Hello all - I could use some advice

[J187]

First off, I'm glad to have found this forum and I intend to use it for all my computing needs.

That said, I could use some advice to start. I'm feeling kind of lost. I'm 30 years old and want to switch careers. I want to get myself into some kind of computer job which is something I've dream of for quite some time. My situation is complicated, but I've been working as a quasi manager of a small business for 13 years. I really don't even know where to start with regard to entering the computer industry. I don't know If I want to work with networks, web design, programming, or anything else for that matter. I can tell you the following:

I am the definition of a quick study. I have an uncany ability to pickup on things and learn them.

I have a solid and broad basic knowledge of computers. I can write a little VB... I understand a little networking... my knowledge IS on the basic side, but it is expansive I guess. I understand the difference between Lan IP and external, I know what a proxy is and I can build PCs from scratch.

I dont' have a ton of money to better my education at the moment.

I have a mortgage and some other bills and I really could not afford to make much less than say, $40k to start.

I am willing to work hard and make certain sacrafices to grow

Again, I am a quick study - I've picked up programs like photoshop or google sketchup and have become quite good rather quickly.


I guess I'm trying to figure out what the best course of action would be overall... cerifications, education, any particular jobs that might interest me more than others, etc.... I apologize in advance if I'm being vague - I guess I feel kind of vague...

 

[A Cheese Danish]

I guess I'm trying to figure out what the best course of action would be overall... cerifications, education, any particular jobs that might interest me more than others, etc....

Let me start off by saying welcome!
Well, the best way to start off if you can't afford to go to school, would be to study for the A+ Certification.
It does cost a bit much to take it, but once you have it, you overlook those that don't pretty much.
If you can find a basic technician position, one that fixes easy/simple problems, that would be another good start.
But I can tell you right now, without a few certifications and/or school, I don't think you will be able to acquire a job that will pay $40K/yr.
By all means go ahead and try if you want! But I'm just saying it's kinda slim, especially in this economy.
Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions you have around the forum! We will all help as best we can!
And again, welcome and enjoy your stay!

 

[kazkepox]

be a computer building specialist, building computers are easy to build and its good money if you become well known in your town or city. Also refurbishing computers is a good idea as well, its what I do (I am 15) and I use the money i make for my computer needs.

 

[J187]

Let me start off by saying welcome!
Well, the best way to start off if you can't afford to go to school, would be to study for the A+ Certification.
It does cost a bit much to take it, but once you have it, you overlook those that don't pretty much.
If you can find a basic technician position, one that fixes easy/simple problems, that would be another good start.
But I can tell you right now, without a few certifications and/or school, I don't think you will be able to acquire a job that will pay $40K/yr.
By all means go ahead and try if you want! But I'm just saying it's kinda slim, especially in this economy.
Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions you have around the forum! We will all help as best we can!
And again, welcome and enjoy your stay!

Thank you. I'm certainly not opposed to getting a certification or two. I'm just trying to be as economical as possible. I guess I'm confused as to how the certifications work. I know I can take and pay for the tests, around $350?? But what should I do about preparation? What is the best way to go about getting ready to pass the test.

 

[A Cheese Danish]

Thank you. I'm certainly not opposed to getting a certification or two. I'm just trying to be as economical as possible. I guess I'm confused as to how the certifications work. I know I can take and pay for the tests, around $350?? But what should I do about preparation? What is the best way to go about getting ready to pass the test.

Depends on the test and if there are testing centers around your area. You may be able to find some used A+ and Network+ books on ebay.
I forget what the tests cost, but I do know it's more than $100 per A+ section (2 parts).

 

[J187]

Depends on the test and if there are testing centers around your area. You may be able to find some used A+ and Network+ books on ebay.
I forget what the tests cost, but I do know it's more than $100 per A+ section (2 parts).

I'm certainly not expecting to do this for free... I'm just saying I would need to stay away from the multi-thousand dollar training courses and such. So do you think that it is something I could do on my own with books? Does anyone recommend this rather than trying to find some kind of certification training course?

 

[A Cheese Danish]

I'm certainly not expecting to do this for free... I'm just saying I would need to stay away from the multi-thousand dollar training courses and such. So do you think that it is something I could do on my own with books?

Yeah, you can do this on your own time. Study at your own pace and do different tasks on your own time. It would probably be easier and cheaper
for you to do it that way anyway. And if you have any questions, you can come here and ask them as well.

 

[J187]

Well thanks for your help. I feel like I'm at least heading in the right direction. I ordered one of the books I found to be the highest rated on the net. We'll see how it goes...