Shifting into a Business Management

I think you're making a good move saxist.

Many IT people are seen as a 'service' by the bosses who don't explain to the IT department why they want what they want.

I'm sure it'll do you nothing but good

After being a worker for 40 years, and a manager, WITHOUT a Degree, job opportunities evaporated when I was 'restructured"

Get the degree, especially in Management or Administration!

This will, at the least, put you in a position to get the position of manager. Without the degree, only LUCK, would land you a position, as businesses today look for the degree first, experience, skills and competence, last.

Hang in there.

Should all else fail, even a consulting situation, or your own business as an out-sourcing vendor, always looks better with the degree in your armory of qualifications.

It works for me!

I think you are doing the right thing. I myself was in Accounting, then changed and got a degree in IT. It is a good combination, although you hear from many that its a rare combination. It is good that you felt the need to do it, you are making your chances for employment better than they were before. I am also thinking of taking a masters in Business Management now. good job keep going on, especially on these outsourcing days.

In short, management is not something you can outsource. You have to have a warm body that can get hands on to make sure things are going well. Also, the key to effective management is hiring the right people. With your background you can find out who is BS and who is real because you've "been there, done that". Another value add is managing the next latest and greatest IT guru is a lot easier then BEING the next IT guru.