Update! And a question.

JHow91

So a while back I joined TechExams looking for some advice on my job situation at the time. I was working an IT job on the Air Force base here in town and also trying to get custody of my daughter. The job I had at the time wasn't paying enough so I ended up taking a job elsewhere on base that paid quite a bit more but wasn't IT.

Now about 6 months later I have custody of my daughter and am working a job I can hardly stand. Money is good but I'm ready to get back into IT. I'm about to finish up my A+ and I start a course next month for my CCNA(I have a friend trying to break into IT so I told him I'd take a class with him.). I figure throughout studying for my CCNA I'll try to squeeze in the Net+ also.

My question for you guys is would these certs and my little experience be enough to land at least a decently paying job in a bigger city? And is there anyone in the Oklahoma City or Tulsa areas with experience in entry level positions? I know I'll have to put in my dues before I can move up but I need to be able to support my daughter also. This town is a bit too small to ever have a chance of getting a help desk or NOC job that I can support my daughter with. I've been looking into moving to the OKC or Tulsa areas. My current job has also landed me a secret security clearance.

TheFORCE

You should be fine getting a job with those certs plus the security clearance will help a lot, that doesn't come up easy. I would suggest if you are going first for CCNA to skip Net+, unless you are taking Net+ first. Net+ is considered a lower cert than CCNA, instead I'd go for Sec+ as the second cert if you go for CCNA first. Also you might consider relocating to an area where the security clearance is more in demand you will get your money worth there but not a small decision to make.

bpenn

You at Tinker? You prob already have a clearance if you are currently working on base. Do you have a degree? Check USA jobs for any CSA roles. You could get GS-9 with a degree and some certs/experience. Look for IT Specialist or Client Systems Administrator. For contract jobs, check out desktop support roles or CSA roles.

If you are going to work DoD you NEED to get Security+ at a minimum to be IAT level 2 qualified. It is a requirement to start in some situations, though they usually give you 6 months.