Am I too old??

Hey all. I want to apologize in advanced for the length of the post, but would appreciate total honesty. (Brutal if necessary) I'm a 37 year old bartender with a wife and daughter. I have no degree, though I have a few years of college. No previous professional IT experience, but have worked on computers for family and friends for about 15 years. Low level stuff like setting up home networks, installing and upgrading operating systems and installing software. I have no certificates, though I am self studying for my A+. After I get the A+, I plan on enrolling in WGU. (They are requiring me to get cert. before they will let me in) I have no problem with starting at the bottom in an IT related role and understand the sacrifice. I'm tired of bartending and need a change. It's not a job for a man with a family. My question is will anyone give me a chance given my age and background. All of you in a position to hire, would you ever consider hiring someone in my position. (I mean at least after I get A+) Would just like assurance I'm not wasting my time. Thanks in advanced to all who respond.

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bermovick

Iristheangel wrote: »

Also for your first 1-2 years of IT work, you might not get paid much but depending on the job, you should get insurance benefits, some semblance of a 401K plan, and (hopefully) some kind of certification/tuition reimbursement. After you get past that entry-level hump, things get a LOT better!

Oh god, I hope so. I think yesterday was actually exactly 1.5 years, so here's hoping.

Iristheangel wrote: »

Yet I'm starting a 6-figure network engineer job in a week and a half and literally having to turn job offers away.

PS: I hate you (joking) and congrats!

kgb

bermovick wrote: »

Normally I hate threads like this, since they're normally "Hey! I'm 23. Am I too old?". It's good to see a few others my age that are in the same boat (turning 41 this year, with about 1.5 years experience)

Lol. I'm right there with you. When I first saw the title I was thinking if this guy is in his 20s I'm going to finally reply to one of those threads and say, "Yes, you are too old. There's been numerous studies and they all conclude that 100% of the time, 83% of success people are in their life career by the age of 22. "

jibbajabba

If you are a family man then bear one thing in mind though (which I believe has not been mentioned here yet), if you start in IT - it is likely be a helpdesk or NOC position - these positions are likely 24/7 businesses - hence you need to work sometimes shifts / on-call and or weekends / bankholidays ...

It certainly is not dead certain that this is what's gonna happen, but in 15 years working in IT - I only just moved now into an architect department where I am finally off the shift rota ...

All things you need to consider ........ just in case ...

someasiandude

Nope.. assuming youll get there at the age of 40 or 41.. u still have 20-25 yrs to go brfore u retire lol .. good luck man

RouteThisWay

My wife and I (+kid soon) together make about $110k in a rural/college town- and honestly, it is more than enough. We live within our means though too. Our house mortgage is $700/mo, utilities all totaled is around $200/mo (love that there AC!), gas is around $3.15 a gallon now, state has no income tax, etc.

People need to keep in mind, as pointed out, location location location. I am not as impressed when people come here to brag a little about their 6 figure salary- and they live in a high cost of living area like California or New York. Cost of living is astronomical in those places compared to my (and many peoples) location. Most people would be surprised that if they did a cost of living adjustment (use one of the many online calculators), your current salary in those areas would be equivalent to a six figure salary.

Everyone

You know, being a bartender you may actually be in a good position to transition to IT if you REALLY want to.

You have to love what you do and be passionate about it to succeed.

I'm sure you've developed some sort of people skills as a bartender. That can translate easily to customer service skills needed to break into entry level IT. Plus you can keep bar-tending part time until you feel comfortable in IT.

Good luck.

tecke

Cerebro wrote: »

Do you practice visualization?

It could be a great tool to keep you on track. Especially for those days when you don't know whether to continue. So you spend more energy on making your dreams a reality quicker.

Great advice sir! +2

dover

I don't normally like to chime in on the really subjective posts....but here are my two cents:

If IT is what you like/love to do then it is never too late. Since you've done it as a hobby for 15 years its pretty evident you do like it - so go for it!

Maybe I'm just having a Zen moment but I see way too many people get into IT to make big $$$ who really don't enjoy the work. They have the certifications and the degrees but they lack a true enjoyment of IT - and it normally shows. Money's great and all that....and if money is what motivates you that's great but if it isn't then no amount of $$ is worth sacrificing the things you value in life (family, relaxation, hobbies, fun, education - whatever).

I'd much rather work with a 'newbie' who is excited about our work than some jaded, burnt-out IT zombie going through the motions required to receive a paycheck or counting the days when he/she can jump to the next 'bigger job' without looking like a blatant opportunist.

So I'm with Josh...if you love what you do you WILL be successful - doesn't matter how long you wait to start. If you're only interested in being successful, on the other hand....

Jibba's right too...at first you will likely have to work less than ideal jobs and hours and take 'on-call' that will interrupt your life - but if you enjoy the work you have no worries. You'll build your experience and skills and make professional contacts that will recognize your passion for work.

/off soap-box/

HectorP

No, you're not too old. If transitioning to IT makes you happy then you should definitely pursue it. I'm in a similar situation. I'm 41 and have been an airplane mechanic for 20 years. The job no longer interests me and like you, through helping out family and friends with their computers, I've decided on a career change. It will be an adjustment because you will have to start at the bottom for low pay but eventually it will pay off. My current contract will expire in 6 months. This gives me some time to get a couple more certs before I'm totally unemployed.

On a side note, keep an eye out for fed jobs. They aren't hiring all the time but they do have occasional openings for entry level. Most importantly they offer good benefits and opportunity to learn and move forward.

All the best to you.

WiseWun

For families making 100k yet struggling, I would advice them to budget. For the OP, I don't think its too late, how long before you graduate? Which discipline in IT?

P64C

37 sounds pretty old to me. I'm in pretty much the same situation, but I'm sure it will be much easier for me since I'm only 36...

Along the same lines, I also enjoy working with my hands, I'm sure that will change in the long run, but I was wondering about the different options for entry level jobs that would allow me to move around a bit.

$tr8_IT

WiseWun wrote: »

For families making 100k yet struggling, I would advice them to budget. For the OP, I don't think its too late, how long before you graduate? Which discipline in IT?

Not yet in school. I've applied to WGU and they are requiring I get my A+ cert. before they will let me begin classes. I'm self studying for that as we speak. Plan on taking exam at the end of September. When I begin classes, I will be going for BS Info. Tech. no concentration.