Getting out of IT

Hello all,

Forgot my old login, but I've been a proud member of this site for many years. This site has helped me get MCTS, ACMT, and A+ certified. I started in IT in 2006 and in the past years I've worked as a retail tech, one medium sized business, Microsoft, and two MSPs. I got into IT has a hobby, and it will always be a hobby to me.

A few years ago the fire to keep learning and getting better was fizzled out by a sort of existential crisis that's been on-going ever since. I'm now trying to get out of IT and transition to anything that doesn't make me a glorified plumber like I currently am.

Has anyone here failed or succeeded in getting out of the IT field? Or know anyone who has?

Thank you

Find more posts tagged with

Free for TechExams community: Cybersecurity salary guide

Compare cert salaries and plan your next career move

Button

Comments

twodogs62

thoughts reading this:

1. What have you done education wise to be able to show you are ready to move into new role?
2. Have you put sound resumes out to move to new position?
3. Be sure you have a non-computer related hobby.

change yourself and change your bait!

pinkydapimp

IT isnt just fixing technical issues. Its such a huge field. i would look at other areas that might be of interest. Good luck.

Shdwmage

twodogs62 wrote: »

thoughts reading this:

1. What have you done education wise to be able to show you are ready to move into new role?
2. Have you put sound resumes out to move to new position?
3. Be sure you have a non-computer related hobby.

change yourself and change your bait!

It took me awhile to really figure this out. It helps that I've had a lot of experience and force my way into other roles in whatever job I am in. I don't have a lot of certs to show because I couldn't afford them. All I did was push my way into things I didn't do before. Its always seemed to work out. If I had found the money and the time I would be far ahead of where I am now.

iamerror

Thanks everyone for the advice and input. Me not being super happy at an MSP doesn't seem like much of a shock to everyone else, which is a good thing.

Right now I need to decide if I want to stay in IT and hope to move to a more managerial or business centric role, or get out.

A few things where i feel the point was missed.

I'm fixing printers as a "glorified plumber" because I work at an MSP that's understaffed and printers break. No tech tiers at this place to get you out of that work.

I'm not trying to advance in IT because I no longer care. Telling me to get more certs is not a fix. In the past 2 years I've received my MCSA, Sonicwall, and Storagecraft cert, on top of others I received previously.

In the past 9 years, I've moved 6 times to different cities, this is partially the cause for the reason I'm stuck at an MSP for the time being.

I have a non-it hobby I've been doing for the past 5 years. That at least gives me some satisfaction.

Thanks again everyone!

InfoTech92

iamerror wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the advice and input. Me not being super happy at an MSP doesn't seem like much of a shock to everyone else, which is a good thing.

Right now I need to decide if I want to stay in IT and hope to move to a more managerial or business centric role, or get out.

A few things where i feel the point was missed.

I'm fixing printers as a "glorified plumber" because I work at an MSP that's understaffed and printers break. No tech tiers at this place to get you out of that work.

I'm not trying to advance in IT because I no longer care. Telling me to get more certs is not a fix. In the past 2 years I've received my MCSA, Sonicwall, and Storagecraft cert, on top of others I received previously.

In the past 9 years, I've moved 6 times to different cities, this is partially the cause for the reason I'm stuck at an MSP for the time being.

I have a non-it hobby I've been doing for the past 5 years. That at least gives me some satisfaction.

Thanks again everyone!

I don't wanna sound rude, and please don't take it that way. If you're at a point where you don't want to advance anymore in IT, than you should absolutely get out. I'm sorry that you really hate it that much. That's a shame because it is a great field.

With that said, I definitely hope you find what you're looking for. I think you and anyone else can do whatever they put their minds to.

datacomboss

I wouldn't get too discouraged. Most MSPs suck, especially if you don't get an opportunity to be on project teams. Keep in mind that just about every job that pays well will require you to constantly develop yourself, so work on your bachelors if you don't have a degree and certs that are more management/soft skills such as Lean Six Sigma, ITIL or PMP (if you have the required project experience).

MordyIT

My intuition tells me his issues are not with IT or where he works.

xD Lucas

pevangel wrote: »

No offense but why you're still a "glorified plumber" after 9 years in IT is not your employer's fault. I don't know your entire story so I'm giving feedback based on the things you posted. You started 9 years ago in IT. Since then you've gained three entry-level certs and you're still fixing printers. From where I'm sitting it doesn't look like you've really done much to get out of being a "glorified plumber". You should always look at yourself first since that's the only thing you have complete control of.

You no longer want to be the person that fixes printers and deals with users. That's great! What have you done to get out of that role?

You win the thread. Seriously, anyone, IT or otherwise, should take this advice.

TheFORCE

iamerror wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the advice and input. Me not being super happy at an MSP doesn't seem like much of a shock to everyone else, which is a good thing.

Right now I need to decide if I want to stay in IT and hope to move to a more managerial or business centric role, or get out.

A few things where i feel the point was missed.

I'm fixing printers as a "glorified plumber" because I work at an MSP that's understaffed and printers break. No tech tiers at this place to get you out of that work.

I'm not trying to advance in IT because I no longer care. Telling me to get more certs is not a fix. In the past 2 years I've received my MCSA, Sonicwall, and Storagecraft cert, on top of others I received previously.

In the past 9 years, I've moved 6 times to different cities, this is partially the cause for the reason I'm stuck at an MSP for the time being.

I have a non-it hobby I've been doing for the past 5 years. That at least gives me some satisfaction.

Thanks again everyone!

Most of us here have a non-IT Hobby, that doesn't mean anything.

But going back on topic - You say you no longer care. With that said, there is no reason for you to continue any further, you have reached your middle life crisis and are at the fork or the crossroad and one road leads you to an IT job whatever that is and the other leads you to the unknown. Your mental situation right now is that you want to take the unknown road, congratulations! Start walking away from IT. None of us here can give you advice about the unknown, that's your decision and your choice. Good luck!

pevangel

Being accountable will make a big impact in your life and your career no matter what it may be in.

You said you fix printers because you work for an MSP that's understaffed and printers break. That's like saying I failed the test because it had tricky questions. If I failed a test, it's because I wasn't prepared. I don't control the questions in my test just like you have no control over printers breaking or the MSP you work for being understaffed. Why you're still a tech after 9 years is not the MSPs fault. Do the engineers, supervisors, managers, and executives fix printers at that MSP?

Looking at things outside of your control is not going to help you reach your full potential. That's why I said look at yourself first. You are the product of your decisions. You don't want to be like people who say they're poor because McDonald's doesn't pay enough or they're fat because their wife cooks real well. Those types of excuses gets you nowhere. Hold yourself accountable or become a victim to things outside of your control.

iamerror

pevangel wrote: »

Being accountable will make a big impact in your life and your career no matter what it may be in.

You said you fix printers because you work for an MSP that's understaffed and printers break. That's like saying I failed the test because it had tricky questions. If I failed a test, it's because I wasn't prepared. I don't control the questions in my test just like you have no control over printers breaking or the MSP you work for being understaffed. Why you're still a tech after 9 years is not the MSPs fault. Do the engineers, supervisors, managers, and executives fix printers at that MSP?

Looking at things outside of your control is not going to help you reach your full potential. That's why I said look at yourself first. You are the product of your decisions. You don't want to be like people who say they're poor because McDonald's doesn't pay enough or they're fat because their wife cooks real well. Those types of excuses gets you nowhere. Hold yourself accountable or become a victim to things outside of your control.

First off, yes; even the owner/boss fixes printers cause we're that understaffed.

I never blamed the MSP for me still being in IT. I took this job because I just moved to my new city 6 months ago and it was the first job I was offered.

Your type of internal focused self-help advice is helpful, but not in this case. I never said I was the victim, I'm just burnt out. Please keep your armchair psychology to the threads that need it more.

Mow

Now, wait a second. you come here for advice, but only want certain advice?

iamerror

Mow wrote: »

Now, wait a second. you come here for advice, but only want certain advice?

No. I want advice that's helpful to my situation. Pevangel is off the mark.

Hence why I thanked everyone else on this thread for their input and help.

Robertf969

I remember feeling exactly like the OP when I was an Electrician, so I joined the Army as an IT Specialist. Needed to do something different, my heart was never in the electrical field even though I was making good money (I went from 11/hr to 24.50/hr inside of 2 years) I just hated it. My advice is to find that thing you actually enjoy and make the jump now. Good luck.

Mow

iamerror wrote: »

I never said I was the victim, I'm just burnt out. Please keep your armchair psychology to the threads that need it more.

Ok, I understand. Just seemed kind of needlessly defensive to me. I think if you reread pevangel's comments, you weren't called a victim. It seems more like a warning against becoming a victim. Particularly this:

pevangel wrote: »

Looking at things outside of your control is not going to help you reach your full potential. That's why I said look at yourself first. You are the product of your decisions.

You mention that you're not sure if you want to get out of IT. I think that everyone here has given you at least some form of encouragement and some advice based on their perspective. I don't think anyone came off as being anything but helpful, and the way you reacted just kinda bothered me, or I wouldn't have said anything at all. I don't think you meant it in an aggressive way, though, so I am backing off of that topic.

In my opinion, finding your passion in life is rare. IT is not my passion, but it pays me too well to stop now. I am interested in it and have an aptitude for it. Only you can decide if it's right for you. Burnout will happen in any career, IMO. Man will always wonder "what if?". If you're looking for advice on getting out of IT, maybe try IT sales. Something that can translate your IT experience with any soft skills you may have built up over the years.

Bchen2

InfoTech92 wrote: »

I don't wanna sound rude, and please don't take it that way. If you're at a point where you don't want to advance anymore in IT, than you should absolutely get out. I'm sorry that you really hate it that much. That's a shame because it is a great field.

With that said, I definitely hope you find what you're looking for. I think you and anyone else can do whatever they put their minds to.

Personally I work for a Public School and even in entry level I enjoy IT and helping our end users. The people are great to work with and there are many perks. I think thats its a matter of work environment. I probably would hate IT if I work for a toxic environment like a MSP. Now if I just hate the job in general then thats a different story and Im pretty sure even if the OP becomes a plumber electrician nurse etc. its going to be just about the same issue as well.

epcg

I have kind of left the IT field. I still work in it part-time but my new job is no longer really in IT but I do teach IT. You need to go look for a new job elsewhere or get out of the field. Maybe a break is what you need so go do something else. Heck go get a new certification see if you have that fire anymore and would help get a new job. But its ok to move on sometimes people change or need one. You can always come back if it doesn't work out.

ImThe0ne

I have to agree with the last few, the advice given has been sound. It seems like you might have made up your mind on what you want to do, but you were hoping people here would give you the reassurance you needed to proceed, but that's not what you got. Nothing wrong with that, do what you gotta do.

I keep seeing you saying you'd be ok with management, but do you have management experience? Managers have to have drive and encourage their employees to do their best everyday, be the go-to person for assistance in tough situations, whether that be dealing with customers, vendors, etc.
I don't think a management role would be the best thing to go for right after contemplating quitting IT altogether.

I do, however, think that a specialized position would give you the satisfaction you are looking for. No more fixing printers, dealing with end users non-stop, and fixing desktops and petty issues. If you decided to stay in IT you'd need some higher level, engineer experience, to be in the position of telling people "Not my problem". I have been doing it for a few years after being the SysAdmin that had to do everything and it feels fantastic for the petty crap to go to the grunts that are "paying their dues".

You need to really evaluate your situation, look at yourself and think about what you can see yourself doing and actually enjoying everyday, then do it. If you have a significant other that you hold value in their opinions, talk to them about it, most of the time they will be thinking on the same page. They don't want to see you miserable everyday and will usually give their true opinion. The truth of the matter is, life is too short to be stressed out and hate something you have to do at least 40hrs every week. Take a chance and see what happens, whether that means finding a different, more focused position in the IT field, or leaving it for another. Either way, good luck with what you decide and I hope you find what you are looking for.

Essendon

Sage advice here by pevangel. We dont know your personal stuff in life so based on what you've posted here you'll need to change the way you look at things. It's the only way to change the things you look at. Pevangel's words will apply to anyone in any career. Honestly, if you ask me, and I'm not saying you should/shouldn't, but FWIW, if you've been fixing printers for 9 years, you either love doing that or you've had no drive to go a step further. A few entry level certs and no/barely any change in responsibilities over 9 years mean complacency, lack of motivation/desire or IT was never your thing. May sound harsh, but true.

There was another guy on here a little while ago in a very similar situation, Barone, or someone. He's switching to the armed forces now. Same story, 15 years in helpdesk, burnt out, rudderless and no sense of purpose (in IT, that is). Thing is if you dont evolve, come up with new ideas, switch jobs, it's all doom and gloom..

My point is life's too short to be not taking chances, re-inventing, constantly changing, adapting and evolving. It does look like you've made the decision to quit IT - I wish you very well for your next endeavour. Please keep in mind what's been said already in this thread.

"When you stay too long in the same place, things and people go to pot on you, they rot and start stinking for your special benefit." - some applicable quote.