Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Too Old For A New Career?
Dear Guidance Guy,
I am a 28 Year old Guy Living in west central Florida. I have a BA in Computer Sceince, Art double major. However, Even though I graduated in 2001 I have not taken on an IT job. Currently I am working as an automotive technician which is OK. I make about $30,000 a year and I expect a raise before the end of the year. However, sometimes I wonder If I could do better.
Do you think that is is too late for me to seek out an IT carrer? Do I need to go back to school again to prepare? Or will going back to square one be too much of an initial drop in income to be worth the potintial gain? I'm definitely a tech and not a business man.
The only other problem is that I am a body art fan and while all of my tattoo scan be covered up my stretched earlobes show even with the jewelry out. Is this going to be a major issue? When I was in college I was sure I would get a "dot com gig" or go into web design, at the time they where famously alternative friendly jobs. However after 2000 it was prety clear that that wave had crashed. I am also interested in graphic or sound design however most of the graphics guys I know make less than what I do fixing cars. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jared In Florida
*** *** ***
Dear Jared,
It is never too late to start anything you have a passion for. The logistics are something you're going to have to figure out for yourself. Can you conduct a thorough job search and interview while keeping your current job? If you get something that pays less as a starting salary than what you currently make, will you be able to"bite the bullet" for a while? These are questions only you can answer.
Your two questions about further training and body art are very interesting. My hunch is that there are things you will need to know about the IT industry as it exists today, which is no doubt very different than the one you left. Maybe there are some courses you can take that will bring you up to speed.
As for the body art and earlobes, I'm sure you could land an interview without anyone laying eyes on you. Once you get that interview, your own confidence and sense of humor will go a long way in how a prospective employer reacts to you. Joking about how things have changed while communicating you're a serious guy and good person to have on the team will give you a huge advantage.
Jared, someone who follows his desires and makes the commitment to his own happiness will always find a way to make things work. Listen to what other people say -including me. But make your own choices!
All The Best,
The Guidance Guy
I am a 28 Year old Guy Living in west central Florida. I have a BA in Computer Sceince, Art double major. However, Even though I graduated in 2001 I have not taken on an IT job. Currently I am working as an automotive technician which is OK. I make about $30,000 a year and I expect a raise before the end of the year. However, sometimes I wonder If I could do better.
Do you think that is is too late for me to seek out an IT carrer? Do I need to go back to school again to prepare? Or will going back to square one be too much of an initial drop in income to be worth the potintial gain? I'm definitely a tech and not a business man.
The only other problem is that I am a body art fan and while all of my tattoo scan be covered up my stretched earlobes show even with the jewelry out. Is this going to be a major issue? When I was in college I was sure I would get a "dot com gig" or go into web design, at the time they where famously alternative friendly jobs. However after 2000 it was prety clear that that wave had crashed. I am also interested in graphic or sound design however most of the graphics guys I know make less than what I do fixing cars. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jared In Florida
*** *** ***
Dear Jared,
It is never too late to start anything you have a passion for. The logistics are something you're going to have to figure out for yourself. Can you conduct a thorough job search and interview while keeping your current job? If you get something that pays less as a starting salary than what you currently make, will you be able to"bite the bullet" for a while? These are questions only you can answer.
Your two questions about further training and body art are very interesting. My hunch is that there are things you will need to know about the IT industry as it exists today, which is no doubt very different than the one you left. Maybe there are some courses you can take that will bring you up to speed.
As for the body art and earlobes, I'm sure you could land an interview without anyone laying eyes on you. Once you get that interview, your own confidence and sense of humor will go a long way in how a prospective employer reacts to you. Joking about how things have changed while communicating you're a serious guy and good person to have on the team will give you a huge advantage.
Jared, someone who follows his desires and makes the commitment to his own happiness will always find a way to make things work. Listen to what other people say -including me. But make your own choices!
All The Best,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 3:47 PM
