techcareerconsult.blogspot.com

 

[smandoli9]

I'm sorry I neglected the post (I thought I would get the little email notification!).

THANKS FOR THE INPUT. LN Bruno: Actually, I relocate in the end if I take the GIS option. Because our area is saturated in this field, which follows from the university having an excellant program. (And my city, San Marcos, being very pleasant.)

M Moran: Ramsey keeps being mentioned, I may yet read him. I appreciate your various points. Without responding to each, I think you've provided some action points. (I am not that passive ... I meant of course "hang around proactively!") One point though -- No, they WOULD never pay that! It's a liability of local work in a city nestled between two metropoli (Austin and San Antonio).

Oh, and I never even got to my plan of building and operating a miniature golf course ... I'm unresolved and even confused on these issues at the moment, but I will post any sudden breakthroughs.

[purple]_______________________________
_{Never confuse movement with action -- E. Hemingway} [/purple]