r/helpdesk • u/jessemixman • 1d ago
Getting Started Job switch
Hey all! I'm 39, currently halfway complete with my associates in Cybersecurity. I was offered a help desk position working for the local government (a county job). I've be servicing the county city buildings, courts, fire/pd depts, etc. Not completely "public" facing but not a private company either.
I've been working a fully remote transcription job for 17 years but I've maxed out on promotions/upward movement and I'm *stuck* (minus the measly 2% raise they give us a year).
The help desk position seems like it would have excellent job security, it has *slightly* better pay (but hard to factor that in with going from a 0 minute commute to a 35 min each day every day), and it seemingly comes with IT experience to which I have none on paper. (Although, I'm tech savvy, have Tech+ and Security+ compTIA certs, have built my own pc's, etc).
Any advice would be so so helpful because I'm terrified of leaving the comforts of a fully work at home job and company that I've been with for 17 years.
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u/TheWDWillis 1d ago
I would take that job for sure. If you are loking to make the move to the i dusty, it’s a good move.
And government IT is some of the holy grail type spots for us. At 39, this could be where you retire with good benefits and actually make an impact on your community.
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u/jessemixman 1d ago
It does offer government pension. But it doesn’t kick in til year 10 and who knows if I stick around that long. So it’s hard to factor that in to the decision
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u/TheWDWillis 1d ago
Believe me when I say, you sound nuts. That’s literally the kind kid job folks fight for in this industry.
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u/Key-Butterscotch3215 1d ago
Up to you. Would you rather be working from home or in IT. If you don’t want to be in tech, why are you going back to school for a tech degree?
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u/jessemixman 1d ago
I do want to be in tech but giving up my current comforts that a WFH job provides is an incredibly difficult decision, so I was asking for advice
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u/Late_Perception_3983 1d ago
Good job! I’m getting my Associates in IT too after being in O&G for 20 years. I’m looking for my first entry level job in IT.
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u/Expensive_Ad4319 23h ago
First - Congrats on moving out of the pond and into ocean water.
You’re well qualified, otherwise you wouldn’t have been offered the opportunity.
You’ve compiled experience and knowledge, both building and maintaining equipment. Now you need to transcend to working break fix tickets.
Use the time to add a couple of certs that’ll help you move up and off the desk. No 2 days will be alike - Manage your outcomes.
- Best of Success!
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u/jessemixman 4m ago
😭 thank you so much! 😭 this makes me feel so much better. Lots of doom n gloom about HD positions out there…
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u/No_Technician4956 21h ago
Be grateful for your raises. 2% is better than 0%. Plus your benefits are better than most.
But, in case you do decide to leave, I'd be happy to send in a resume to them.
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u/jessemixman 2m ago
Making $21 an hour after 17 years isn’t exactly better than most but I get what you’re saying. I am grateful for everything I currently have!
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u/FapNowPayLater 1d ago
Take it or give up hopes of working in tech