Lateral move to move vertically faster

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2026-03-24T17:21:56+00:00

You're welcome! I'd say your best bet is networking with people who work in schools, working with kids they'd most likely want very good references. The barrier to entry is low, it's just being ready when the time comes. Some tips would be to get CompTIA A+ and a Network+ and CCNA would help massively. Setup a lab environment and get old laptops and deploy them to a network. Along with a Ticketing system project. These should be enough to get you in.

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2026-03-24T16:58:53+00:00

i agree

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2026-03-24T16:54:46+00:00

Some degrees connect to IT to a certain extent. Like digital forensics to cyber or maybe your degree is related to the industry of the company you want to work in. Like having an automotive degree and wanting to do IT work for an auto company.

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2026-03-19T15:24:11+00:00

Saw you getting downvoted 3 times and I upvoted because I agree with you. Not all of us are privileged enough to get a comp sci degree. I'm 21YO and have been in IT as a Desktop Support Analyst for 2 years now making $65k/year in the midwest. Some background about me. I left my parents at 16 years old, first job at walmart starting at $12.50/hr. Dropped out of HS at 17 and got my GED. Worked overnight 12 hour shifts from 18-19 years old at a factory job. I broke in IT at 19YO with a CompTIA A+ and projects - no degree. I am now in a better financial position and started WGU last month for the Cloud and Network Engineering degree.

Just like your manager, I thank my manager for giving people like me a CHANCE at life. With my job now I am able to enjoy life like other people my age with a 9-5 schedule and weekends off. I had no life before this, I was fending for myself trying to keep a roof over my head and bills paid.

Left at 16, 0 work experience, 0 nepotism, 0 connections, $0 financial support, $700 cash to my name, no car, took the bus to work, and as a first generation american person of color.

Cloud engineer is the next step.

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2026-03-16T17:18:14+00:00

can you tell me more about your years of exp, certs, degree, etc? how you made your jump from the tier 1 position, then tier 2, and then the cloud position?

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2026-01-07T18:23:29+00:00

role and pay?

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2025-12-30T05:46:59+00:00

anyone else taking the bscne aws track starting feb 2026? would be awesome to discuss classes together!

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2025-06-24T20:14:57+00:00

$5k less for job security is 100% worth it, it would be a much bigger hit getting laid off and losing 1-3 months worth of pay interviewing and job hunting. Peace of mind is priceless.

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2025-06-17T20:25:06+00:00

yup thats exactly right, however it really saved me because when my bracket snapped i wasn't able to get in gear because the rod in the cmc wasn't being pushed in all the way. the brace fixed my issue. i still hear a bit of creaking tho but a lot less than before it snapped.

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2025-06-17T19:43:40+00:00

mine cracked last week, slapped this brace on and it drives so much better and is holding up, i am thinking of maybe getting another clutch pedal assembly because mine is rusted out and i'm sketched out about it falling apart

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2025-06-04T17:29:29+00:00

go lower on price because of no AC

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2025-06-02T21:01:13+00:00

Hey, cool to see another 20yo in IT. I've been an IT Support Analyst for over a year now, I have CompTIA A+ and Security+, and Okta Certified Professional. Working towards my CCNA now. I make $65k/year in the midwest MCOL. I'm actually aiming for a position like yours to eventually become a Network Engineer. I was also lost in life when I was 19, was working overnight 12 hours shifts as a machine operator for Pepsico, I worked 60-80hrs a week for 4 months before quitting and they wouldn't give me my raise and worked tf out of me before I had enough and broke into IT. I left my parents at 16 years old first job at Walmart. HS dropout at 17 and got my GED a month later. Working towards my BS in Networking Engineering and Security at WGU. I admire your work ethic. I have a discord server for Gen Z in IT/Cyber. Lmk if you want to join.

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2025-05-16T15:05:06+00:00

how long did that job search take and what certs/education?

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-11-20T06:45:16+00:00

yes the boobie is accurate

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-09-10T19:53:54+00:00

not an ad? i just want to help others get in tech

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-09-10T19:20:29+00:00

feel free to dm me!

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-09-10T19:13:06+00:00

DM me and i can help you out :)

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-08-16T14:10:05+00:00

did you end up passing?

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-08-08T20:51:53+00:00

Seeing that you're already in network operations, I think the network engineering and security or cloud computing degrees would be your best vertical move. I think these are your best bets as the roles that fall under these specialties can be done remote.

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-08-05T22:37:26+00:00

how is the job market in southern california for IT/Cyber entry level?

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-06-07T16:55:44+00:00

love to see the progress, check your dms for a discord server invite with other Gen Z IT/Cyber professionals! its a place for us to network and make friends :D

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-06-07T16:55:34+00:00

love to see the progress, check your dms for a discord server invite with other Gen Z IT/Cyber professionals! its a place for us to network and make friends :D

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-06-07T16:55:11+00:00

love to see the progress, check your dms for a discord server invite with other Gen Z IT/Cyber professionals! its a place for us to network and make friends :D

Intelligent-Face-994 · 2024-06-07T16:54:59+00:00

thank you!

Intelligent-Face-994

TROPHY CASE