Where do I start for a career in IT?

I’m currently in Telecom and so I do have technical skills. I work in UNIX some and I have some networking basics. I also know my way around Windows from double clicks, to having installed XP Pro, to making tweaks in the registry.
1.) Where is the best place to start?
2.) Which area has the best chance of staying on-shore?
3.) Which area has the best financial growth/rewards?

Discuss…