You should seek structured training and make sure your job can’t be emailed
by
jeb1527511356
·
about 5 years, 8 months ago
In reply to Getting back into the industry
Some context required: After a 35-year spell in client-server I decided to break into web. This was an ego trip but I did need the money, just not as much as you.
Choose a field based on your local economy. Call a few recruiters and ask their advice. Most will be sympathetic. The field has to suit you too, of course. Are you a geeky infrastructure type with no desire to interact with users or a front-end type who enjoys the challenges of contact with “normal people”?
Look at the job adverts. What skills are they listing for senior people? You need to master some of them and be able to discuss the others. That’s in addition to your certs.
Prefer a fully commercial platform. Employers still prefer them and, vitally, they are well supported with tutorials that work, documentation that is up-to-date, and certifications that are sound. I chose Drupal, a fully open-source web platform that is a documentation nightmare. I spent two years building websites for charities. I got to be a resourceful jack-of-all trades (CSS and writing modules) but a master of none. I landed a job but was fired because resourceful is no substitute for speed.
The commercial platforms are generally well-documented but one is a standout.
Microsoft has the best documentation, tutorials and certs, and no I’m not a shill, it’s a verifiable fact. As just one example, you will see that where features vary across versions this is clearly documented and in large part well-written. Their corporate customers drive the quality.
Familiarise yourself with the generic support websites. Again, one is a standout: stackoverflow.com
Are you able to drive yourself on your own through months or years of uncreative effort? Probably best to seek out fellow travellers. See Meetup.com and your local community college. There are many with your aspirations.
Be sure that the work you aspire to is not going to get outsourced to the back of beyond so landing you back at square one. Teaching IT at school would be a reasonably secure job. You could do exciting hobby projects in the vacations. IT can be an exciting and rewarding career but is definitely not a job for life.
Be prepared to be bossed around by younger men who know a lot more than you do but don’t have much life experience. It’s more testing than you might think.
Good luck!