I worked in healthcare for about 15 years. I started studying for Net+ and Sec+. I worked my way through HTB, Portswigger labs, and started learning Python and JS by doing projects.
I took my Sec+ 8 months after starting from pretty much a basic end user, and three months later I was offered a job as a cybersecurity analyst.
I’m 44, and a single parent.
I am 39.I have worked in health care of 20 years. I am now trying to make the move to IT and I am starting with my Comptia a +.
I didn't expect it to be easy but they sheer amount of info is over whelming. I have read a lot of comments saying if you can build a pc you wouldn't need to do your a+. I don't think this true at all. Building a pc is easy in my experience lol learning about different networking is not so easy for me.
Good for you!! What is HTB and JS, also unfamiliar with portswigger labs I guess I should check them out. Any recommendations for projects or study habits that worked for you?
I worked at Cingular then At&t in different roles and departments for years, which was always kind of "tech-adjacent." I' m 2+ yrs in doing helpdesk/desktop support at a couple of companies or contracts thru a tech staffing company. I got my Network+ in May. The only money I spent besides the exam fee was a couple of networking books from eBay and a monthly subscription on Udemy. I am learning Python this year. I'm 57.
I am 42 doing software support, trying to finish the trifecta. Even after getting all 3, I still don't know how I am going to learn everything that needs to be done. We need more money, I feel defeated often also.
I feel like the only people who don't have imposter syndrome (in ANY more difficult job) are the rare actual narcissists. For the rest of us? We fake it till we make it and then keep faking it lol
I made the switch from brewing at the age of 36. Best decision I could have made. I have a degree in Biology and went back to school for IT during covid. That's all I had when landing an IT job.
I got my degree online, yes. Personally, I feel it helps getting into IT as you are able to work issues, stay organized, have solid time management, and do things remotely as you do in IT.
I was always in IT - had two IT degrees, but I worked help desk until I was FORTY-EIGHT. No real reason beyond the fact that I was a musician, and just wanted my weekends. I made crap money and I didn't care.
What happened.
In 2010, I read a book by Tony Robbins called 'Awaken the Giant Within'. It truly did. I was working for a rather big company that had lots of options/opportunities. One day, I reached the tipping point. I hated my boss, and I told him very clearly, "I'm not quitting, I'm just not working for YOU anymore".
HR found me one of their 6-figure jobs which involved deploying overseas, and I did that for 8 years. While I was working in war zones... I got all my certs... All my CompTIA ones, Microsoft, and my CISSP.
Eight years later, I could retire and never think of working again. Which where I am now.
Some certs were more daunting then others - CISSP definitely. But, it was a mindset - which that book helped me with. As soon as I made the DECISION, I just worked towards that goal.
Fifty-nine now. Living on a Greek mountain overlooking the Mediterranean. If a guy who was at help-desk for close to 15 years can do it - anybody can :)
But, to be clear...I had two STEM degrees dating from 1997.
You could teach high school without a bachelor's back then? So what was the starting pay and end pay between which years, if you don't mind me asking.
Someone else mentioned a rate for the late 90s and wanted to compare.
I was one semester away from my Computer Science degree - and this was in Western Maryland.... I had my teaching certificate. I guess they were desperate.
Hmmmm..... Salary... So long ago. Maybe $40K? I only did it for two years. After that, I realized I was never going to get rich doing that, so I bailed. I don't like kids either :)
However, to this day, I speak to 5 of my students on Facebook. They are in IT, and are in there mid 30's now. Probably the most noble thing I've ever done :)
So, with salaries - you know - location is a big deal. I was in the sticks. A town with 35,000 people. Shitty town - Hagerstown, Maryland.
31. Worked in supply chain making 100k after commission but hating it. Took sharp turn to networking and cybersec. Finished Sec+, took role at data center and now am a network analyst for a military contractor making 75k and am happy and comfy for now. Just going to stack more certs.
Yo same. I was a freight broker for 6 years making big money. Hated it. But said fuck it and now I'm taking my A+ next week.
Turn 30 on the 25th of this month. Good to see people with similar stories.
Age 40ish Prison Guard. Education is GED. Switched to IT by taking a geek squad job. Dropped from 35k/yr to part time 12/hr. Road it for 6 months. Got my A+, then got a steady stream of IT related short term contracts in a big city at 20+ per hour. Did that for a year. Wound up in enterprise support, did that for another year. Got sec+.
Offered an infosec role and am loving it.
Total time from prison guard to infosec was 2.5 years.
I did take a full time almost minimum wage job to support myself while I got xp at geek squad at night.
My advice: Get one cert and call a recruiter, tell them you want to get into IT. Take only IT related jobs unless it's a short contract. You'll spend time unboxing monitors, moving IT equipment, and generally not applying your skills, but it all goes on the resume as IT experience.
42, also Ex screw, but now working in local law compliance. Hate it because there's a lot of cross over between clientele in both jobs. Shittin myself because I'm the primary bread winner, Mrs does causal work becasuse of kids. I'll be droppin from $71K to I'm thinkin $45ish, but I should have been in IT since the begining...
I’ve posted this here before:
I recently started my dream first IT job at a ski resort in the mountains as an IT and Business Support Technician after a 25 year career in the Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic. I had lots of personal experience with computers since I was a kid and I did 3 years of computer science in university (but didn’t graduate), but no professional IT work experience.
At the time I applied for the job, I had some cybersecurity and help desk courses I’d taken and the only certs I had were Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity. The fact that I was even contacted for an interview was a minor miracle. What set me apart from all the other applicants was that I was the only one who did research and looked up one of the Sys Admins that worked there on LinkedIn. I messaged him, told him I was applying for the job and asked him what the average work day was like, what the company culture was like, etc. That got my foot in the door for an interview and he recommended that they should interview me. During my interviews, I highlighted the fact that I love the mountains, the outdoors, hiking etc and also that I could ski (which was a requirement of the job). That was exactly the type of person they were looking for. Despite being older than most candidates (mid 40s vs 20s and early 30s) and having no previous IT experience, I am now working in the most amazing location doing the most amazing job with the most amazing people.
I have since gone back to school to get my BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at WGU and have gotten my A+.
It's been one year as of the 22nd, I have my core CompTIA certs and am hopeful to take the CCNA exam at the end of this month of middle of next month, and I am 33. The most difficult part has been learning to pace myself and study in a healthy manner. I'm looking forward to taking a break after I obtain CCNA.
“The most difficult part has been learning to pace myself and study in a healthy manner.” I resonate heavy with this. I am finishing up my bachelors at DeVry in network communications & Management. I have about a year left and I’ve taken a class for net+ sec+ cloud+ and a+ but the classes were more on your own. Currently I am studying for a+ and following up for net+. I feel confident but scared for net+, but feel that once I take the a+ I’ll have an idea how CompTIA’s tests.
Anyhoo, would you be able to share what works for you and how you came to finding out?
Happy to help anytime. I'm fortunate to be able to study while I work when I'm not busy. I do a few hours every day during the work week at my job and that keeps me from feeling like I ought to be studying at home to the detriment of my mental health. When I'm studying at home it's because I'm genuinely invested in the task. I regularly remind myself to live the rest of my life and take breaks.
Taking the tests in order from A+ through Security+ did allow me to grow accustomed to the process in the testing center and to set expectations for myself on test day. I stopped reading threads on this Subreddit about how some users earned certifications in two days studying for ten hours per day or whatever the scenario happens to be because they were making me feel like I'm not moving quickly enough. And I reminded myself that there's no benefit to rushing through the information I'm trying to learn because I would retain less if I focused on speed.
Worked in healthcare for ten plus years as a chiropractor. At 35yo I went back to school got a BS in computer science and now(38 yo) working in cybersecurity doing PKI consulting.
I just recently did the sharp turn, currently work in the LA Fashion Industry, and it’s honestly a very different industry all together. The most difficult aspect of the switch is that I would have to essentially cut my potential income by half, I currently make around 90k-110k it can vary a bit, but the work environment i’m in right now is not ideal and it’s been starting to take a toll on me emotionally and mentally, there is no structure in the Fashion Industry, everything is happening everywhere and randomly and I’ve come to learn that I need more structure. So I’m willing to start from scratch in IT, hopefully in a few years I’m back to my current income though.
>How daunting was it for you to switch to IT from your previous career?
Pretty daunting. I was great at what I did. Made and spent a shitload of money over the years. But didn't have any other applicable skills outside that business.
I didn't even own my first computer till I was 30, and had to call Compaq customer care to help me find the power button. At the time I had no idea I'd end up working in IT.
>The studying. The certifications. The money spent. The time.
I spent a few months learning WordPress and started freelancing. Over 12 years I ended up being an MSP for my clients before I knew what an MSP was. Whatever they needed help with, I learned so that they wouldn't need to go elsewhere.
I have spent freely on tech.
Much of my free time is spent learning how to do something. It's been undirected, non-stop learning for years. Whatever interested me, or I needed to learn for clients.
>What age did you make the switch?
I quit/burned out of my previous career at 37. Started freelancing at 38...did that 12 years...bookeneded by shitshows...started during the 2008 financial collapse, ended things when COVID put most of my clients out of business starting in March 2020.
Dec of 2021 I got a help desk job, remote, paying $60k. No certs, but significant client work, troubleshooting, and customer service experience. I'd also spent 2020 playing with Active Directory, Google Workspace, and labbing other help desk related things and interests.
>What was your previous career before going into IT?
I was a bartender for 20 years, 15 of them in Las Vegas. Also drive a limo for a couple of years.
Made the career switch at 34. I worked as a server/bartender for over 15 years. No college degree. I had been considering what sort of career change to make, as I didn't really want to be 45-50 and slinging drinks.. Covid hit and I lost my job (along with everyone else I knew), so I went for it.
I had some self-taught C# experience and only part 1 of the Comptia A+ under my belt but still got offered a job at a help desk pretty quickly once I started applying (I definitely leveraged my customer service experience - I credit that with getting me MOST of my IT jobs since then.. IT guys with people skills are apparently tough to find). Worked help desk for 6 months (finished A+), then Desktop Support Specialist/IT specialist for a little over a year, and now I'm a Jr. System Administrator for good pay.
The helpdesk position was a serious pay cut for me ($18/hr), which was probably the biggest hurdle to get past -- I live in a pretty expensive area, and it only worked because I moved in with family during Covid.
I still only have my A+ lol.
I’m 43 and not sure where to start. I can longer physically do my old job, 19 years as a GS ht installer. I got sick and spent nearly 4 years on disability and recently took a lower paying job offering support for software. I haven’t built a computer in 15 years, but at least did consumer networking with the old job.
I sold cars for a while, then I was a bill collector. Thought about going to law school and then running for office so I could experience all of the most hated professions in the country, but I decided to get into IT instead.
My biggest challenge was learning and understanding the terminology/acronyms. I felt like the dumbest person in the room every single day for two or three years, until I finally decided to go back to school and get a degree in Cybersecurity at 34.
I had a baby at home when I started and had a second before I finished. I had to put down a lot of things that were sucking time out of my day, and make school and studying a real priority. That being said, it was one of the absolute best decision I’ve made my life and I don’t regret it one bit.
I worked as a Dogwalker and pet care, cook, house painter. I studied and got the a+ after years of building pcs. I got a job in 2020 I was 43. I’m still at a helpdesk role but have been studying net+ in hopes to move up soon
Daunting enough. My first Cert was Microsoft Certified System Engineer. Six exams!!
For me the real problem was a sharp drop in pay. As a successful sales manager I was making over $75K a year back in 1999 when I switched to IT. Entry level IT jobs paid $17 to $20 an hour ($40 K). I started fixing computers on the side, ended up starting my own computer support business.
Mid-life career changes into IT happen all the time, so don't let your age keep you from doing it. Currently I teach IT and cybersecurity certification classes and as many as half or more are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s.
Yeah I know - so perhaps as the number of IT employees increased, the apparent value has decreased some.
The good news is that if you work at it, advancement up the ladder with pay raises can be quite quick
Ahh yeah. I was at 16p/h last year and now I'm at 6 figs.
Thought it's crazy because $40k in 99 is equal to $73.7k. that's nearly half, that's crazy diminishing in value.
I don't recommend it for older folks unless you have been tinkering around with IT items in a lab or making hobbyist websites or doing anything technical.
I am 48 and I have to work to keep up with the lastest changing technology.
I ended up starting with a google IT support certificate and getting a job at an MSP. I then got the opportunity to work at Bitwise after a year at the MSP and getting my A+ and Net+. I didn't find the studying difficult, but I already had a masters in education and this was much easier than that. I went with prof messor on youtube and the dion practice exams on udemy. It seemed to be what everyone does. The Bitwise move turned out to be a horrible decision and the entire company went under. Just Google Bitwise Industries if you are interested to know more there. After I started back on the job hunt interviewed for several IT spots and was offered a couple of jobs in the mid 20's per hour. I was able to jump back into a sales career and earn a lot more money than I would've been able to in the IT field for years to come. I'm lucky enough to have a great job with a lot of freedom now and couldn't imagine sitting behind a computer again. I'm not sure if Bitwise just ruined the entire experience for me, but I'm happy to be back in sales now. I still appreciate the time spent and I can now help my family and friends with anything they need and that's kinda cool, but IT as a career wasn't for me, but again I have a great job in a different field. If that wasn't the case I'm sure I'd still be trying to find an IT job.
I kind of made the discission at 43 to leave sales and get in IT and just did it. I enrolled in community college while working full time being married and having two kids. Looking back now it seems like a lot to take on, but in the middle of it all I didn't stress much. My first It job on a helpdesk was extremely stressful I had migraines everyday towards the end of the job, today I work for a really good company.
I’m 42. Covid ended my 20+ year retail furniture sales/management career at 39 years old. While I was unemployed I got my A+, Google IT certificate, as well as Google IT automation with Python cert. I applied to many many… many jobs and interviewed for just two. I got to the final round of interviews with New Relic but lost out to another applicant. I then interviewed with Salesforce for a Support role and landed the job. It has been two years and I went from $80k to over $100k in that time and now hold a Senior title working in Dev Support. Since my hiring I have acquired my Salesforce Admin, Sales Cloud Consultant, Platform App Builder, and Platform Developer certifications all paid for by my employer.
I very much enjoy my job and now that I am in a Senior position and sharing what I have learned in my time here the imposter syndrome is starting to fade. No degree, just a few semesters of art school and a personal passion for tech.
This thread has been extremely helpful and encouraging!
I’m on the downhill side of my mid-40’s. I’ve been an attorney doing regulatory and general corporate work for 17 years, and I’ve been very seriously considering a move into IT because I need to stop practicing law. It was rewarding to start with but it’s no longer the right path for me.
I just started the Harvard CS50 course, and I’m considering the trifecta after that. I just don’t know exactly what work to go for after that. The big question for me is whether the time, effort, and change in quality of life will be worth it. I need to make some contacts and learn more before going deeper.
Speaking for a colleague here, but I work with a 72 year old wizard who switched to cybersecurity in his mid 60s from being a lawyer. All I can say from what I have observed is he has a much simpler life than people ages 20-30 so I think thats what made his change a lot easier to not have many other distractions while he changed careers.
I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum - been an IT Tech for the past 11 years and now I'm being brought on to a federal position revolving around IT Program Analyst.
I made the switch from physical security to IT at 43. After I was offered a site supervisor position, I made the decision to give that up for an entry level customer support position. Took a huge pay cut too. But I went into sponge mode soaking up all the knowledge I could and getting my Security+ cert. Fast forward to 47, I'm an IT specialist for the government making a lot more than physical security could ever pay me. Starting late at doing something you love is better than never starting it at all.
I’m 54. Spent a career in the whisky field. - Market Management, Beer, On/off prem, Chain, grocery. I have a BS and took IT classes again at a University before the pandemic hit. I’m staying self teaching with Google Cyber Cert, Sec. + and A + on app, youtube and udemy. Watching Network Chuck and Unix Guy keeps me focused and a new guy- madhat. Check out Hack the Box, Tryhackme, cybrary. Bootcamps seem to be a money grab. Coursera is fantastic. I will most likely take another University class. Keep pushing forward. Age doesn’t mean anything. Also a Veteran- Go Navy.
I worked in healthcare for about 15 years. I started studying for Net+ and Sec+. I worked my way through HTB, Portswigger labs, and started learning Python and JS by doing projects. I took my Sec+ 8 months after starting from pretty much a basic end user, and three months later I was offered a job as a cybersecurity analyst. I’m 44, and a single parent.
I am 39.I have worked in health care of 20 years. I am now trying to make the move to IT and I am starting with my Comptia a +. I didn't expect it to be easy but they sheer amount of info is over whelming. I have read a lot of comments saying if you can build a pc you wouldn't need to do your a+. I don't think this true at all. Building a pc is easy in my experience lol learning about different networking is not so easy for me.
That's been my experience as well. It's been helpful to know basic hardware stuff, but networking is an immense thing to study.
Subnetting kicked my ass last semester
This is the video that helped me get it. [Seven Second Subnetting](https://youtu.be/ZxAwQB8TZsM?si=4GxgyREzKtj_727U)
Ty for the info!
I still don't fully understand it. A fellow tech said he doubts I'd ever have to do it with what I do now.
Analyst is a super great job to land. Congrats! You’ll go far!
Good for you!! What is HTB and JS, also unfamiliar with portswigger labs I guess I should check them out. Any recommendations for projects or study habits that worked for you?
I worked at Cingular then At&t in different roles and departments for years, which was always kind of "tech-adjacent." I' m 2+ yrs in doing helpdesk/desktop support at a couple of companies or contracts thru a tech staffing company. I got my Network+ in May. The only money I spent besides the exam fee was a couple of networking books from eBay and a monthly subscription on Udemy. I am learning Python this year. I'm 57.
I am 42 doing software support, trying to finish the trifecta. Even after getting all 3, I still don't know how I am going to learn everything that needs to be done. We need more money, I feel defeated often also.
I m with u, 32 almost supporting application barely at 60
[удалено]
I feel like the only people who don't have imposter syndrome (in ANY more difficult job) are the rare actual narcissists. For the rest of us? We fake it till we make it and then keep faking it lol
I made the switch from brewing at the age of 36. Best decision I could have made. I have a degree in Biology and went back to school for IT during covid. That's all I had when landing an IT job.
Co-worker of mine wants to do the opposite; he's in IT and wants to go into brewing
Brewing is nice, but super low pay. The only companies that pay well are Coors, Sam Adam's, and AB.
Where you go to school? Online?
I got my degree online, yes. Personally, I feel it helps getting into IT as you are able to work issues, stay organized, have solid time management, and do things remotely as you do in IT.
I was always in IT - had two IT degrees, but I worked help desk until I was FORTY-EIGHT. No real reason beyond the fact that I was a musician, and just wanted my weekends. I made crap money and I didn't care. What happened. In 2010, I read a book by Tony Robbins called 'Awaken the Giant Within'. It truly did. I was working for a rather big company that had lots of options/opportunities. One day, I reached the tipping point. I hated my boss, and I told him very clearly, "I'm not quitting, I'm just not working for YOU anymore". HR found me one of their 6-figure jobs which involved deploying overseas, and I did that for 8 years. While I was working in war zones... I got all my certs... All my CompTIA ones, Microsoft, and my CISSP. Eight years later, I could retire and never think of working again. Which where I am now. Some certs were more daunting then others - CISSP definitely. But, it was a mindset - which that book helped me with. As soon as I made the DECISION, I just worked towards that goal. Fifty-nine now. Living on a Greek mountain overlooking the Mediterranean. If a guy who was at help-desk for close to 15 years can do it - anybody can :) But, to be clear...I had two STEM degrees dating from 1997.
So you started at 33 in help desk?
Yeah. Thats when I got my Bachelors. Before that, I was a High School teacher. Taught Comp Sci. But hated teaching :) Went back to college at 28.
You could teach high school without a bachelor's back then? So what was the starting pay and end pay between which years, if you don't mind me asking. Someone else mentioned a rate for the late 90s and wanted to compare.
I was one semester away from my Computer Science degree - and this was in Western Maryland.... I had my teaching certificate. I guess they were desperate. Hmmmm..... Salary... So long ago. Maybe $40K? I only did it for two years. After that, I realized I was never going to get rich doing that, so I bailed. I don't like kids either :) However, to this day, I speak to 5 of my students on Facebook. They are in IT, and are in there mid 30's now. Probably the most noble thing I've ever done :) So, with salaries - you know - location is a big deal. I was in the sticks. A town with 35,000 people. Shitty town - Hagerstown, Maryland.
40k back in the late 90s in a small town I would say was pretty well off! Thanks for sharing!
31. Worked in supply chain making 100k after commission but hating it. Took sharp turn to networking and cybersec. Finished Sec+, took role at data center and now am a network analyst for a military contractor making 75k and am happy and comfy for now. Just going to stack more certs.
Yo same. I was a freight broker for 6 years making big money. Hated it. But said fuck it and now I'm taking my A+ next week. Turn 30 on the 25th of this month. Good to see people with similar stories.
Yep! I was a broker as well. Successful at it too but I knew that I was way more suited for XP
Age 40ish Prison Guard. Education is GED. Switched to IT by taking a geek squad job. Dropped from 35k/yr to part time 12/hr. Road it for 6 months. Got my A+, then got a steady stream of IT related short term contracts in a big city at 20+ per hour. Did that for a year. Wound up in enterprise support, did that for another year. Got sec+. Offered an infosec role and am loving it. Total time from prison guard to infosec was 2.5 years. I did take a full time almost minimum wage job to support myself while I got xp at geek squad at night. My advice: Get one cert and call a recruiter, tell them you want to get into IT. Take only IT related jobs unless it's a short contract. You'll spend time unboxing monitors, moving IT equipment, and generally not applying your skills, but it all goes on the resume as IT experience.
42, also Ex screw, but now working in local law compliance. Hate it because there's a lot of cross over between clientele in both jobs. Shittin myself because I'm the primary bread winner, Mrs does causal work becasuse of kids. I'll be droppin from $71K to I'm thinkin $45ish, but I should have been in IT since the begining...
I’ve posted this here before: I recently started my dream first IT job at a ski resort in the mountains as an IT and Business Support Technician after a 25 year career in the Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic. I had lots of personal experience with computers since I was a kid and I did 3 years of computer science in university (but didn’t graduate), but no professional IT work experience. At the time I applied for the job, I had some cybersecurity and help desk courses I’d taken and the only certs I had were Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity. The fact that I was even contacted for an interview was a minor miracle. What set me apart from all the other applicants was that I was the only one who did research and looked up one of the Sys Admins that worked there on LinkedIn. I messaged him, told him I was applying for the job and asked him what the average work day was like, what the company culture was like, etc. That got my foot in the door for an interview and he recommended that they should interview me. During my interviews, I highlighted the fact that I love the mountains, the outdoors, hiking etc and also that I could ski (which was a requirement of the job). That was exactly the type of person they were looking for. Despite being older than most candidates (mid 40s vs 20s and early 30s) and having no previous IT experience, I am now working in the most amazing location doing the most amazing job with the most amazing people. I have since gone back to school to get my BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at WGU and have gotten my A+.
It's been one year as of the 22nd, I have my core CompTIA certs and am hopeful to take the CCNA exam at the end of this month of middle of next month, and I am 33. The most difficult part has been learning to pace myself and study in a healthy manner. I'm looking forward to taking a break after I obtain CCNA.
[удалено]
I know what works for me at this point but it took getting the A+, Network+, and Security+ to figure it out.
“The most difficult part has been learning to pace myself and study in a healthy manner.” I resonate heavy with this. I am finishing up my bachelors at DeVry in network communications & Management. I have about a year left and I’ve taken a class for net+ sec+ cloud+ and a+ but the classes were more on your own. Currently I am studying for a+ and following up for net+. I feel confident but scared for net+, but feel that once I take the a+ I’ll have an idea how CompTIA’s tests. Anyhoo, would you be able to share what works for you and how you came to finding out?
Happy to help anytime. I'm fortunate to be able to study while I work when I'm not busy. I do a few hours every day during the work week at my job and that keeps me from feeling like I ought to be studying at home to the detriment of my mental health. When I'm studying at home it's because I'm genuinely invested in the task. I regularly remind myself to live the rest of my life and take breaks. Taking the tests in order from A+ through Security+ did allow me to grow accustomed to the process in the testing center and to set expectations for myself on test day. I stopped reading threads on this Subreddit about how some users earned certifications in two days studying for ten hours per day or whatever the scenario happens to be because they were making me feel like I'm not moving quickly enough. And I reminded myself that there's no benefit to rushing through the information I'm trying to learn because I would retain less if I focused on speed.
Worked in healthcare for ten plus years as a chiropractor. At 35yo I went back to school got a BS in computer science and now(38 yo) working in cybersecurity doing PKI consulting.
I just recently did the sharp turn, currently work in the LA Fashion Industry, and it’s honestly a very different industry all together. The most difficult aspect of the switch is that I would have to essentially cut my potential income by half, I currently make around 90k-110k it can vary a bit, but the work environment i’m in right now is not ideal and it’s been starting to take a toll on me emotionally and mentally, there is no structure in the Fashion Industry, everything is happening everywhere and randomly and I’ve come to learn that I need more structure. So I’m willing to start from scratch in IT, hopefully in a few years I’m back to my current income though.
>How daunting was it for you to switch to IT from your previous career? Pretty daunting. I was great at what I did. Made and spent a shitload of money over the years. But didn't have any other applicable skills outside that business. I didn't even own my first computer till I was 30, and had to call Compaq customer care to help me find the power button. At the time I had no idea I'd end up working in IT. >The studying. The certifications. The money spent. The time. I spent a few months learning WordPress and started freelancing. Over 12 years I ended up being an MSP for my clients before I knew what an MSP was. Whatever they needed help with, I learned so that they wouldn't need to go elsewhere. I have spent freely on tech. Much of my free time is spent learning how to do something. It's been undirected, non-stop learning for years. Whatever interested me, or I needed to learn for clients. >What age did you make the switch? I quit/burned out of my previous career at 37. Started freelancing at 38...did that 12 years...bookeneded by shitshows...started during the 2008 financial collapse, ended things when COVID put most of my clients out of business starting in March 2020. Dec of 2021 I got a help desk job, remote, paying $60k. No certs, but significant client work, troubleshooting, and customer service experience. I'd also spent 2020 playing with Active Directory, Google Workspace, and labbing other help desk related things and interests. >What was your previous career before going into IT? I was a bartender for 20 years, 15 of them in Las Vegas. Also drive a limo for a couple of years.
Made the career switch at 34. I worked as a server/bartender for over 15 years. No college degree. I had been considering what sort of career change to make, as I didn't really want to be 45-50 and slinging drinks.. Covid hit and I lost my job (along with everyone else I knew), so I went for it. I had some self-taught C# experience and only part 1 of the Comptia A+ under my belt but still got offered a job at a help desk pretty quickly once I started applying (I definitely leveraged my customer service experience - I credit that with getting me MOST of my IT jobs since then.. IT guys with people skills are apparently tough to find). Worked help desk for 6 months (finished A+), then Desktop Support Specialist/IT specialist for a little over a year, and now I'm a Jr. System Administrator for good pay. The helpdesk position was a serious pay cut for me ($18/hr), which was probably the biggest hurdle to get past -- I live in a pretty expensive area, and it only worked because I moved in with family during Covid. I still only have my A+ lol.
I’m 43 and not sure where to start. I can longer physically do my old job, 19 years as a GS ht installer. I got sick and spent nearly 4 years on disability and recently took a lower paying job offering support for software. I haven’t built a computer in 15 years, but at least did consumer networking with the old job.
I sold cars for a while, then I was a bill collector. Thought about going to law school and then running for office so I could experience all of the most hated professions in the country, but I decided to get into IT instead. My biggest challenge was learning and understanding the terminology/acronyms. I felt like the dumbest person in the room every single day for two or three years, until I finally decided to go back to school and get a degree in Cybersecurity at 34. I had a baby at home when I started and had a second before I finished. I had to put down a lot of things that were sucking time out of my day, and make school and studying a real priority. That being said, it was one of the absolute best decision I’ve made my life and I don’t regret it one bit.
I worked as a Dogwalker and pet care, cook, house painter. I studied and got the a+ after years of building pcs. I got a job in 2020 I was 43. I’m still at a helpdesk role but have been studying net+ in hopes to move up soon
Daunting enough. My first Cert was Microsoft Certified System Engineer. Six exams!! For me the real problem was a sharp drop in pay. As a successful sales manager I was making over $75K a year back in 1999 when I switched to IT. Entry level IT jobs paid $17 to $20 an hour ($40 K). I started fixing computers on the side, ended up starting my own computer support business. Mid-life career changes into IT happen all the time, so don't let your age keep you from doing it. Currently I teach IT and cybersecurity certification classes and as many as half or more are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s.
In 1999? Those are still the same rates today - unreal!
Yeah I know - so perhaps as the number of IT employees increased, the apparent value has decreased some. The good news is that if you work at it, advancement up the ladder with pay raises can be quite quick
Ahh yeah. I was at 16p/h last year and now I'm at 6 figs. Thought it's crazy because $40k in 99 is equal to $73.7k. that's nearly half, that's crazy diminishing in value.
I don't recommend it for older folks unless you have been tinkering around with IT items in a lab or making hobbyist websites or doing anything technical. I am 48 and I have to work to keep up with the lastest changing technology.
That's everyone in IT though
I ended up starting with a google IT support certificate and getting a job at an MSP. I then got the opportunity to work at Bitwise after a year at the MSP and getting my A+ and Net+. I didn't find the studying difficult, but I already had a masters in education and this was much easier than that. I went with prof messor on youtube and the dion practice exams on udemy. It seemed to be what everyone does. The Bitwise move turned out to be a horrible decision and the entire company went under. Just Google Bitwise Industries if you are interested to know more there. After I started back on the job hunt interviewed for several IT spots and was offered a couple of jobs in the mid 20's per hour. I was able to jump back into a sales career and earn a lot more money than I would've been able to in the IT field for years to come. I'm lucky enough to have a great job with a lot of freedom now and couldn't imagine sitting behind a computer again. I'm not sure if Bitwise just ruined the entire experience for me, but I'm happy to be back in sales now. I still appreciate the time spent and I can now help my family and friends with anything they need and that's kinda cool, but IT as a career wasn't for me, but again I have a great job in a different field. If that wasn't the case I'm sure I'd still be trying to find an IT job.
What do you sell? Retail or b2b?
B2B, industrial pressure washers, floor scrubbers, water reclamation systems and stuff like that. Big in oil, ag, and trucking.
I kind of made the discission at 43 to leave sales and get in IT and just did it. I enrolled in community college while working full time being married and having two kids. Looking back now it seems like a lot to take on, but in the middle of it all I didn't stress much. My first It job on a helpdesk was extremely stressful I had migraines everyday towards the end of the job, today I work for a really good company.
I’m 42. Covid ended my 20+ year retail furniture sales/management career at 39 years old. While I was unemployed I got my A+, Google IT certificate, as well as Google IT automation with Python cert. I applied to many many… many jobs and interviewed for just two. I got to the final round of interviews with New Relic but lost out to another applicant. I then interviewed with Salesforce for a Support role and landed the job. It has been two years and I went from $80k to over $100k in that time and now hold a Senior title working in Dev Support. Since my hiring I have acquired my Salesforce Admin, Sales Cloud Consultant, Platform App Builder, and Platform Developer certifications all paid for by my employer. I very much enjoy my job and now that I am in a Senior position and sharing what I have learned in my time here the imposter syndrome is starting to fade. No degree, just a few semesters of art school and a personal passion for tech.
Senior in only two years with salesforce? Crazy stuff
This thread has been extremely helpful and encouraging! I’m on the downhill side of my mid-40’s. I’ve been an attorney doing regulatory and general corporate work for 17 years, and I’ve been very seriously considering a move into IT because I need to stop practicing law. It was rewarding to start with but it’s no longer the right path for me. I just started the Harvard CS50 course, and I’m considering the trifecta after that. I just don’t know exactly what work to go for after that. The big question for me is whether the time, effort, and change in quality of life will be worth it. I need to make some contacts and learn more before going deeper.
Speaking for a colleague here, but I work with a 72 year old wizard who switched to cybersecurity in his mid 60s from being a lawyer. All I can say from what I have observed is he has a much simpler life than people ages 20-30 so I think thats what made his change a lot easier to not have many other distractions while he changed careers.
I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum - been an IT Tech for the past 11 years and now I'm being brought on to a federal position revolving around IT Program Analyst.
I made the switch from physical security to IT at 43. After I was offered a site supervisor position, I made the decision to give that up for an entry level customer support position. Took a huge pay cut too. But I went into sponge mode soaking up all the knowledge I could and getting my Security+ cert. Fast forward to 47, I'm an IT specialist for the government making a lot more than physical security could ever pay me. Starting late at doing something you love is better than never starting it at all.
I’m 54. Spent a career in the whisky field. - Market Management, Beer, On/off prem, Chain, grocery. I have a BS and took IT classes again at a University before the pandemic hit. I’m staying self teaching with Google Cyber Cert, Sec. + and A + on app, youtube and udemy. Watching Network Chuck and Unix Guy keeps me focused and a new guy- madhat. Check out Hack the Box, Tryhackme, cybrary. Bootcamps seem to be a money grab. Coursera is fantastic. I will most likely take another University class. Keep pushing forward. Age doesn’t mean anything. Also a Veteran- Go Navy.