2 new IT jobs in 1 month

So the first thing everyone will think is: "hey, didn't he just get a new job?"

yes, I did, one month ago. It's a great job at an amazing company doing LOTS of cool stuff. And I get to work from home. But, the salary is average (not bad), and the boss believes you should be on-call 24x7 365 days a year..and that work ALWAYS trumps family...this was from the bosses mouth. I'm a family man.

So one day, in my new job, I was ticked off, and I did a quick job search. Found a job that seemed to be a pretty good fit, so I said what the hell. The next day, they called. They tentatively scheduled me for an interview which I did not show up to because I had a change of heart (mostly being scared of leaving a new job too soon). Yesterday came, and I came to my senses again....called the people who had contacted me about an interview.

Went to the interview today, thinking I was getting interviewed for a network engineer (tier 2) position. About 10 minutes into the interview, I find out it's for a Tier 4-level position, and I would be the technical lead if hired.

The interviewer (my new boss) was very down to earth, and said several times things such as "wow, you're a diamond in the rough," "you're worth a lot more than what you're making now," etc..

Then we got to salary negotiations. Here's how it went:

Him: "How much would you like to make?"

Me: "Well, I'm looking for something in the range of 84k - 87k/yr"

Him: <slight laugh> "Well, the lowest I could pay you for this position is 90k. But based on your qualifications, why don't we just call it 98k? Does that work for you?"

I think somewhere in there I mumbled a "Yeah"....at least I hope so, because it's been kind of a blur.

Just had to tell some folks who could appreciate my newfound opportunity (and luck!)

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Comments

vCole

Mrock4 wrote: »

devilry- It's in Florida. I'm sure you know this already, but as said earlier by someone else, if you're not taking steps to better your situation, do it ASAP. It sucks being miserable in a position, I know!

Kelkin- I hope so. I've already got plans to help bring on a good friend, who tried to help me out a few months ago. It's nice to be able to help those who have helped you.

CompuTron99- I've got to drive to the office every day..in bad traffic. But, I did that for the past 3 years (save for this month at the current job, which is an easy drive)..so I'll manage

Also, I posted up a detailed story of my journey up until now on my blog. Read it if you want, it's quite opinionated. I'm sure there'll be some revisions as (hopefully) I pass the CCIE in 10 months.

SGT CCIE - A man on a mission to master OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and anything in between! | How I went from a dropout to 100k

Edit: The reason for the story is mostly for me to voice my opinions on what job candidates/new folks in IT should be doing, based on my experience.

Great blog post, what an inspiration! Keep on keepin' on!

Devilry

vCole wrote: »

Great blog post, what an inspiration! Keep on keepin' on!

Just read this.

+1

Everyone

Congrats!

I would have done the same thing in your shoes. I've been very fortunate to have had good bosses that are understanding of my family needs.

For example, the job I'm at now that I just started last month... I haven't been here long enough to get any PTO, but my boss let me take a couple days off to be with my wife in the hospital while she was giving birth to our 3rd child. I was expecting to have to work, so I told him I'd be at the hospital with my laptop VPN'd in... He told me to leave my laptop off and stay away from work, take care of things at home first.

Mrock4

Thought I'd share: Just a few minutes after my official offer letter arrived, I receive an e-mail from a company interested in me for a Director of Network Engineering position. I can only imagine how well it pays, but to be blatantly honest, I am 100% sure I wouldn't get that based on my age. The funny thing is, it sounds like a very hands-on position, and the job requirements basically match my resume. It's a cool thought, but I'm still focusing on this position I just accepted. Just thought I'd share that!

hiddenknight821

Okay, enough!

Can't you see I'm jealous enough already?

Honestly, you should change that blog of yours into a book someday.

the_Grinch

Damn dude, leave some jobs for the rest of us! Solid blog post and I couldn't agree with you more about looking at each job as a step to the next. There were two things I found to be the best advice I got from Freshmen 101:

1. Make business cards with your certifications/creds and keep them on you: a business card can be a mini-resume

2. Keep those interview skills sharp and go even when you're not looking for a job at the moment: Mrock is the prime example, cold feet, but went and finds out they will pay him a lot more!

Again congrats dude!

One question, you saw an Army Reserve flier and then decided to go active? Or were you activated for a long length of time?

Mrock4

the_Grinch wrote: »

One question, you saw an Army Reserve flier and then decided to go active? Or were you activated for a long length of time?

Well..I wanted to go reserves, but there were no units that needed a 25B (computer guy) in my area. There was only a medical unit. They hassled me because I had a GED, too. So I joined as a "medical supply specialist" in the reserves to get my foot in the door. 3 months in, I switched to active duty and became a 25B.

Ryan82

Congrats man. We share a lot of the same mindset, and it has payed off for me as well. Friends of mine who are still in the military are always asking about the best way to prepare themselves for separating. One thing I noticed when I was serving was that 10% of the people usually do about 90% of the work. If you are part of that 10% you will do well in your career.

Mrock4

Ryan82 wrote: »

Congrats man. We share a lot of the same mindset, and it has payed off for me as well. Friends of mine who are still in the military are always asking about the best way to prepare themselves for separating. One thing I noticed when I was serving was that 10% of the people usually do about 90% of the work. If you are part of that 10% you will do well in your career.

This is really late but I thought important to respond. You're absolutely right. I tell my friends who are still in now that getting out is a terrifying experience, or at least it was for me. I was afraid I'd end up working two jobs to make ends meet, or making minimum wage at a helpdesk. I've worked hard, but I still appreciate everything that has come my way.

I loved the military, but lets face it, there's a LOT of folks in (in my opinion I'd say 80-85%) who just coast through their careers, then get out expecting a great job. I say this, because most people I know who work in IT assume they'll get out and make 6 figures. It's not quite that easy as you all know.

In other news- the job is going great. I'm the lead engineer now, which came with a raise, so that's always good. More importantly, I'm learning a lot, and my employer definitely supports my CCIE endeavor. Whether or not they'll financially support it is yet to be seen, but at least they can appreciate the work it takes.

techinthewoods

Very inspiring read. Thank you for sharing it.

6 years experience to getting a 100k job, that's great! Maybe I should ditch my Linux plans and look at your field... hmm.

NOLAJ

That's awesome man!!

quinnyfly

Mrock4,

Mate, you are the stuff ledgends are made of! Well done, and yer, your story is indeed inspiring!! Thanks for sharing, maybe it gives more premise to having the Cisco certs.

thenjduke

Mrock very nice story. I have had a similiar adventure in the past year. I been going from job to job and well finally settle at a place that appeciate my talents. I been here for about 6 months now and making 95k. I love reading your story and it does pay off... Now I just have to pay off

tpatt100

Mrock4 wrote: »

This is really late but I thought important to respond. You're absolutely right. I tell my friends who are still in now that getting out is a terrifying experience, or at least it was for me. I was afraid I'd end up working two jobs to make ends meet, or making minimum wage at a helpdesk. I've worked hard, but I still appreciate everything that has come my way.

I loved the military, but lets face it, there's a LOT of folks in (in my opinion I'd say 80-85%) who just coast through their careers, then get out expecting a great job. I say this, because most people I know who work in IT assume they'll get out and make 6 figures. It's not quite that easy as you all know.

In other news- the job is going great. I'm the lead engineer now, which came with a raise, so that's always good. More importantly, I'm learning a lot, and my employer definitely supports my CCIE endeavor. Whether or not they'll financially support it is yet to be seen, but at least they can appreciate the work it takes.

Two years ago I had to go back to Ft Riley to reclassify my Signal MOS in the Guard and there were SPC kids asking me about working in the civilian sector. I told them its a bit tougher but doable and I said the government contracts were beginning to tighten up so don't expect the gravy train you heard about after 9/11. Some of them were like "Oh man I need at least 65K to start".

I was like "wtf your expecting that much with no certs, no degree and changing passwords as your primary experience?"

spicy ahi

tpatt100 wrote: »

Two years ago I had to go back to Ft Riley to reclassify my Signal MOS in the Guard and there were SPC kids asking me about working in the civilian sector. I told them its a bit tougher but doable and I said the government contracts were beginning to tighten up so don't expect the gravy train you heard about after 9/11. Some of them were like "Oh man I need at least 65K to start".

I was like "wtf your expecting that much with no certs, no degree and changing passwords as your primary experience?"

True story! I still shake my head when I talk to kids who still think that way.

JustFred

Congrats and have fun at the new place

Hypntick

tpatt100 wrote: »

Two years ago I had to go back to Ft Riley to reclassify my Signal MOS in the Guard and there were SPC kids asking me about working in the civilian sector. I told them its a bit tougher but doable and I said the government contracts were beginning to tighten up so don't expect the gravy train you heard about after 9/11. Some of them were like "Oh man I need at least 65K to start".

I was like "wtf your expecting that much with no certs, no degree and changing passwords as your primary experience?"

I've got 4 years experience, multiple certs, and working on the degree. I don't pull in 65k even with what i've got. We occasionally get an intern that will ask about that because they've been told they can make a ton of money right out of the gate. The look of defeat on their faces as they realize they actually have to work their way up is somewhat amusing.

Mrock4

Glad you guys enjoy the story.

thenjduke- congrats man. You know how it feels to reach your goal FINALLY. The trick is to keep working hard and push the envelope. You'd think I'd stop and just coast, but in reality I'm working harder than before to do the best I can at my job, and move up to bigger and better things (down the road...my new 4 yr plan!)

tpatt- for sure..I had guys who swore a CCNA would demand $80k/yr. Granted, SOME CCNA's earn that, but it's not the norm..unrealistic expectations.

My first job out of the military I got 3 offers initially, 70k/yr for a big corporation, 85k/yr for a MSP, and 92k for a consulting company. I took the lowest because the experience was the best out of all them. A month later I interviewed for my current position after deciding the first wasn't for me. My current company has in other words offered almost a double in my current salary upon getting my CCIE, so I really need to get that thing.

Keep up the good work guys.

ChooseLife

Mrock4 wrote: »

SGT CCIE - A man on a mission to master OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and anything in between! | How I went from a dropout to 100k

Awesome story! Great to see that the hard work and dedication paid off for you.

The best part I liked about your story was:

the bottom line is, I will never know. All I know, is I did everything I could, and the end result is this amazing opportunity.

Instead of a strong opinion on what let you to the success, this provides a modest and inspiring conclusion.