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Which way should I go?

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by zhounick

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I've been worked for about 4 years in IT field. Almost from the very begining, I acted as a system support(more like a help-desk). At the beginning, I feel nothing bad about it since I have a lot things to learn and to do. But during the recent year, I found it will limit the space of my future development if I still focus on this part. I can say, I'm familiar with current network operation systems such as NT, Novell and things related. In fact, maybe I'll migrate to Canada next year and I pay attention to the job information of Canada. I find that the Network administrator almost get the lowerest salary compared to other position in IT field. That means that'll be more difficult for me even to find a job, I guess. So I think maybe I can focus on database administration instead of network administration from now on. Is it a wise decision? Anybody can provide me some suggestions will be very thankful. BTW, to be a good administrator, what I need? Thank you for your advises in advance.

11 replies

by tomcat-2000

You pose a good question for all of us. I think you are on the right track with the limitations of the administration aspect, and yes, the money seems to be there right now for DBA's.

What you must assess however, personal to you, is what your main focus is. Do you WANT to be a DBA? Is it purely for monetary reasons? Do you what to be the master of your own IS shop ? These questions and many more need to be asked. Do some soul-searching and determine what YOU want to do, not what the job market needs right now.

There are many small shops scattered everywhere that need a jack-of-all-trades, and while it might not be as glamorous as some jobs, it is obtainable (just a question of timing, really).

To be a good admin you must understand the needs of your customers. That includes the Company as well as the end users. Really understand what the entire process of the company is, and make decisions and plans based on those key elements. Taking a high view can place solutions in front of you th

by realgem

Unless it is your personal dream to become a DBA, you might want to consider using what you already know. Take your knowledge of NOS and go for technician jobs in those areas. You should also consider getting certification in those areas, since you're already familiar with the technologies.

One word of warning about Canada: don't judge the job by the salary. Jobs in Toronto and Vancouver pay more, but it's really expensive to live there. Cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Winnipeg have much lower costs of living. Do some research in this area, or you might get a nasty surprise.

If you choose to come to Canada, let me be the first to welcome you in advance!

Good luck.

by cedric king

Knows where your heart(interest) lies. If you can excel in a certain area, the money will still be there for you. If the job does not interest you but only the money does, then in no time will you lose the interest and you will be back to square one. Technology moves fast. The one in demand will be the highest paid. If you moves in that direction, you will always be changing your "industry" e.g. from Network Admin to DBA to something else in the future. Yes, people in IT industry needs to keep upgrading but if you change path every so often, you will always start from the beginning, making you master of none.
Hope you understand what I meant and that it solve your problem.

by keblerelf

I agree with the guy that suggested a small IT shop that needs a "jack-of-all-trades". Usually the money won't be super high and like he said it's not overly glamourous, but it gives you a good feel for numerous different aspects of IT. On top of expanding your at least "high level" knowledge of other things you would have a better idea of which area of IT you tend to gravitate towards and have more fun doing. As someone else stated...the industry changes so often there's really no constant "money area" so if you go that route you'll constantly change and probably never really be happy. In regards to where to look for smaller IT shops check some of the companies around where you live that aren't your first thought when you think of IT. Forinstance construction companies. A lot of these places tend to be just now developing serious IT organizations...in fact that's the area I got my "jack-of-all-trades" start in.

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