Moving from Field Technician to Help Desk

BCarderMA

Some might consider this a step backward. But I don't. Here's my situation.

I started working in Buffalo NY in 2002 in IT, as a IT Assistant. For a year or so I'd answer phones and direct phone calls to higher-end techs. Then after a year, I started to go on site and fix problems / install and configure systems, etc etc etc.

I moved to Phoenix AZ in 2005 and was a field technician that worked from home. I did alot of remote support with Kaseya / Zenith Infotech, but also some on-visits when needed. I did both. I worked with one guy only (my boss) for a very small company in Goodyear, AZ. While I had alot of freedom, this eventually got to me. Most of the time I was swamped. I worked 50-60 hour weeks most of the time, stayed on site well after 5 pm (work hours were typically 8-5) and just had soo much responsibility.

I am relocating to Leominster MA in 1 week and have accepted a job for a growing company in Concord MA. I have accepted a job as a Remote Support Engineer (Tier II) with a huge increase in pay. I'll be starting at $46K but with bonuses, etc... I could be making close to $50. I'm very excited.

So to me, it's a step up. I'll be doing server/router/firewall/connectivity support. I'm pretty familiar with the Windows 2000/2003 Server OS, primarily what I'll be supporting. I'll also be gaining some Solaris/Unix/Linux experience, which I really don't have any of.

So it's a step up; definitely. But does anyone have any advice for me? I've never really worked on a help desk before (besides my remote support I provided from my home office). Any OS's I should be studying? MCSE/MCSA? Any thing at all?

By the way, I have my A+, N+, MCP *270*, and currently studying for the 290 Exam. Is this the way to go? I start my new job on June 4.

Thanks in advance.

sprkymrk

Sounds like you're on the right track. Congrats on the new job.
Once you've been at the new job for 4-6 weeks you'll get an idea of where to develop your skills. Meanwhile you won't go wrong studying 70-290. Good luck!

BCarderMA

Does anyone see this as a step backward?

mrhaun03

I would only say it's a step backward if you're takin a pay cut and it's more of a last resort job. But you're gonna make more money and do something ya like...definitely a step forward.

A lot of people look down on Help Desk positions. I'm in a Help Desk position and love it. Although it's not where I want to before throughout my career, it's great for now. I get to work with a lot of different areas in IT. I get to work with software, hardware, exchange, 2003 server, firewall, routers...I get a little bit of everything. As long as you're doin something ya like and even gettin better pay...I see no negatives in that.

Congrats

BCarderMA

Thanks MrHaun.... I agree with you. I will be working in a diverse environment, which will be a challenge.

What is your help desk environment like? Do you work for an ISP / Services Provider?

emmajoyce

Congrats
If it makes you happy, then thats all that matters. I think it sounds like a great job.

ps: please someone send some jobs to mytle beach

BCarderMA

Not much happening down in Myrtle Beach?

mrhaun03

BCarderMA wrote:

Thanks MrHaun.... I agree with you. I will be working in a diverse environment, which will be a challenge.

What is your help desk environment like? Do you work for an ISP / Services Provider?

I work for an engineering/consulting firm. It's just myself and the IT manager. It can get a little crazy, but I enjoy it. We just picked up an intern for me to give most of the workload to. Being such a small group, I get to see or handle all the issues and in turn, I'm learning a lot. The companies been expanding ever since I started...one year ago this month. Just opened a few remote offices, so there's a lot of remote administration. It's good stuff.

garv221

BCarderMA wrote:

Does anyone see this as a step backward?

You could be an IT Director making $120K and then take a position sewing elastic on underwear for $240K and that to me is a promotion. If it doesn't make dollars to doesn't make sense.

BCarderMA

Thanks everyone for their replies. I do really appreciate it!!!

Hope everyone has a great week!

snadam

BCarderMA wrote:

Some might consider this a step backward. But I don't. Here's my situation.

I started working in Buffalo NY in 2002 in IT, as a IT Assistant. For a year or so I'd answer phones and direct phone calls to higher-end techs. Then after a year, I started to go on site and fix problems / install and configure systems, etc etc etc.

I moved to Phoenix AZ in 2005 and was a field technician that worked from home. I did alot of remote support with Kaseya / Zenith Infotech, but also some on-visits when needed. I did both. I worked with one guy only (my boss) for a very small company in Goodyear, AZ. While I had alot of freedom, this eventually got to me. Most of the time I was swamped. I worked 50-60 hour weeks most of the time, stayed on site well after 5 pm (work hours were typically 8-5) and just had soo much responsibility.

I am relocating to Leominster MA in 1 week and have accepted a job for a growing company in Concord MA. I have accepted a job as a Remote Support Engineer (Tier II) with a huge increase in pay. I'll be starting at $46K but with bonuses, etc... I could be making close to $50. I'm very excited.

So to me, it's a step up. I'll be doing server/router/firewall/connectivity support. I'm pretty familiar with the Windows 2000/2003 Server OS, primarily what I'll be supporting. I'll also be gaining some Solaris/Unix/Linux experience, which I really don't have any of.

So it's a step up; definitely. But does anyone have any advice for me? I've never really worked on a help desk before (besides my remote support I provided from my home office). Any OS's I should be studying? MCSE/MCSA? Any thing at all?

By the way, I have my A+, N+, MCP *270*, and currently studying for the 290 Exam. Is this the way to go? I start my new job on June 4.

Thanks in advance.

sounds like your leaving my neck of the woods (AZ). However, it also sounds like youre getting a way better oppurtunity. Definitely NOT a downgrade.

Well good luck with your new job!

BCarderMA

Where are you in AZ?