Motivational Post

I have been active on these forums for few years now, just not much in posting in the last few months. If you knew me personally you would know how much I hate the idea of college. Not in whole, but the idea that we should push our children to going right out of school. Let's drown our children in debt for them to learn something that might not even interest them. There is a time for college and that is after a few years. You experience the world, understand your place, understand what you can offer and can do. Everyone has a niche. It takes time to learn yours. College is pointless till you understand this. Now on to the point of this...

I have stumbled through life, moving from job to job. Not really knowing what I wanted to do. I knew that I was good with computers, had a desire to learn networking and have a overwhelming niche to be able to fix anything. WGU fit into this and would help my expand my talents and give me documentation that stated that I knew my stuff. Graduating last year I was not sure what I wanted to do once again.

Went through the whole interview process for job after job, not really finding my place. I had the chance to start doing work for myself and being an independent contractor. WGU helped me on this as it gave me the resources and certifications to show I know what I was doing. It started slow, very slow. If I made a $1000 a month I had a good month. As this month comes to a close, I am now edging on $10,000/month. I just bought another company out and am in talks to merge with yet another.

What I am trying to get at is that is if you put your mind at something, have a vision and stay persistent - you will succeed. WGU may be a good choice or any school for that matter. It just has to be something that you believe in. My story involves WGU but it could be any college. It has been a dream of mine to work for myself. I tried numerous times but failed. By getting my degree it opened so many doors.

To bring this full circle to my original thought, if I would of been forced into college out of high school - like so many our, I would have never had time to realize what I was good at. You are never too old to go to school nor to learn anything.

Good luck to everyone and their endeavors. Never stop wanting what you want.

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Comments

WiseWun

Thanks for the motivation, I really felt it. What do you do exactly and when was your first break and how?

Ivanjam

themagicone - I find your words very inspirational. I too am just starting college (WGU) after working as a mover, security guard, bookseller, etc, etc... It's good to know that someone has been there, done it and is on the path to achieving his goals. Thanks for sharing those timely thoughts, man!

zrockstar

This post is very motivational indeed. I used to hate school, barely scraped by high school and would have failed miserably if I went to college right after graduation. A few years later after some time in the service and a few real jobs, I am dual enrolled in a CIS and Business program and have 5 classes to go for CIS and 10 classes to go for Business. The scorecard: 3.92 GPA for CIS and 3.62 GPA for Business! I don't think it is ever too late to go back to school, but I'm with you, it can be too early! I just can't wait to finish up and get working again. Good job Magic, glad things are coming together for you.

ccnpninja

Good luck buddy in your career

By the way, is there a specific training/book that you recommend for launching his own company?

thronetm

Nice post, I am not eligible for WGU as I am from the UK has anyone got alternatives for someone from the UK as I have been interested in doing a degree. Thanks

Cerebro

You could try the Open University. Try sending in details of your vendor qualifications, to see if they accept it as credit transfer. I'd try to get that information in ASAP to start in February.

NetworkingStudent

themagicone wrote: »

-snip-

I’m trying to stay motivated, but it’s been very hard to do this lately. I graduated from a for profit college, and like you I did move from job to job. When I was younger I attempted to go to school for computers, but I believe I just wasn’t motivated enough to finish. Currently, I have been to 40-50 job interviews. I have a AAS degree in IT, plus the A+,net Sec+t+. I never make it to the second round interview process, often times I wonder if it’s something I’m doing wrong???

Currently, I work 3 jobs, but two of them are very flexible. I work my print job, another job as a computer repair intern, and once in awhile I do field work for Work Market. I really enjoy fixing computers, and there is a rush I get when I face a new problem or challenge. Also, I like helping my boss (at the computer repair internship) find new ways to make his business more profitable. I put in between 40-55 hours a week depending on my work load. I just hope someone gives me a chance at a full time IT job.

I have told recruiters, HR, and senior techs about the work market jobs, and my internship and that is starting to get them to notice me more when I go into interviews. Additionally, I feel more confident being able to show them what I have done after school. I just hope someone will see me as an asset and give me a chance.

I’m not sure what I want to do in IT, but working on computers fascinates me. I really enjoy
being the knowledge base/ troubleshooting guy. I’m not sure if I ever want to own my own business, but I do like helping businesses or people become more efficient with the technology
they currently use.

I was studying for the 70-640, but I work so much, I just don’t have any time to study for it.

Ps magicone-Thanks for showing, suggesting, and mentioning I take jobs on workmarket. It has really helped me get some experience.

Zorodzai

lfcgeorge : You can also try Home | University of London International Programmes. I am currently enrolled in their BSc Information Systems and Management course and it seems good value for money. They are, I belive, also cheaper than Open University.

thronetm

Zorodzai wrote: »

lfcgeorge : You can also try Home | University of London International Programmes. I am currently enrolled in their BSc Information Systems and Management course and it seems good value for money. They are, I belive, also cheaper than Open University.

Thanks a lot guys

I'm gonna research both places when I get home later today

Complete_IT_Professional

Wow that's a great story! Congratulations on all your success so far!

GoodBishop

I'm totally starting my own trading/investing business within a year!

kurosaki00

Thanks for the words man
ALways can use a bit of this every now and then

Ive been working very hard for the past 2 years like at some points more then 60 hrs in 5 days
and Im starting to think My worth in the market is exactly the same as 2 years ago
I just keep studying and studying
and trying, and hopefully Ill get better

Some motivation of mine are this forums, Some people here are just amazing and I want to be like one of them eventually.
Or at least half of what some of them are

Roguetadhg

Folks: Success is a Journey, not the destination.

Mrock4

Roguetadhg wrote: »

Folks: Success is a Journey, not the destination.

+1 Rep for this. So true. Ask billionaires if they're a success, and many (the majority) will say they've done successful things, but are still a work in progress.

I promise those out there, once you get your first big break, there's a sigh of relief (for about 5 minutes if you're anything like me), then you realize it's time to get to work for the next big step.

Danielh22185

Inspirational indeed. Thank you for the great words. Also, congrats on your great success!

themagicone

Thanks everyone. Finally got another moment of fleeting free time to post again. It never really hit me that I am doing exactly what I wanted to do all along nor being successful at it. Too early to claim a huge victory. I can say is if you start a business, start with an idea but be dynamic. You need to be fluid, dynamic, moveable, etc. I'm still trying to nail down my core business but I take everything I can to just to keep moving in the direction I want. There is a few huge items in the pipe that if they work out, will be GREAT. But I have an out and other stuff to fall back on.

For those who want to start your own business, there isn't no manual or guide. Just find your niche and a need. Fill those 2 items and just build off it. Oh, and must handle stress well. Between yesterday and today I am ready to just scream + jump out the window. But took a break, have work again tomorrow followed by business meetings all day.

For those curious - I run a field services company. We handle network roll outs, service calls, wiring projects, name it - we do it. For those in MN if you saw the webcam of the new bridge on 35e being moved in, I installed that. Put a camera on a pier on st. croix river to record that going together. Just got done wiring Best Buy Oakdale and Burnsville also. Busy Busy

themagicone

Mrock4 wrote: »

+1 Rep for this. So true. Ask billionaires if they're a success, and many (the majority) will say they've done successful things, but are still a work in progress.

I promise those out there, once you get your first big break, there's a sigh of relief (for about 5 minutes if you're anything like me), then you realize it's time to get to work for the next big step.

So I guess there was one moment that I got that feeling. Got a call from a 3M contractor. Wanted me to sign on for a year for senior network engineer. Got offered close to 6 figures. Ended up still turning it down but had that moment of "Wow I am getting my name out there and people know what I am capable of doing"