Job dilemma

bikeandski

I would like to ask you my fellow forum members for your input on a career dilemma I currently have.

I’m a remote desktop support technician. I’m the only employee for the company in the state. The other techs, engineers, HR, sales, etc. are located in the same state as our office. I support three locations they are charter schools, I really enjoy my job. I have lots of flexibility in my schedule. I also have lots of free time. I do not have anyone micro managing me, as long as I get my tickets/problems resolved and my company does not get any complaints from my schools (which they never have) they pretty much leave me be (which I like!) I often have time during my workday to study for my next cert.

The only problems I have with my job are the fact that I have no opportunity for advancement. I would have to move my family to get another position with the company. Also I would really like to get experience with the server side of things, I only troubleshoot the desktops/laptops and their applications and OS’s. I troubleshoot network connectivity and port issues, etc but when it comes to the servers the engineers remote into them and do what they need to do. They may walk me through something if necessary. Also we run Novell Netware servers at each of our locations so even if I was getting experience it would be Novell.

So I started looking at my options to see if I could find a position that would allow me to learn new technologies and maybe advance my career.

I have been offered a job as an IT Specialist for a company with about 80 users; they have 5 or 6 Windows servers. A blackberry server and some other goodies that I would like to learn about. As I want to get experience with Windows servers, Active Directory, creating accounts, etc. The IT department is small (one other the IT Director) He seems very open to showing me everything I'm interested in. I want this experience/knowledge so I can move into a higher paying job, have better job security, etc.

This offer seems like a great opportunity but I got a weird vibe when I was there interviewing. I will be forced to a strict 9:00 to 5:00 type of schedule. I will be stuck in the same office everyday which scares me. They are a company that primarily does sales so the end users are mostly high dollar sales people. The office dress code is pretty strict since they often have clients in.
Before my job as a Desktop support Tech, I worked as a remote Field Tech traveling from site to site everyday. I worked for that company for thirteen years. So I guess being stuck in the same office everyday is really scary to me, but hell I could love it, dunno.

I realize only I can make this decision for myself but I would really appreciate any input you guys have.

Thanks!

bikeandski

I forgot to add that the new job offer is the same salary that I currently have.

sthomas

This only you can really decide, but considering all the factors you mention I would say stay where you are until something comes up that you are more sure that you want to do. I say this because you say you get a weird vibe about the new job plus the salary is the same and you like your current job.

undomiel

Well you do have the option of setting up vm servers at home to work and learn with but in my opinion nothing beats on the job training, and it sounds like you would be getting training in a lot of what you need to know to break into the administration side of things. So I would say that the new job would be a good move for you.

On the other hand I've learned that it is a good idea to listen to those vibes. In my case they've turned out to be true a good majority of the time.

dynamik

As far as the hours, office, and clothes go, that's a pretty common scenario. You're likely going to have to give up some of the flexibility you have now in order to advance.

In all honesty, that's a sweet deal for someone with just an A+ and a Network+. I really don't think you're going to come across anything better. The job may not put any more cash in your pocket, but the experience will have a huge pay-off later on. While you can learn a lot of the material at home, you can't really put that on a resume.

However, if you're not comfortable with the job's requirements, don't do it. I know a guy who makes half of what he could elsewhere, but he keeps his job because he can pretty much do whatever he wants. There's more to life than just money.

cisco_trooper

dynamik wrote:

There's more to life than just money.

Only if you have enough of it...

TechJunky

+1 to dynamik.

I make WAY less than any of my other IT friends in my same field with my experience because I love taking 3 company trips a year that are paid for and a month off for vacation a year. Life isn't all about money if you have no time to spend it and enjoy it.

Do what makes you happy and the money will come.

Doing something for money is always a bad reason unless you absolutely need it. Which IMO isnt the case today, most people just live beyond their means.

filkenjitsu

What you have right now sounds very nice, but if you are looking down the line and have a plan on where you want to be / a salary goal, then you may want to consider giving up some confort for the experience.

The only thing I say is make sure you never let a job get between you and your family. If this new job may add stryfe to your house hold, then just wait for another opportunity that will work out better for you.

bikeandski

Thanks for the input everyone!

Well, I decided that I was going to stay with my current comfy job. But when I explained this to the new company they asked why and stated that they really want to bring on board and felt that I was a really good match, etc.

So they offered me a larger salary! 7K more than the original offer!

I accepted the job! I’m stoked! I have an opportunity to learn a lot of valuable skills and I’m getting a raise, what more could I ask for?

I’m going to celebrate this weekend! Woo hoo!

Thanks again,

snadam

bikeandski wrote:

This offer seems like a great opportunity but I got a weird vibe when I was there interviewing. I will be forced to a strict 9:00 to 5:00 type of schedule. I will be stuck in the same office everyday which scares me. They are a company that primarily does sales so the end users are mostly high dollar sales people. The office dress code is pretty strict since they often have clients in.
Before my job as a Desktop support Tech, I worked as a remote Field Tech traveling from site to site everyday. I worked for that company for thirteen years. So I guess being stuck in the same office everyday is really scary to me, but hell I could love it, dunno.

I realize only I can make this decision for myself but I would really appreciate any input you guys have.

Thanks!

sounds like this place is more of a 'corporate environment'. I dont know what your new dress code is, but for my place of work, its shirt and ties (and pants ) every day. I hate it; I really do. But you do get used to it after a while. As for the 9-5 thing, I bet when push comes to shove, youll be working off-hours if need be.

Its all up to you though, it sounds like a personal choice to be made. My suggestions above were to let you know that most corporate IT environments are like that.

good luck!!!

JDMurray

cisco_trooper wrote:

dynamik wrote:

There's more to life than just money.

Only if you have enough of it...

And not if you have a mortgage...or two.

sthomas

bikeandski wrote:

Thanks for the input everyone!

Well, I decided that I was going to stay with my current comfy job. But when I explained this to the new company they asked why and stated that they really want to bring on board and felt that I was a really good match, etc.

So they offered me a larger salary! 7K more than the original offer!

I accepted the job! I’m stoked! I have an opportunity to learn a lot of valuable skills and I’m getting a raise, what more could I ask for?

I’m going to celebrate this weekend! Woo hoo!

Thanks again,

Congrats on the new job!