As the title suggests, I am thinking of switching career paths and focusing on becoming an IT consultant focusing on small businesses. I am generally considered the “go to” person for setting up many friends, acquaintances and family’s networks, PC’s and any tech device the public can’t figure out.
I currently own a small irrigation design company with a partner that seems to just… sit. Don’t get me wrong, I like the job, I like the work, but I often think, what if? I also don’t know if this is sustainable work. It seems to be constant work and no reward. I’ve basically bought myself a crappy job.
Anyhow, I wired my office, set-up the network, exchange server, website, workstations etc and I really really enjoyed it. And it makes sense. I’ve always enjoyed computing and I am exceptional at it. I started school as a computer science major and got through a lot of the beginner programming classes. Then I switched roles and received my degree in M.E. I also had my own computer sales company in college, building, selling and fixing computers at the college campus.
If I make the switch, I am sure I would be able to pick up 2-3 small businesses as their IT consultant. 1 pretty large pharmaceutical company and another audiologist office. Plus, I think with all the networking at my current position, I could grab a few faithful clients I have in the irrigation industry. I’m 28 now, married with no kids. It seems like the perfect time to jump ship.
So, what training should I start with to get me going? CISCO certification? MS certification? Any good on-line courses that are reputable?
Also, maybe someone can tell me reasons not to start down this path. Any advice is appreciated.
