what to do with life

aueddonline

Hey guys bit of advice needed, see what you guys think.
I worked as a retail manager for 5 years after leaving school at 16, decided it wasn’t really for me so went travelling to Australia and started my CCNA April 2007 in Brisbane when I joined TE.
Anyway since then I have passed the CCNA (about 7 months ago) and am soon to pass the CCNP (BSCI) studying at home and I’ve also done some work with my Uncle who does consultancy for a couple of offices in my town mainly Windows stuff, Not really getting paid though, which is fine I’m happy for the experience and I know there is no money to pay me much.

I’m finding it hard to fit into the job market with people saying I am over qualified for a 1st line support job (I don’t share this opinion) and the other jobs where I am not experienced enough (true probably).
Anyway I have an interview for a foundation Uni course next week. I purely applied because I am getting a bit sick of having little contact with people that are into IT. In fact I could count the people I have spoken to that have IT qualifications on one hand ummmmm three fingers and that included talking to myself in the mirror. My other Uncle has a CCIE and has advised me to just stick to the Cisco study but I was thinking maybe that is his opinion because 10 years ago a CCNA cert would have got you a job.

Are my chances of getting a job going to increase when I finally slug my way thought the CCNP? I’m 24 now so I wouldn’t mind getting paid

My ultimate goal in terms of study is Cisco (CCNP, CCVP or CCSP dare I write CCIE, some Linux and Linux Security,

So I guess what i’m asking is go to uni for this foundation year or finish up the CCNP at home? I could try both but I’d prefer to do one properly.
Anyway let me know what you think

Crunchyhippo

Main Event wrote:

Crunchyhippo wrote:

Mishra wrote:

Look for jobs at a NOC. They love CCNAs and it's entry level.

Have you actually applied in the job market? Yeah, employers like CCNAs - only experienced need apply.

With no experience in the IT field, it probably doesn't matter how many certs you have or whether it's a CCNA or a CCNP; you're still on the outside looking in when it comes to getting a job.

It's over this time around, I'm quitting for good, this isn't for me. I don't want to be 40 years old and out of work wondering if I can get hired.

Which is exactly where I'm at. Regardless of how many people say, "Hey, it's not that bad" or "you're bitter, aren't you?", it's highly likely you'll either not find work with no experience, have to settle for an assistant to a junior network tech position, or just work for nothing to get experience. Anyone who tells you different is either looking through rose-colored glasses or they play the lottery a lot.

Could you find a job in IT with what you've got? Eventually, you probably could. But who knows how long it would be? You might get lucky and find something in a few months, but it would be luck with no experience. Odds are - a year or more...if you can afford the wait.

Sorry that it worked out this way for you. But the sooner you start something else, the sooner you'll be in a better financial position down the road. Good luck in your future endeavors.