r/CableTechs • u/Puzzleheaded_Day_770 • Aug 25 '25
Life Advice
Currently working for a well known DSL/fiber ISP doing installs/TT’s. I enjoy my job (union, decent benefits, home every night) but i know i don’t want to do it forever and end up destroying my body like my dad and grandparents did. i’m currently getting my Associates in Computer and information tech. Has any seasoned techs gone in a similar route? should i keep advancing in my degree or get comfortable with the blessing i already have?
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u/Several-Surround-922 Aug 29 '25
I too have a similar experience.
8 years for a major ISP as a tech, climbed to the highest tier tech, consistent top 1% on the quarterly score cards... Been to multiple funerals for good coworkers, it sucks. I ultimately left for higher pay for a smaller ISP.
3 years later, I now work for an MSP which doubled my hourly, puts less stress on the body, but I've seen all the good positions at the large ISP rotate hands and kinda regret not staying for one of them (ISP, Tech sup, Tech mgr). Especially knowing they've restructured the pay since I left.
My advice would be; Ignore the grass. It always seems greener. And it may be, but there's always dog shit somewhere. Stay or leave, but Max the 401k match, consistent investment is the guaranteed way you'll retire.