Could I have a future in IT???

[nasty]

Greetings All,
My first post here. I am considering a career in IT. I am a 56 year old Canadian who might have the opportunity to go back to college & I want to make computers my career.
But I don't want to be the guy who fixes computers, I don't want to be the guy answering the phone in Tech Support & I don't think I want to be a Web Designer. I would like to maybe be in Programming or Internet Security or some other facet of computers where I am a valued member of the IT team in a Corporation. What are your feelings on this? Advise? Personal Experiences?
It would be especially valuable if you were currently working in the field. I will listen to all opinions. Please give me yours!!!!

Paul

 

[Celegorm]

WHy don't you want to be the guy that actually fixes? In order to do phone support, you need to be able to actually fix, so if that's the reason then phone support is not for you. Your interests do seem broad though, it's probally best to experiment in all areas before setting your mind on one.

 

[nasty]

For me, the answer goes deeper. Although there is nothing wrong with being the guy that does those other things, at my age, if I'm taking this somewhat risky career change I want to do the IT job that pays the best. My understanding is that Network Admins or Network Specialist or Network Technician is where the money is. If I am wrong please correct me.

Paul

These are Ontaro Government statistics.

Computer Engineers / Network Engineers : NOC 2147
$35.00 Hourly with Good future prospects


Computer Systems Analysts (Network Technician/IT Help Desk): NOC 2281
$23 Hourly with fair future prospects


Computer Programmers: NOC 2174
$26.50 Hourly with good future prospects

 

[Celegorm]

Yeah, typically that's the case. The biggest issue you will face is people wanting experience. Before you go back to college (if the chance does arise for you) check out local rec-centers and community centers and see if they offer any kind of classes in terms of networking and programming. This way you can experience it and not waste money in college.

 

[DJ-CHRIS1]

IMO it isn't a wise idea.

After 4 years of school (brings you to 60 years old), you'll be able to find a job. It will take you a few years to get the experience to get a good job. By that time, you'll be 65 and forced into retirement.

 

[root]

also those average wages are for people with experiance.

it takes a while to get to thise levels of salary. you'll find that as a junior developer you'll only earn the same kind of money as a junior network admin or an helpdesk person.

by all means I think it's great to change careers, but really it should be because you have a love of something, not because you think there is money there.

in computers it's a big myth that there are hundreds of really well paid jobs.

there are actually a few really well paid job.
lots of well paid jobs and hundreds of poorly paid jobs.

generally speaking those first starting start with the poorly paid jobs.

as DJchris has said do you really think that you'll want to take a poorly paid job whilst you're getting experiance whilst it pushes you closer to an age where you might like to retire? (that said there is no reason why someone should retire from IT, -it's ardly a strenuous job!).

 

[Äߧý∩†H♠H䎀]

IMO it isn't a wise idea.

After 4 years of school (brings you to 60 years old), you'll be able to find a job. It will take you a few years to get the experience to get a good job. By that time, you'll be 65 and forced into retirement.

I can say I pretty much agree with you although he won't be forced into retirement. I know plenty of people that are eligible to retire but have not since there greedy or don't like sitting at home.

IMO if you have money to burn and its something you want to do go for it. But I wouldn't recommend doing it for a career as you should already have a career by age 56.......... but doing it as a hobby/learning experience to keep you busy since your getting old.