Same here
I have an associates degree in electronics (which really has nothing to do with computers) and after I graduated I worked for 6 months for a company fixing copiers (BORING). I was actually relieved when they laid me off, but had to get another job quick!
Right at that time, Gateway 2000 had just opened a large phone center in my area so I applied for a job, literally knowing NOTHING about computers. Gateway had their own training to get people onto the phones, but it was really just basic stuff. The BEST thing they had was a tech lab where you could go and just fiddle around with things. I worked a 4x10 shift and spent my 5th day in the lab teaching myself networks and hardware/software.
Within 6 months I was a 2nd level tech. Worked for Gateway for another year and a half after that, then went on to other companies that offered more money and opportunitites for more hands-on, less over the phone.
