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cyberguypr wrote: » I'm the only one who had to Google "DMV area"?
wagnerism wrote: » As others have said, that threshold is relative. I lived in San Diego until 2004 moving to the DMV area (hee - new acronym) - two places with a relatively high cost of living. The move was good. It was like jumping from the fire into the frying pan. I hit that threshold before I turned 30 in 2001 with my first job after the dotcom bust - just after I got the CCIE certification. I thankfully and completely dodged the dotcom bust by paying my dues with a job that had horrendous travel and required a gov't clearance. The travel had a lot of transit time and downtime where I kept packing on the certifications. Since I was voluntarily lumping the travel, I got thrown at many projects where I had no business working based on experience alone. My advice to those aspiring for that pay threshold (or any higher pay for that matter) is to never stop learning. Always be improving. Overpay your dues gladly and often - even if you're "making the big bucks". Technology moves fast and people that plateau are eventually marginalized. It helps a lot to be genuinely interested in the technology and eager to expand your scope. Don't study just to get the right multiple-choice answer to the certification question. Get all nerdy and learn to confidently read a packet capture. Learn related fields and be someone whose work never gets shot down by security. Another change to make that seems to pay better is to move from an operations position to an engineering position. Move from a tier1/tier2 job that only has reactive tasking to a tier3+ proactive job. When you do get the reactive tasking, it will be tier3 problems that are complex and interesting. I'm pushing 40 and am pursuing an AS in IT degree using community college credits that are older than my classmates. I have achieved much in certifications, gov't clearances, and experience - but have always lacked a degree. I'm going for the JNCIE in a few weeks and am back in classes this fall.
ZzBloopzZ wrote: » I am a recent college grad and also live in the DC area. I really appreciate your advice. There is a quote by Tony Robbins I live by "Either grow, or die". I am new to certs, just signed up to this forum today and have been reading the random posts for hours on end. Getting great insight and already set a goal to take my Security+ exam in 2.5 weeks. It's time to put full effort to develop my career. Out of curiosity, why are you going for a degree? Is it because it is essential to move up the chain, or you just want one just to have one? Also, since you are also in the DMV area. I would like to network with other people in IT industry that are on your level. Are there any organizations/meet ups/conventions related to IT in the area that I could join? I want to surround myself and perhaps find a mentor/role model with positive minded, constantly evolving IT folks. This forum is a wonderful start!
Turgon wrote: » Welcome. How long have you been preparing for the Security + exam?
ZzBloopzZ wrote: » Thanks! I actually just ordered the book tonight. Should be here in few days. Plan to study for it day and night for 2 weeks then take the test. Already read the forums, the Gibson book seems to be all I need. Will take some practice exams just in case. Although I am a recent grad, I've had a IT PC Repair/Networking/Consulting company since early 2007. Have dealt with thousands of computers over the years and all kinds of technology. I am 100% confident I can pass this particular cert in 2 weeks from all the reviews I have read. I may even do it in one week, depending on how it goes. After that I am debating on what to do next. CCNA or MCITP. I studied for CCNA in high school and was ready to take the exams, but me being young and stupid, I never bothered. It's time I start building my toolbox! I love Abe Lincoln's quote “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
Turgon wrote: » I suppose clattering the security + out in two weeks is very possible, but is it wise if you dont have a security background?
ZzBloopzZ wrote: » Well I am starting to notice some jobs around here are starting to require Security+ as the bare minimum. Plus since I don't have any certs, and it seems fairly easy, why not? I don't see how it can hurt me.
cxzar20 wrote: » Security+ is probably the worst written test I have ever taken. The questions are written in a very subjective manner which keeps you searching for the CompTIA answer. Would never have taken it if it weren't required for DoD.
GT-Rob wrote: » This year will be my first year to break it (and I plan to take december off unpaid!). Mo' money mo' problems. er, mo' money mo' taxes.
kenoo wrote: » 24 years old making 100K base as a systems engineer for a hedgefund in nyc ( financial places are the area to be )
pokerpro wrote: » kenoo, care to talk about your career path a little bit? thats great. I live right outside of nyc.
GT-Rob wrote: » So thats only like 95k in Canada (sorry, we love to rub it in).
pokerpro wrote: » hey kenoo, tried to pm you but you aren't accepting. hit me up.
joneno wrote: » But with a lot of taxes, sorry we also love to rob it in.:)
GT-Rob wrote: » haha good point. Add to it that every seems to cost more here, 100k doesn't go very far in Canada.
Aldur wrote: » You aren't joking there. I remember when I took a job in Edmonton, I was making 110k, which was much more than the 70k the wife and I were bringing in before that. All said and down we had much less money left over at the end of the month... It's crazy, but living in Canada just costs more.
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