Career change… IT?

[OKRuss]

Something to keep in mind is that ALL of the shipping companies ramp up hiring before the holidays. That's not just delivery drivers but dock workers as well. Most only last through the peak season but would get some $$ in your pocket.

Just to add. If you got a part time gig with FedEx, they offer tuition reimbursement even for part time. Try the holiday shifts and see if something you might be able to tolerate then apply for a dock worker type job(I can't recommend a delivery driver). Our sorting facility workers in Memphis are 4 hour shifts but it's night. Many work those 4 hours then go to school afterwards. If already working for them, you'd see job postings and such for your future.

Best of luck!

 

[Catt57]

With your experience, I figure you’ve seen how things are run. What’s your experience with hiring people new to the industry? For example, with heavy equipment shops, some kid couldn’t just show up with a vo-tech cert and start working, they wanted experience or start out as the guy cleaning the equipment/bathrooms. Is IT the same? Or is the demand for guys so high that you can get the certs and start off in a worthwhile job right off the bat?

It seems to depend on the company. But I will say that most seem to like to start off with contractors and "Try before they buy". So you might check with some of the recruiters in your area for temp to hire positions that aren't posted publicly.
I have also seen a few companies willing to bring someone in entry level and help them get certs. But that IMHO appears to be fading and now most just want you the have the certs first. Either way I would recommend trying to get at least some basic certs for the area you are interested in. That will give you a definite leg up.

And as much as i hate to suggest this, if you are on really good terms with your buddy. I'd try to leverage that relationship into a foot-in-the-door if you can. Just breaking into the industry will open up other doors.

 

[jbarnett]

I know guys that have graduated from both rose state and uco and currently have jobs in cybersecurity. It has been a few years but the schools helped them get jobs. One is at tinker and the other at a private business. I would call and check with the schools. If you decide to stay with heavy equipment let me know. I have a friend that was looking for someone. Not sure if he has found anyone yet. I worked in IT for over 20 years and just changed to automotive 3 years ago. Good luck!

 

[El Pablo]

With your experience, I figure you’ve seen how things are run. What’s your experience with hiring people new to the industry? For example, with heavy equipment shops, some kid couldn’t just show up with a vo-tech cert and start working, they wanted experience or start out as the guy cleaning the equipment/bathrooms. Is IT the same? Or is the demand for guys so high that you can get the certs and start off in a worthwhile job right off the bat?

Unless you know someone, you need exp and or knowledge. You have to know a lot to do cyber security well. Entry jobs are things like help desk. Even then you are expected to know quite a bit unless you work at a large call center with a script.

 

[thor447]

I don't know what your ability to travel is, but I've heard recently that new truck drivers can earn really good money. There is a high demand for truck drivers, with many big companies paying for training and with immediate job placement afterwards. Just something to look at if you might be interested.

 

[El Pablo]

I personally would apply for a job at Costco, they pay well for what they do, then go back to school/training if you want to be in IT security. I pass on everyone I’ve interviewed over 22 years in IT that can’t explain why you do things. I care about why far more than what. Many online classes you can take if you drive a truck, etc.

Are you doing anything it security related now, in your spare time? If not, don’t go into that area.

 

[Capm_Spaulding]

Start with entry level type work like help desk work or tech support. Pays well and you don’t need a lot of specific info as long as you’re tech literate. Right now is the best time in recent history if not simply history period to find a job. Just start applying everywhere that has a position, companies are hungry!

 

[Snattlerake]

Just remember for every graduate working in IT there's 10 flipping burgers or working walmart or door dashing..
Like catt57 said, it'll be a lot about who you know.

More than likely your work ethic has a big part in that flippin' burgers stuff.
Before I got back into the work force, I was kinda on the inside track on my current job. They told me when I interviewed, out of 7 people, I was the only one that actually showed up for the interview.

As I work through the day, I am hearing the exact same thing. People are screaming for good workers that want to learn and show up every day on time.

My point, find someone who is IT and ask about an apprenticeship program.

As an aside, what tools do you lack to keep you from the home inspector job?

You can apply to AT&T and Sprint as a technician working on cell nodes also

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

Just remember for every graduate working in IT there's 10 flipping burgers or working walmart or door dashing..
Like catt57 said, it'll be a lot about who you know.

Some of the idiots I’ve seen that get good jobs around my town I think it’s more of a matter of its not “who you know” it’s “who you blow”

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

I don't know what your ability to travel is, but I've heard recently that new truck drivers can earn really good money. There is a high demand for truck drivers, with many big companies paying for training and with immediate job placement afterwards. Just something to look at if you might be interested.

Not sure if @HoLeChit is wanting to move away from the metro area but there’s a company up here in Guymon paying pretty dang well to drive trucks.. they get you your CDL and from what I’ve seen there’s no contract on you staying after you get it. Most people get theres and leave lmao.

And if you have the stomach for it, can get your CDL and haul dead pigs. Rumor has it those guys that work nights and some holidays are making $100,000 a year.

There’s also a few renewable energy plants around here… could be an operator or work maintenance… honestly I know it is pretty boring in the Panhandle and people knock it a lot but there’s actually a lot of career opportunities up here in this hell hole. No one has to say it’s permanent.

What’s your wife do, @HoLeChit ? There’s probably a helluva opportunity up here for her as well.