Age and job hopping...

I know we see a lot of these threads, but I think I have a new spin on it.

First off, I am 37 and re-entering this field. I started going back to school in Fall of 2012 so I am finishing up my Associate Degree in IT Networking at a local tech college. Some background, from like 1998-2006 I worked help desk at two places. Back then, if you knew something about computers you could land a job so I was happy doing something I loved. When my job was outsourced, with no degree, I found it hard to get back in the field. I was married with a son soon after and ended up getting a job to pay the bills... such is life...

Fast forward to now, I got sick of working 'jobs'. The last job I had I was at for 4 years before the company was bought out and they let everyone go. Since I was unemployed, I decided to do something I have a passion about, that led me to the Fall of 2012 to get back into IT. In January of 2013, I landed an IT intern role with an NFL team and left it for a position I really wanted. The internship was month to month, and lasted 8 months. The position I left it for was a NOC position. I loved it because I found my true passion is networking. I am in the Cisco Networking Academy and managed to pass my CCNA. The company, however, had bad management. I was encouraged NOT to go to school and focus on my job instead. I was also told that it was expected I work at least 2 years in that position before I apply elsewhere. When I approached my manager about applying for a Network Engineer opportunity within the company, she said she wouldn't approve it. I had talked to the manager of the department and he said I more than qualify and was excited for my interview with them. Since she didn't approve it, the interview never happened. Who knows what would have come of it... Anyway, it was a third shift NOC job and I decided to leave after 3 months. I have a one year old and rarely saw him. My wife hated the hours, and it was a strain on our relationship. I applied around.

I landed the job where I am at now... help desk. I don't mind it. Most of my job responsibilities are with networking. The system administrator lets me help him out and is eager to let me step in and gain experience. The best part is I am being paid more now working days than I was on third shift working NOC. My life overall, has gotten better. The employer even pays my schooling which is nice. We are currently in a transition from WinXP to Win7. Previously, there was no imaging solution so I had to go out and research a bit. I implemented WDS and MDT and am now doing a company migration. it feels good to make a difference.

However, I know that my passion is networking. I love reading about EIGRP and OSPF. I love my 2950-60s switches at home and messing around with the command line. At school, people see my enthusiasm and ask me questions. Even my instructor has appreciated what I do.

My dilemma... if I was younger, I wouldn't' mind working a few years at my current place. I like it here. More so than any other job I've had to be honest. I make enough to clear bills with a family. However, I know I can and want to do more. I am capable of it. The place I am at though is notorious for not giving raises. their benefits are good, and they have incentives that they think take the place of raises. (IE, paying for cell phone service, for the employee, not family)

At 37, I don't have the luxury of waiting a few years and then apply elsewhere. I want to earn some money while I can. Do I job hop? Do I look for a networking job? More importantly, at my age... am I chasing a dead dream??

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Comments

shodown

Look for a networking job. Time waits for nobody you need to get to were you want to be and not be comfortable with where you are. I would also consider the tuition you are getting now. You may have to pay that back if you don't spend the time there. GB wisconsin has some jobs, not as many as a city like MPLS does, but you should be able to find something.

lsud00d

shodown wrote: »

Look for a networking job...city like MPLS

I see what you did there

To OP, it really sounds like you know what you want to do so go for it. You have a good cert, nearly done with a related degree, and what sounds like plenty of experience. Also, since you have relevant networking experience, I might suggest looking at the CCNP because with everything you have (CCNA, NOC/sys admin xp, Associates in networking), on the surface it really sounds like you could make that next jump. Good luck and keep us updated!

da_vato

Shodown made an excellent point about possibly needing to pay back tuition if you leave before a certain amount of time. Definitely check into that first. Keep improving your qualifications and you should do just fine, 37 is not to late to do anything.

Akaricloud

Honestly your age isn't really relevant here and will only ever get in the way if you let it. Why not think of the advantages? -I guarantee you can come off as more of a seasoned professional in an interview than someone who looks like they're 18.

Just as I would suggest to anyone else; study more, take advantage of the free education and start searching for your next strategic position change.

KarenO

I left IT after being in it from 1999-2009 to pursue other interests and a degree. I followed what I wanted, tried it out and now I am on my way back to re-entering the IT field. I don't buy into that dead-dream, too-old, etc. I graduated college at 40!

What I did didn't work out, but that's OK. We move on. If you want to do something and if you're in a fortunate enough place to pursue that, then go for it.

I definitely recommend what the other posters have said and take this opportunity to follow what you want to do. Don't let age stand in your way.

blargoe

"Job Hopping" is not going to be a negative if you are hopping to an upgraded position, to most prospective employers. I wouldn't worry about that.

Geek1969

I went back to college at 38 to get into IT and specifically Networking. 7 years later, I can honestly say that was the best move I have ever made for many different reasons...$$, stress, hours, growth potential, atmosphere etc..etc.. Do what you want to do if it makes sense for you and your family.

scaredoftests

I am 54. I don't consider myself a 'job-hopper' but because the economy, since 2004 I have had 6 jobs. Some interviews I have gone to, were really snotty about that. Oh well, glad I don't work for them. You can also tell the ones that have a age bias. Again, glad I don't work for them. When I was laid off in August (my former job let us stay around until the end of September). I had plenty of job interviews. Don't worry about age, just be friendly and carry a 'young' attitude. You will be fine.

Cora5

Pamccabe, follow your heart! You are young, 37 isn't too old to start again besides life is too short. Find a good company where you can upgrade your skills.

petedude

Cora5 wrote: »

Pamccabe, follow your heart! You are young, 37 isn't too old to start again besides life is too short. Find a good company where you can upgrade your skills.

Amen to this. I see mid- to late- career folks finding decent work more often lately. The first jobs may not pay much, but keep pushing and adding to your skillset. Maintain a ticker file of your successes-- critical for interviews, salary discussions and resume updates.

"Job-hopping" is less problematic currently as employers are getting acclimated to it. They know people are constantly looking to upgrade their careers and are willing to move on to do so. Downside is, this is partly why some employers don't pay well for IT-- they simply don't expect solid talent to stay long so they don't want to invest in it.

pamccabe

Thank you so much guys for the encouragement! I'm happy to be part of the community because of guys/gals like you.

bermovick

pamccabe wrote: »

At 37, I don't have the luxury of waiting a few years and then apply elsewhere.

I got my NOC job at 38 or 39 and worked there 1.5 years before moving on. 12 hour night shift so I rarely saw my family except on my days off. Don't let the youngins here make you ... hasty.