Do you have fun being a ccna?

Sorry if this is off topic...but I am thinking of a career change and while I know the field is probably not considered as "fun", I was just wondering if you enjoy your jobs? To me as an outsider it seems challenging which would constitute fun in my book! I've always had an interest in technology and computers and think this might be a route worth looking into. Just looking for some pros/cons that come with being in networking. Thanks everyone in advance!:D

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SteveO86

Well you got to do what you enjoy.

I enjoy my job. It can be a little frustrating at times (Odd issues, 2 a.m. phone calls, working other dept heads and vendors, and so forth) but I enjoy the complexity of it... It can be like a complex puzzle.

I think the pros cons will vary by person and job role.. for example Pro: My schedule is very flexible, Con: When my phone rings at 2 am I need to answer it. Pro: I work with a lot of technology Con: I have a lot responsibility.

reloaded

At a network engineer (and a CCNA) a very much enjoy my job. I end up working on many things...from leased lines, to installs, to resolving outages, and other duties like configuration and change management. Lots to do and TONS to learn.

Quick list of pros:
1. Continuous learning.
2. With knowledge comes respect and more responsibility
3. Don't deal directly with customers
4. Interesting!!
5. Feels good to know the system you install actually works

Quick list of cons:
1. Thankless job
2. More responsibility = more work
3. More knowledge = more work
4. Upward mobility can be limited
5. Headaches and downtime when something doesn't work
6. SLAs = stress

Great field to get into, but keep it mind, routing and switching can be a totally different world compared to computers and admin.

L0gicB0mb508

Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy
Put my glasses on, I’m out the door - I’m gonna hit this city
Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack
Cause when I leave for the night, I ain’t coming back

It feels about like that.....

digzthis

This is great. Thank you guys for the answers. Exactly what I was looking for. I have kinda gone down this road because i think I will enjoy the building of networks and i guess more hands on duties than the computer route. Do you guys think its possible to learn this on your own? I've looked at some courses at local colleges and all seem to be around $2000. I personally would rather build a little home setup and get some books and avoid spending that money. With some dedication is it possible or do you think I would need an instructor? I am a noobie when it comes to this but like to consider myself a fast learner and tech savvy...

gouki2005

reloaded wrote: »

At a network engineer (and a CCNA) a very much enjoy my job. I end up working on many things...from leased lines, to installs, to resolving outages, and other duties like configuration and change management. Lots to do and TONS to learn.

Quick list of pros:
1. Continuous learning.
2. With knowledge comes respect and more responsibility
3. Don't deal directly with customers
4. Interesting!!
5. Feels good to know the system you install actually works

Quick list of cons:
1. Thankless job
2. More responsibility = more work
3. More knowledge = more work
4. Upward mobility can be limited
5. Headaches and downtime when something doesn't work
6. SLAs = stress

Great field to get into, but keep it mind, routing and switching can be a totally different world compared to computers and admin.

with that point i think you have a nice job ..sometimes must answer customer REALLY stupid questions is so annoying

ehnde

digzthis wrote: »

This is great. Thank you guys for the answers. Exactly what I was looking for. I have kinda gone down this road because i think I will enjoy the building of networks and i guess more hands on duties than the computer route. Do you guys think its possible to learn this on your own? I've looked at some courses at local colleges and all seem to be around $2000. I personally would rather build a little home setup and get some books and avoid spending that money. With some dedication is it possible or do you think I would need an instructor? I am a noobie when it comes to this but like to consider myself a fast learner and tech savvy...

Doing it on your own:
* You build your own lab by buying routers, switches, and cables off of ebay or wherever.
* You buy your own book(s)
* You're responsible for study time, no one will hold you accountable
* If you get stuck on something we can help you sort through it on techexams

Doing it through your college:
* You pay your $2000
* Access to the schools cisco lab
* Required class time and assignments
* You can ask your instructor or classmates for help if you get stuck

If you do it through a college, you'll probably need 4 semesters of instruction. If you do self-study and are very committed (maybe a little obsessive) you can have your CCNA in 2 months.

Consider this: most people that begin the CCNA trek do not finish it, but finishing is entirely up to you and not some damned statistics.

digzthis

Thanks ehnde...I think I'm gonna jump in and give this a whirl.. I'm sure this question has been beaten to a pulp but what do you recommend for text books.. I've gathered from the forums that lammies ccna book and odoms book are great resources. Will those and the homebuilt lab get me on my way? Do you recommend reading odoms book first and supplementing with lammies? Thanks for the answers, they are much appreciated!

digzthis

well nvm, found it in the faq

cyberguypr

Lammie's book is the best!

mella060

digzthis wrote: »

Do you recommend reading odoms book first and supplementing with lammies? Thanks for the answers, they are much appreciated!

Best to start with Lammles book. His books are geared more for beginners and are very easy to read and understand. After you have gone through Lammles book and have a good grasp of the basics, then move on to odoms books.

I started my studies with Lammles book and the cbt nuggets videos. They are awesome !! Definitely get them if you can. They are a 'must have' in my opinion. I would have been lost without them. Its almost like being in a class.

Lammles books will give you a good intro to the topics but don't really go into enough detail. Thats where the cisco press books come in. odoms books are excellent to fill in the gaps and teach you every thing you need to know. They are very well written too.

VAHokie56

reloaded wrote: »

At a network engineer (and a CCNA) a very much enjoy my job. I end up working on many things...from leased lines, to installs, to resolving outages, and other duties like configuration and change management. Lots to do and TONS to learn.

Quick list of pros:
1. Continuous learning.
2. With knowledge comes respect and more responsibility
3. Don't deal directly with customers
4. Interesting!!
5. Feels good to know the system you install actually works

Quick list of cons:
1. Thankless job
2. More responsibility = more work
3. More knowledge = more work
4. Upward mobility can be limited
5. Headaches and downtime when something doesn't work
6. SLAs = stress

Great field to get into, but keep it mind, routing and switching can be a totally different world compared to computers and admin.

This is right on the money. I enjoy the hell out of my job cant imagine doing anything else

digzthis

Awesome...thanks everyone for the help! It really is much appreciated

digzthis

Looks like for the cbt nuggets videos there are 2 instructors, do you guys reccomend a particular instructor?

digzthis

whoops nvm, looks like only one for what i need

Netadmin320

jeremy is a great instructor and fun to listen to. I am doing his videos now and they are great.

digzthis

Hey guys, really appreciate the help...just cracked open lammies book last night. Looking into building this home lab and right now even after reading the faq section not entirely sure what I need. I found this deal on my local craigslist...would anyone be able to tell me if this seems ok for when i get to this step in the training?

CCNA Kit, 4 Routers, 3 switches, CBT's, and 2511RJ Terminal Server

kmcintosh78

I love it. Moved from working for an ISP as a Field Network Tech.
That job had bi-weekly on call, and hours sucked.
Life as a NA is great. More thought based work, no on call and constantly learning.

johnnyBoy

Yes, I love being a CCNA, why:

*Good job
*Good pay
*Good benefits
*Bonuses

Depending on who you work for, experiences may vary.

odysseyelite

digzthis wrote: »

Hey guys, really appreciate the help...just cracked open lammies book last night. Looking into building this home lab and right now even after reading the faq section not entirely sure what I need. I found this deal on my local craigslist...would anyone be able to tell me if this seems ok for when i get to this step in the training?

CCNA Kit, 4 Routers, 3 switches, CBT's, and 2511RJ Terminal Server

Seems like most routers are 2500's or 2600's. Most people on here will tell you to build a lab peice by piece. You will learn the hardware better and usually get better deals. There are a ton of threads on here about building a lab. The short and sweet is usually 3 routers a 2 or 3 switches. Routers usually being 1700 or 2600xm's and the switches being 2950's.

The access server is nice but not required. You can learn most topics with 2500 routers but you can pick them up real cheap. less than $25 a piece. Stay away from 2900 and 1900 switches.

Take your time and research the lab. Read the threads on here and keep an eye out on ebay.