Is it too late?

in A+
Okay, here's my story.
I wasted my youth with arts degrees. Now I am 33, and I am working part time while trying to finish my first novel. I am looking for a CAREER that is sustainable.
I LOVE working with computers,the problem solving, the installation, the tinkering, it is fun for me! However, it has been about 5 years since I have worked basic IT. I have started reading a comptia a+ textbook and I have recently signed up for a year of test out, which I am loving.
Here's my problem, I am feeling severely intimidated that it I am too old and too inexperienced to get into IT.
What do you guys think?
Also, I am starting with a+ due to my lack of experience but where do you think I should go from there?
I wasted my youth with arts degrees. Now I am 33, and I am working part time while trying to finish my first novel. I am looking for a CAREER that is sustainable.
I LOVE working with computers,the problem solving, the installation, the tinkering, it is fun for me! However, it has been about 5 years since I have worked basic IT. I have started reading a comptia a+ textbook and I have recently signed up for a year of test out, which I am loving.
Here's my problem, I am feeling severely intimidated that it I am too old and too inexperienced to get into IT.
What do you guys think?
Also, I am starting with a+ due to my lack of experience but where do you think I should go from there?
Comments
[2018] - MBA - IT Management - WGU (PASS)
HR: “What if we train them and they leave?”
ME: “What if we don’t train them and they stay?”
Unfortunately you're kind of at the beginning IT-wise and you can only take one step at a time. But you can make those steps short and quick. My advice is to FINISH your A+ so you can start the next step soon.
Security+, eJPT, CySA+, PenTest+,
Cisco CyberOps, GCIH, VHL,
In progress: OSCP
What!!?!?!? IT is my life.. and dream job
And my dream job is being a novelist but my second dream job is working IT. It always has been, I just haven't had a chance to get to it until now.
This is definitely my dream job. I love this stuff!
Of course, I'd also love to do other things (astronaut, physicist, pilot, etc.), but I don't think I'd have as much fun as I am now. IT really is a fun career choice and is truly a dream job. Of course, when I tell my wife the cool stuff I got to play with or fix or configure, she thinks it's boring nerd stuff.
Some of us are real IT nerds... New Intel CPU, new router/firewall, new devices or software... We get excited!
*Bachelor's of Science: Information Technology - Security, Master's of Science: Information Technology - Management
Matthew 6:33 - "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
Certs/Business Licenses In Progress: AWS Solutions Architect, Series 6, Series 63
I'd also recommend looking for volunteering opportunities. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. One of my favorite examples is helping a church set up or maintain a website. Obviously doesn't apply to everyone, but just exemplifies how you can find opportunities to help your community basically anywhere while also proving yourself.
Once you've gotten your certs and some hands on technical volunteering experience (wouldn't take more than a couple months if you really apply yourself), you can start going for some entry-level IT positions. This is where matching the expected skill-sets really comes into play.
Another thing I would recommend is going to career fairs in your local area. Those are awesome for finding jobs, learning about expectations, and for pushing your resume. I think you should try to find career fairs in your area that include IT jobs and attend as many of them as you can. You really can learn a lot from them.
Remaining courses: C846 (ITIL), C768 (OA), C850 (OA), C769 (Capstone)
Active Certifications: A+, CCDA, CCNA-R&S, CCNA-Security, CIW-SDA, i-Net+, Network+, Project+, Security+, Server+, Splunk Certified User, VCP-DCV
Expired Certifications: CCNP, LPIC-1, MCSE, RHCSE,
As for the novelist idea, I'd say do both at same time. You can't do one all day long, do one while you are having a break from the other. Give yourself a couple of months to study. Pass the exam, then re-assess on your next move. Sound do-able?
A+ was my first cert, followed by Net+, and from there I got my first IT job as system admin, my experience though not help desk, was enough to get me a decent head start. You'll have a tougher road ahead than young 20 somethings, but if IT is your passion, your age will not be a factor.
100% agree about A+
A+ is really a big deal in some HR departments. I have a friend who is an system engineer III for a large privately held company and his only certification is A+. It's undervalued by a lot......
MCSE | MCSA X3 | Security + | Network +
But yeah, the IT field has way too many 'unfilled and high-in-demand positions' to be picky about crap like age.....
Good Luck!
Jon
Current Certifications: A+, N+, S+, CCNA R+S, and CCNA Security, CCDA