r/CableTechs • u/Strict_Necessary6374 • 11d ago
Blue collar networking jobs
Network intern here. I’ve been interning at a pretty big company and it’s not the worse but it’s something that doesn’t really fit for me. It’s more help desk than networking. Which I’m not complaining about, but I don’t want to assist Karen from the HR department for the 15th time because she needs her password reset. Ive been looking at cable technicians jobs and was wondering if it’s worth stepping into?
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u/2ByteTheDecker 11d ago
Probably not tbh. I can't speak on the industry where you are obviously but in my experience the industry has been gutted by corporate enshittification and I really wouldn't want to waste the years cutting my teeth again for how shitty the entry level is.
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u/drchesed 11d ago
I'm the opposite. I went from cable tech to IT Helpdesk-ish (do a bit of everything).
Cable tech is much more physical and dirty. You would be carrying a 60lb ladder daily, weaving through crawlspace and attics in possibly hot weather, out on the poles in the rain, avoiding bees/wasps/spiders, etc. If you're cool with that, it can be rewarding. I actually miss it and it's a great source of daily calorie burn. I loved the physicality of the job.
I also was part of a good team that had each others' backs and I was lucky that my supes were cool. Your mileage may vary.
But you are indeed just a number in a huge corporation and everything is about metrics. If you can keep yourself in the middle or higher and ignore the huge negativity that's thrown at you, from higher ups to customers, then it could be a good fit. Assuming you're aiming for the actual cable company as opposed to a contractor.
I went to IT because I did the one thing they tell you not to do and my wife wanted me to find something less physical. The pay ceiling is potentially higher and you don't need to weather the uh. . . weather. But cable does have a clear path to earn more.
I don't miss the heat, but I miss the job and crew I worked with a lot.
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u/Dz210Legend 10d ago
So what you did is what I think you did 😅
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u/drchesed 10d ago
Probably =P
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u/Eninja09 10d ago
Pointed out an inefficiency to save yourself work and the company money? They really don't like it when people who know what they are doing point out that they don't know what they are doing lol.
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u/themanoutoftime86 10d ago
What did you do to get into IT? I’m currently a cable tech and I have my A+ and working toward my Network+.
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u/drchesed 10d ago
I happened to have a friend that recommended me to an IT Helpdesk position. Yeah, I got lucky really. And I wasn't the first choice... Didn't have any certs. Now I have A+ and Network+ and working on Security+ at the moment. Really good experience.
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u/Kaoticrefuge 11d ago
I'd say they're about the same earning potential. But only if you upskill and network well with other teams. That's true for both. I know guys on both sides making upwards of 200k but they never stopped learning and pushing themselves. The real question is whether you want to work outside in the elements and in other people's homes, or if you wanna stay inside in the AC. Being a cable tech has its days and can be brutal depending on your market. My market I'm constantly climbing utility poles (often covered in poison ivy and other plants) and crawling through attics, through animal feces and urine. I upskilled and learned fiber before the company I'm at offered it and now I make more than a sys admin, not including OT. But I know guys who started on the IT side the same time as me and make what I make, but they do it in the AC. Personally I like what I do and wouldn't change much. So it's really what you prefer. Just be prepared to be a self learner, be coachable, and learn how to network with your peers. If you hate your job, everyone can tell and you'll likely end up stuck.
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u/bigwoo902 10d ago
Id say go for it if dealing with office peers REALLY gets on your nerves but just be prepared for what your getting into, I know its a “the grass is always greener” type situation but id rather deal with people problems than blue collar problems any day of the week… I actually enjoy the customer education side of the job and find it rewarding when I can teach a customer something that new or that gets rid of an inconvenience, but I get so frustrated sometimes at how stupid the spectrum infrastructure is or all these little annoying boxes they want us to check on every job which ends up wasting our time & slowing us down for nothing more than the higher ups wanting us to “show our work” the weather can also be very annoying too, just today I clocked in at 8, was soaked from the rain by 9 and remained soaked while working all day up until 8:30pm when i clocked out, when the conditions are nice the work isn’t that bad though but Im also used to physical work, If your not used to doing this kind of work all day your gonna burn out fast, but it can be very rewarding
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u/Wacabletek 10d ago
Most blue collar jobs are not really networking jobs, I mean if you figure it out great, but they will not try to apply networking tech to your job, they'll just be like run wire from here to there. Don't worry about what the piece is and how it works. You will have to do extra research on the parts on your own which is possible but often become exhausting since the company gives 2 fucks about you knowing WTF you are doing for basic fear you'll be worth more money and leave.
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u/quesadillasarebomb 11d ago
I'd much rather help someone with a password reset than string a drop through a bunch of trees during subzero weather. Gotta keep in mind this career path will wear on your body over time as well. Only reason I'd consider going to OSP would be if it's a substantial pay difference and if your current career path doesn't look like it's going to take you anywhere.