Re-entering IT

[lornab64]

I am trying to re-enter the IT after being gone for six years. Currently, I am teaching sixth grade math. I have a degree in Computer Information Systems and Masters in Mathematics. Before I went into teaching, I worked on the help desk for 4 and half years Level 1 and 2, I was a team leader for about five months before I left the company, I wrote a help manual for the company, I re-configured laptops for employees to check out when they were traveling, and much more.

I'm getting hits but at 19 dollars an hour. I just can't go that low. I am currently making 27 dollars an hour and if I take a large cut I will lose everything. I can take a cut of maybe 2 dollars and work my way up but not $19. Also, my goal is to be apart of management and higher. I am a female and 44 years old. But I am tough, rough, and ready to get the job done.

Can I get some advice on how to re-enter the industry without losing my shirt? (I am studying the MCDST and I am working in our church computer lab doing upgrades to keep my skills).

 

[RiverGuy]

Have you checked for IT positions at schools? Since (I believe) teaching stresses length of service and education (i.e. Master's degree) in regards to pay, maybe you'll see higher offers than from private companies.

 

[lornab64]

Actually, I have but a lot of the positions are pretty much full. The people do not leave their jobs.

 

[rjoubert]

Look up some local IT recruiters (headhunters). They can either hire you on as an hourly contractor (usually make more money, but have less benefits) and send you to a client company assignment, or they can find a client company to hire you.

 

[lornab64]

I went to a headhunter and because my experiences are over five years I am looking at $14 an hour. I also tried to find position at the school district and again I am looking at old experiences. I guess I am stuck working in the school district as a teacher where I am very unhappy.

Thanks for the help.

 

[acewarlock]

Try to get something part time to get back in the IT and then you may be ablr to prove yourself again.




This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[FredWagner]

Check into teaching at a Community College or a Technical Institute - your students will be more motivated, and the pay scales recognize your academic degrees!

Fred Wagner

 

[kmcferrin]

I mean no offense by this, but the problem is that you have relatively entry level skills in IT (desktop support) and relatively advanced skills in teaching (advanced degree). Consequently your teaching skills are worth more than your IT skills. The only way to make the jump is to either enhance your IT skills or accept a lot less money. If you're looking at $50k-$55k a year then you're not going to find that on any desktop support job. You'll need to make the transition to a server admin type of position (most likely given your experience) or perhaps an entry-level developer (not unless you have some secret programming skills stashed away). It you had some management experience that might be a good way to go.

I also did a career reset once and had to take a significant pay cut to do it. It was hard at first, but because I was still in my 20's I didn't put myself too far behind. Ten years later I'm making far more money than I ever could have in the other career, so it was definitely worth it.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCTS:Active Directory
MCTS:Network Infrastructure
MCTS:Applications Infrastructure

 

[FredWagner]

Keeping the recognition for your teaching skills, is there an ROP program (adult Ed job preparation program, run by the K12 district, not the community college) where you might fit in? Pick an area and bring your IT skills up to date there - something that interests you, that you have relatively inexpensive access to (Education rate purchase price!), and where you could take on a project that interests you and might generate income, or leads to contacts that might lead to a new job... How about developing an app or a newsletter or a web site for a non-profit in your area ?

Fred Wagner

 

[shoalcreek]

You'll never find an IT job at $27 per hour, and it may be many years before you ever reach that level. Headhunters don't want anyone who has been out of the industry for four years. You're probably well over 30 now, which means you'll get age discrimination.

Even if you have, say, experience with Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0, nobody is going to care. Those skills aren't "current" or "hot." You are in the same position as someone who is just starting out with no experience whatsoever.

I'm not saying it should be this way. However, that is how it is.

Find a good career coach. They can probably help you figure out a good path for you. And if you don't like your current job, see what you can do about transferring to another place.

 

[acewarlock]

Quote:
You'll never find an IT job at $27 per hour, and it may be many years before you ever reach that level.

I find that very hard to believe, most IT people I know make more than that after a few years.




This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[lornab64]

I thank everyone for their comments. After much praying and waiting, I decided to try to become a part of the Technology industry through education. It is more better for me.

However, I should have included a few more information about myself. At my church, I am one of the technical persons. We designed the computer lab, install all computers, installed all software (we are still running XP but considering upgrading to Vista maybe in the fall), I helped designed our church website and a few other websites. When I thought about re-entering IT, I decided to take the MCDST and I recently took the exam and pass by 90%. I also decided to become Certified in education as a Technology Specialist.

Yes, I am well over 30 and maybe the industry look at my age as a problem but it is a plus. I am stable and I know the importance of learning everything I can to be the best in my field.

Since I decided to become a part of Technology at school, I have received many pat on the back and hopefully, by the next school year I will have my technical position and making $30 an hour, working 7 and half hours days, and working 226 days a year with lots of vacation time, smile.

Thank all of you for helping make my decision to stay in the school system.

 

[kmcferrin]

acewarlock,

I think that he was saying that the OP with their current skillset would never be able to find an IT job $27/hour. Obviously lots of IT people do, but they have more current skills and experience than the OP.



________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCTS:Active Directory
MCTS:Network Infrastructure
MCTS:Applications Infrastructure