Options
Career Focus
NetworkWarrior33
Member Posts: 25 ■□□□□□□□□□
Hello everyone,
I've been working in the IT industry for 10 yrs. I took responsibilities that range from managing the server systems (Microsoft servers) to managing the network infrastructure devices (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless APs, IPS, IP telephony..etc). I am 34 yrs old now and i have a big issue which is a "Career Focus". I believe that this issue isn't mine only but it also the issue of every IT administrator who reach this age and who worked as an IT generalist for years. It is time to FOCUS really and when it comes to focusing, i would really choose to stick with the infrastructure networking side because i've spent the majority of my working experience in this area (7 out of 10 years). The remaining 3 years were in servers management, virtualization, cloud computing,..etc. However, i find it very difficult to find a specialization job these days. Most jobs demand IT generalists more than IT specialization job. It depends on factors such as the country, state or area of living. Because of this, it is hard for me to decide which technical certifications to proceed because simply i don't know if i can spend the rest of my life as IT generalist or technology area specialist.
I would like to hear your discussion on this.
Regards,
NW
CCNA,CCNP,CCSP,JNCIA,MCSA,MCSE,MCITP
I've been working in the IT industry for 10 yrs. I took responsibilities that range from managing the server systems (Microsoft servers) to managing the network infrastructure devices (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless APs, IPS, IP telephony..etc). I am 34 yrs old now and i have a big issue which is a "Career Focus". I believe that this issue isn't mine only but it also the issue of every IT administrator who reach this age and who worked as an IT generalist for years. It is time to FOCUS really and when it comes to focusing, i would really choose to stick with the infrastructure networking side because i've spent the majority of my working experience in this area (7 out of 10 years). The remaining 3 years were in servers management, virtualization, cloud computing,..etc. However, i find it very difficult to find a specialization job these days. Most jobs demand IT generalists more than IT specialization job. It depends on factors such as the country, state or area of living. Because of this, it is hard for me to decide which technical certifications to proceed because simply i don't know if i can spend the rest of my life as IT generalist or technology area specialist.
I would like to hear your discussion on this.
Regards,
NW
CCNA,CCNP,CCSP,JNCIA,MCSA,MCSE,MCITP
Comments
-
Optionspaul78
Member Posts: 3,016 ■■■■■■■■■■
Hello and welcome to the forum.
It is tough isn't it
to decide what you want to be when you grow up. That's what I tell myself to stay young at heart. I have been working in IT for a little over 25 years or so.
I have similar traits, I like a little of everything. So what worked for me is to go into management. It lets me touch a little of everything but admitedly I miss handson work. -
OptionsNetworkWarrior33
Member Posts: 25 ■□□□□□□□□□
Hi Paul, thanks for the reply and sorry for my late reply.
Hmmm... I believe management is a challenging career to only who like to manage people and things. It is a talent more than an academic study. Unfortunately, i don't have this talent. The second issue, as you said, i will miss hands-on stuff if i stick to a managerial position. Hands-on is fun actually. I also like to touch everything but not in this age. Someone may say i am still young and i have the long life front of me but concentration in studying new technologies regularly is getting into lower levels. Finally, hands-on stuff is not getting me the big cash cow now but again it depends on the country and area of living.
I welcome any other thoughts you may share with me.
Regards,
NW
CCNA,CCNP,CCSP,JNCIA,MCSA,MCSE,MCITP -
Options
dave330i
Member Posts: 2,091 ■■■■■■■■■■
Generalist vs. specialist really depends on the size of the company. I haven't had any issues finding jobs as a specialist.2018 Certification Goals: Maybe VMware Sales Cert
"Simplify, then add lightness" -Colin Chapman -
Optionspaul78
Member Posts: 3,016 ■■■■■■■■■■
Have you perhaps considered some aspect of IT security? Try getting your CISSP, it may spark an interest in one of domains. I find that people with varied IT experience make good security professionals.
I do understand what you mean about management, while I enjoy certain aspects of leadership, I despise the administration and organizational tedium of personel management. I have been very fortunate that my employer allowed me to transition last year to a leadership position with a matrix structure.