So what's it like to work in network / systems administration?

jimf

Hi everyone, found this board only the other day and it looks like a great place to hang-out.

Here's my situation (if people don't mind giving me some information):

- I've been a computer/video game programmer for 10+ years (mostly C++) for a mid-sized company in the UK.
- I'm 31 now.
- People think video game development is great - it was OK for the 1st 7 years but after that it starts to get to you : long hours, low pay and lots of hard work with canned projects.
- The worst part is that I feel like a "slave" to the desk. My entire time is spent in front of a screen with little interaction with others because they're all too busy doing the same thing as me : programming. The occasional meeting breaks this up.
- I can't see myself doing the same when I'm in my 40's. Really feel like I need a career change.
- I love programming, but on my own projects.
- I have a growing interest in the web / hacking / networking / hardware

So I want to stay in IT - as I love technology and I'm good with computers. I've been looking into network / system administration - as I believe those kinds of jobs are a little more "hands on" and interaction with people is far more fequent. I also think there's a greater need for those kinds of jobs.

Are these assumptions correct?

Thanks for any help

Jim

networker050184

The interaction sounds like it will be about the same for you as it is now. The same sitting in front of a screen with the random meeting to break it up. If you do low level held desk type work you will probably interact with users more often. Or maybe in a consulting/sales gig presenting for clients. In the end most administration type work is still done sitting at a computer just like programming.

kurosaki00

Low pay?
Maybe you should move in the chain of programming?
Programmers are way more in demand ta sys admins
And usually are well paid