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To Soon to Move On?

brentw722

I wanted to hear some opinions about my situation on trying to find a new job. I worked about 6 months right out of college for an MSP. This was a very, very stressful job that payed 12 an hour working 13 hours a shift. I basically hated it, but it gave me some experience. I left the position to work for a college. My main priorities are imaging, software installs, account creations/deletions, and tier 2 help desk support. I learned all of that pretty quickly so my boss gave me domain admin rights so now I have been doing gpos, AD, dns, dhcp. Also, I have been doing server admin roles and a bunch of VMWare work for servers/vdi's.

I do love this job a lot, but the only issue is I do not see growth in position/salary for a long while. I also drive about 120 miles back and forth, so I am spending a good amount of time and money for driving. My girlfriend goes to school in the other direction so moving is not an option really. The pay is in the lower 40,000's so I would also like to make more. I have been here for 10 months so I was wondering if it would be bad to start looking for a new job, or if it would look bad on my resume, etc. Should I stay for a while and try to gain more certifications and experience, or should I look for a job closer with a better salary?

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Comments

NetworkVeteran

brentw722 wrote: »

I worked about 6 months right out of college for an MSP.I have been here for 10 months so I was wondering if it would be bad to start looking for a new job, or if it would look bad on my resume, etc. Should I stay for a while and try to gain more certifications and experience, or should I look for a job closer with a better salary?

Well, 6mo + 10mo doesn't look so great. It would make your next employer wonder if you'd leave them in a year, too! Also, you have not done much to show advancement in technical knowledge to make your next job a step-up.

I'd suggest working towards achieving either entry-level certifications in whatever you're working on--Microsoft, Cisco, Linux, etc. It sounds like Microsoft would be most in-line with your current experience. Then, set a goal to move on at 18 months. Take your time and pick a job that both pays more and allows ample growth opportunities.

N2IT

agree with networkveteran.

boobobobobob

I personally think that moving jobs for a promotion is always OK, but if you leave the job for a lateral movement when working there for such a short time might not reflect very nicely on your resume. Also what would your current employer say when they get the reference call?

brentw722

Thanks for the posts! I am currently studying for the Security+ exam (should be taking within the next month), and then I was thinking about going for the CCNA. Yes, I do a lot of work with Microsoft, but I also do a bunch of VMWare and a little bit of networking. My boss lets me get to get my hands on everything which is good. I am on a pay scale due to being non exempt for a state position, so not much of a salary bump expected. I think one of the first steps would be figuring out where to go after here as far as certification and specialization.

I think my boss would be dissapointed and understanding at the same time, but I would only leave if I had a chance to move up. I plan on staying at least a year. Maybe I should wait 18 months like NetworkVeteran said.

DoubleNNs

Get the Sec+ and CCNA. (However long that takes, whether it be a month or 6 months).

Then start applying.

gorebrush

DoubleNNs wrote: »

Get the Sec+ and CCNA. (However long that takes, whether it be a month or 6 months).

Then start applying.

Definitely. Could even add an MCTS exam or two in there as well. It is good to be rounded!

DoubleNNs

gorebrush wrote: »

Definitely. Could even add an MCTS exam or two in there as well. It is good to be rounded!

He could always work on an MCTS (if he wants to) while applying.

matt333

I left my last job after 10 months. If your not happy then leave but your next job you better stay at least 1-2 years so its not a pattern on your resume. I am glad I left. better pay, better title, better people. Get a certification while you look, it really helps the job search and work with recruiters and see what other positions are available.
GL!