Quitting my job

Hey,

I have been working as a help desk tech for about 10 months now. We are a tech outsourcing company. The help desk works on every issue that the client has.. Here is a list of exmaples

Ex:

Windows OS issues
Windows server issues
Exchange issues
SQL issues
EMR software issues
Sonicwall(firewall) issues
VPN issues
Fax/printer/scanner issues
"Clean up crew" after server deployments
Network issues
Wireless issues
Cisco Firewall issues
basic use of VMshpere ESXi
Alot of random software (Ex: quickbooks/sage)

I used the word issue alot, because helpdesk is supose to be Break\fix, but usually everyone from helpdesk ends up working on a small project one day a week, due to a lack field techs, and RPT techs being available.

It's a great job, and I have learned alot, and now feel like I am not learning much there anymore.. On top of this.. The pay is REALLY bad especially for the area(Chicago suburb). I am getting paid $28,000 /yr. It also turns out that I am not the only tech who is being underpaid. Everyone is.. They gret a 5% raise each year.. I really don't see much opportunity of moving up here either. and IF I were able to move up, I will still get underpaid. All the employees here are (That I hear).

Would it be a good move to start studying for my MCSA take 1st test, and take CCENT

My experience on resume would be

10 months expirence working as a chat agent for a school management system
10 months working in help desk

I don't know if this looks bad on my resume that I left both jobs so quick..

Do you all think this would be a good move? any ideas? suggestions

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Comments

CIO

I would stay for at least a year while trying to secure another opportunity elsewhere.

iBrokeIT

I think it is an extremely dumb move to quit a job without having another one lined up. Certainly wouldn't hurt to start applying now though. Now would be a good time to make a decision if you want to go into systems or networking. Go all the way for the MCSE or CCNA after you decide which path to go down.

pinkydapimp

you need to focus on getting experience right now. dont worry about what you are getting paid. You have been there 10 months and have little experience. Leaving now probably wouldnt look that good. Grab a few certs, get some more experience under your belt and in 6 months if you still arent learning anything new at that job, then look for something new while still employed.

The money will come if you work hard. But at the beginning what worked for me was not sweating the money and getting as much experience as i could

markulous

A higher level cert would be good to study for. If you're looking to be a sys admin, then go the MCSA route. I don't see any problem with finding something else, even after only 10 months, but I would want something lined up before I just quit.

puertorico1985

Experience is key for you at this very moment. Quitting now without something lined up, may end up hurting you. I would give the advice to stay put, get some certs under your belt, all while getting experience, and begin applying elsewhere.

kohr-ah

Hello fellow Chicago suburbanite.

First thing is I wouldn't leave yet. I understand the under pay thing but let me ask this. If I was an employer and you went to the next place why would I pay you more? I don't mean this harshly but 10 months at a time with no certs I would put you right back in a help desk role and that isn't where you want to be.

Get that next level cert then go get that next level job.

Want to do Windows / VM work? Get your MCSA for starters. Want to do networking then do CCENT and the CCNA. I wouldn't do one test of one then one of the other. Knock one out then if you want to do the other do it.

Then when you apply it shows you don't hop every 10 months and it shows something to back up that experience.

Because then you can look for that Jr sys Admin job or Jr network engineer job. This will get you the right pay and the right step in your career.

Also never leave a job before you have a new one lined up. Just remember it is just a job.

AverageJoe

I agree with the others: don't leave unless you have something lined up. If you're not being challenged on the job, think of it as an opportunity to study for certs or work on a degree, especially if your company will help pay for it.

swisschris104

I worded the title badly. I don't want to just quit, I want to start sending out my resume. I was planning on looking for a desktop support position at a good company where i would have the oppurtunity to move up.

I am currently In school part-time.
I will be taking ICND-1 soon, and then begein studying for MCSA server 2012. I feel like this shows that I am able to work with servers and have networking skills. I am unsure if I want to do system administration or network administration.

I am 20 years old =(

jibbajabba

swisschris104 wrote: »

I am 20 years old =(

Peeeenty of time - I could be your dad lol ...