Motivation?! What triggers yours?!

Good morning/afternoon Tech Fam,

So I posted this thread to see what keeps you guys motivated to continue to study for certs and expand your knowledge?
I understand that of course money can be a motivating factor, but what are other things that keep you guys moving?! I know there's a ton of experienced professionals here so what is something that pumps you up and motivate you?

I'm a 22 year old and I'm facing some family issues, so what keeps me motivated is putting my self in the position, as a man, to be able to care of my mother and little brother. What are some additional things that I can find to motivate me and give me that extra boost?!!?

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Comments

DatabaseHead

Balance is my key. Motivation to be great at certain things. Not all things, I reeled that back a while ago, but certain items I want to be good at I go for it. That is what drives me those 2 - 3 things I want to be GREAT at.

"I'm a 22 year old and I'm facing some family issues, so what keeps me motivated is putting my self in the position, as a man, to be able to care of my mother and little brother". This is about as honorable and as motivating as it gets. JMHO

Verities

Striving to be the best at what I do; I know I may not ever achieve that goal, but its how I challenge myself to be better.

Cyberscum

My carrier started as just a way to make alot very quick.

It has turned into a passion and that's what keeps me at it.

A love for technology and a willingness to learn new things.

dustervoice

Kids will go hungry that's more than enough to motivate me.

kiki162

At your age - the biggest factor for me was living on my own. After you have moved back in with parents that's enough to give you are HARD reality check. (i.e.: Time to get your $hit together)

Other reasons

Don't want to rely on others for ANYTHING
Take care of the kids
Keeps you busy

beads

I started out pretty disciplined but one thing has always remained the same for me - I never want to be the "ex-tech". Grates on my nerves to no end to hear people say things like: "I used to do what you do..." No, I bet you never did. You probably weren't very good in the first place and rightfully got out. Thank-you for not cluttering up the field.

Driven mad to learn new skills on a daily basis and keep on the cutting edge as much as possible. Ironically the learning gets a little more difficult as you get into you're nth decade but the discipline to keep doing it becomes more habit than hindrance. In other words it gets easier with age. At least for some people. Others move into management because they can't learn any more.

That's the truth of it. Like it or not.

- b/eads

the_Grinch

I'd say largely ego. I want to be the best and want management to know that when they come to me I will have an answer. But also I think the Matrix summed it up:

"It’s the question that drives us, Neo." - Trinity

I enjoy being able to break things down and to investigate them. To look at something and say here are the flaws or to say "this is where they got in and what they got".

dave330i

It's money.

DatabaseHead

If it wasn't for money i wouldn't show up to work..... Just saying.....

danny069

What keeps me motivated? I just want to see how far I can go with this IT thing. It's a combination of what everyone has said from above too, money, wanting to be the best, wanting to know if I still got it or can do it, helping others around me, etc.

thomas_

Having bills to pay. Also, getting back to the same level of pay I was making before I made a career change.

UnixGuy

I'd like to say it's my vision...but truth is, it's to have a better life. Being passionate and working towards something makes you a more stable and happier person.

Also, when I catch myself doing something mundane and boring, or when I have a bad idea I think screw this I can do better...time to work!

Lexluethar

Money, challenging myself and knowing that the more knowledge I obtain the more valuable I become to my employer and future employers (think job security not money).

I have my moments but generally speaking I spend 4 months studying in some capacity and 8 months relaxing to give myself a break. I try to complete and/or renew two certs a year (realistically it's usually one).

I like the challenge. Same at work. I'm not the person that sits there and accepts status quo, I want to be challenged. Same with studying. Yes it's nice to take breaks (currently taking one until August when I start on my MCSA upgrade) but I find myself excited to start studying for the next certification, getting that high from passing the exam.

Money helps but what helps more is knowing that keeping up with technology will ensure the next guy doesn't take my place. IT is competitive and if you don't stay on top of it you will be passed up.

TechGromit

Chrisbari14 wrote: »

I know there's a ton of experienced professionals here so what is something that pumps you up and motivate you?

Fear of unemployment. I was very surprised how tough the job market was in 2013, I thought someone with 20 years experience in IT would have no trouble getting something, even crappy jobs would have been something. Nothing but crickets when I sent my resume. I ended up taking a temp job I would have never have considered before. Lady luck favored me and it led to something great. I can't rely on luck next time.

bpenn

When I wake up in the morning and see my two-year-old daughter asleep on the baby monitor I know that I will push myself to be the best I can be so she can one day be all she can be. I love what I do, no doubt, but my drive to succeed is fueled by her.

UnixGuy

@TechGromit: I'm facing the exact same thing right now, except that I'm luckily employed...the job market is confronting so I don't want to be in a position where I'm relying on luck. I want to be in the offense...

9bits

Coffee, the intrigue of learning, not wanting to be homeless.