Not sure what job I should look for, if any...

Flat4ForLife

Quick background, currently USAF Reserves (non computer related AFSC), weekend warrior status. Currently work as a contractor on base, which is coming up for re-compete in roughly a year and a half, making roughly 45k a year. Just started WGU in the IT-Sec program, which will take me a while to complete. I have a little computer help desk experience in the past, my Associates in Applied Science (again, not computer related) from the AF, and my A+ but I don't think that will really get me anywhere.

Right now I work as a computer operator. My job is really basic day to day ( I work with some very non-computer like people and they do just fine). So to help in my technical area of my mind, I work with our Communications Engineer and System/Network Engineer (1 person for each, kind of small operation but not at the same time) with whatever I can. Not going to lie, I am no networking/security guru by any means, so they know a lot more than I do and try to help teach me. But this experience and opportunities are kind of limited and my day to day operations don't feel like they are getting me anywhere. Pro's to this job are I have a lot of "down time", well call it that anyway, where I can do things such as schoolwork. This job also pays the bills, but I can't really take much of a cut in pay (young married person with a house)

So in the end I have a few questions I guess:
1. Would it be better for me to stay here while I do school since it gives me the extra time to study, but also be losing out on potential job experience to get into a better job once I graduate?
2. If I do stay here, should I do so until I complete my degree in full? Or do so until I get a few certs? (which ones would this be?)
3. If it would be better to search for another job, which sort of job should I look for that would help me gain knowledge and experience in my degree/career, but also entry level enough that I could actually get it?

Thanks in advance!

jthunderbird

Had to choose the last option, too tempting.

The answer to this is obvious. A+ is rarely worth 45k so stay where you are until you can get more. Certs and school both help... as you get them, list em on your resume and apply for jobs you are interested in.

stryder144

I would agree with jthunderbird on this one. Frankly, A+ jobs in the Denver area usually top out at $12-15/hr. So $45k a year is pretty good (heck, more than I make in the NOC that I work in...but then, I have only one year of professional IT experience). I would knock out some classes, pick up a couple of certs, then jump ship.

ajs1976

Based on Computer operator (it related), started IT-Sec at WGU, 45k is probably higher then entry level IT job, and work schedule allows time to study, I would recommend staying where you are until you complete 1/2 of WGU and make sure that includes at least Sec+ and CCENT if not the whole CCNA and an MS cert.

At that time reevaluate: How are you doing in the WGU program? If you get a new job that is more demanding, can you still finish the program? If you think you can, then start looking for jobs and see what you get call backs on. If not want you want pass it by and keep looking. If you think it may be to hard to finish, knock out a couple of classes including some of the more demanding ones and reevaluate again.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Xyro

It is in my opinion that the most efficient path is #1. Covering certification material will only slow down obtaining your degree and the degree will pay off higher in both monetary and opportunistic terms than certifications would.

There are also the added benefits that #1 provides such as security, stability, and predictability. All great things when you have a family.

Tyb

I would continue my education but getting certs at the same time helps. Chances are though you will still start out at entry level, well below what you're making now. You have to ask yourself if that pay cut is worth it, I quit a job and went back to school, graduated (again lol) and now am working in IT. I took about a 15k a year pay cut; for me it was worth it, less stress and headache and I am much happier for it. As for what certs you would want, it depends on what you are more interested in: Microsoft, Cisco ect...