Too old for the game

optimistmind

Hello there help needed......

I'm 39 hitting 40 this summer, I was thinking if I was too old to enter the network work. I did do my CCNA back in Dec 2006 and would have to do ICDN2. I just want to hear what peps points of view........



Many Thanks

Essendon

Like they say, it's never too late! Are you into IT at all? If you are, it may make things a whole lot easier.

Welcome to TE!

optimistmind

No mate

Essendon

Never fear, do you really want to get into IT? If yes, start working on your resume and flood it out for every Helpdesk/ISP Support/Desktop Support or any entry level position you find. You are going to need to be persistent and willing to tough it out. You also need to work on a cert or two to get you that leg up over the competition. Just so you are aware, it may take awhile to land that first job. Dont get discouraged though, IT is a pretty cool industry to be in and once your out of entry level roles, things begin to start getting interesting. Where are you based, if you dont mind me asking.

optimistmind

Thank you Essendon...I'm based in London Uk

instant000

You are definitely not too old for the game. You're only too old for the game if you retire yourself from the game. Until then, you're ripe.

There's people older than you who do a full career in the military, and then go into IT (from something totally unrelated). You're not too old at all.

As long as you can be persistent and hard-working, you'll be on your way.

optimistmind

Thank you Instant0000

Diggs

Never too old...

Also pretty sure you would either have to do the composite 640-802 or ICND1 + ICND2 to get your CCNA (not just ICND2)

N2IT

I agree never too old. Set realistic expectations and everything will be alright!

optimistmind

Thank you Diggs & N2it.........Diggs I think I've to do ICND2 to validate my CCNA.......I might be wrong...

marco71

I did my CCNA at 38 and my CCNA:Sec at 41, last year ... and I intend to pass CCNP:Sec before 45, although network is not my primary specialty, linux is; depends on my budget, for the next 2 yrs. I want to add at least 2 more linux certs. to my list (RHCE is the final target).
Until 50, I want to pass more security exams, like CEH or CISSP ... so, is never too late (unfortunately I dont have to much time for study) and I am not considering myself too old for the game

xenodamus

I agree...you're only too old when you decide that's the case.

Regarding the CCNA: You can renew a CCNA with the ICND2. If you've let it expire, you'll have to do the composite or both ICND1 and 2.

optimistmind

Thank you..

sratakhin

You are too old only when you think that you are old.
Besides, what about your optimist mind?

danstar

LOL, I was thinking this would be a post by a 99 year old.
Check on forums, I saw a recent post by a 55 year old who just got his first it job.. and come to think of it, he was positive and happy about it.
I suggest you do the same. You're only 40 years young... which I believe is not too old at all.
Please do not think of yourself as old. You're only OLD when you consider yourself to be OLD.