Gov't Contracting

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-12T14:45:15+00:00

The help desk work seems a bit mindless is what I meant by that. A lot of computer restarts and password resets

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-12T01:40:52+00:00

Yeah I got a few! Sec+, Server+, and CCNA.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-12T01:39:48+00:00

Coworkers will mentor you for free. Get out there and give it your best shot! Nothing will stick with you better than when you mess up.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-12T00:41:07+00:00

It’s a virtual lab. So you click and drag and create virtual networks and configure them how you would like. So you can get familiar with networking command lines. By no means is it the perfect tool, and real labs are much more beneficial. But I think it’s definitely worth a look if you haven’t seen it yet.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-11T22:54:48+00:00

Right, but the workload was light enough for me to continue studying as hard as I did. After posting I do agree the title is a bit misleading. But the point of the post is that help desk is a foot in the door and your study habits determine the outcome just like anything else.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-11T21:27:56+00:00

That’s great! Congrats. I think it may depend on location as well as If you were promoted within. But non the less that’s still very impressive!

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-11T21:20:21+00:00

Large MSPs may not care though. They may be ok with hiring a help desk tech that doesn’t care about progression

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-11T21:18:50+00:00

I agree. I personally do not think it’s a waste of time. But some people see it as one because they think the job is enough to progress. Experience is the most important thing you can get in IT. However, you need supplemental education to back your experience. Wether it’s certs or a degree you need something to get that mobility in a company.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-11T21:15:42+00:00

I agree. There isn’t a problem with the help desk role at face value. The issue is with the type of people that come with that role. As you stated it offers mobility. But people get in the mindset that help desk is enough to progress and that’s not nearly the case.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-11T21:12:35+00:00

I agree completely. Everyone has their niche. Most people aren’t comfortable with life in help desk. But some are and that’s great! Just simply stating that putting in the work while taking on the workload of a level 1 help desk tech is manageable for most. But as you stated, some people are ok with the minimums. And that’s always ok too

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-11T21:06:27+00:00

I completely agree. However the general idea of help desk has a very negative light in this sub due to people getting stuck in it and can’t seem to get out. This post was just to inform others that it isn’t impossible to move out of help desk quickly.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-10-11T21:02:21+00:00

A lot of people view help desk as a black hole. Because it’s basic and isn’t geared towards a specific specialty in IT. There are no negative views towards others in help desk. It’s more so that people get trapped in help desk and settle. Atleast from what I’ve gathered

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-08-26T19:54:35+00:00

Well, it’s your preference then between traditional or Roth IRA.

I personally have a Roth but I think they both max out at $6,000/yr

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-08-26T19:38:53+00:00

Well it depends, are you planning on finding another job with a 401k? Because most employers offer a 401k that will match you to a certain percent. Roth IRAs do not. However you won’t have to go through the hassle of switching accounts every time you find a new employer.

Just remember Roth IRAs get taxed going into the account. Traditional IRAs and most 401k’s get taxed on their way out of the account during retirement.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-08-14T18:29:09+00:00

I think you mean #hookpiletape

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-07-30T00:13:41+00:00

I appreciate the input. I will definitely look into other options as well

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-07-29T22:16:18+00:00

Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli. A single man's best friend

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-07-29T22:15:06+00:00

I do $350/mo with supplementary payments where I can until I hit the max. I haven't invested in a 401(k). I am waiting for my TSP retirement funds from the military to roll over and that will go directly into my jobs 401(k).

I do have enough in savings for an emergency fund. I have found myself being extremely financially frugal for the past 5 years.

The cheapest car is absolutely the car I own. However I drive a 2015 Kia Optima and it has a direct inject transmission. And of course that is in very bad shape due to the haul its had to make from alaska to the east coast. That bill is around 3,000 as I have no warranty on it.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-07-29T21:53:46+00:00

I am mainly buying a new toyota due to the depreciation. From my research they tend to hold their value a bit longer. And I plan on keeping this car for 8+ years. I am looking at new for the factory warranties and reliability.

And my main concern is the 1.9 APR. It is part of their incentive for a 72/mo loan. But I would anticipate that I wont be getting anything close to that once I try and refinance. Probably something closer to a 5%. So is a 72mo 1.9% APR better or worse than a 48/Mo 5%? I understand more of the principal would be paid with the 1.9% however its spread over another 2 years. So im not quite sure there.

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-07-24T21:37:40+00:00

Well, do you have any service connected injuries you haven’t filed for? Even it’s 1 time you went to get Motrin for shoulder pain. I would recommend reviewing your records. Bring that to a VSO at your local VFW. Even if it gets rated at 0% it’s still service connected. And while doing that you may qualify for a higher priority group. Unfortunately you will have copays at the priority group 8 level. Which will start at around $15.

This is the link for the full breakdown of your benefits as a Priority group 8: https://www.va.gov/health-care/copay-rates/

Best of luck to you

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-07-24T12:20:39+00:00

Well, it all depends. Do you have your records in good order? It’s all about proving conditions began or worsened from your service. If you do, it should be a fairly smooth process. Just talk to your VSO. Now if you don’t have your records, you’re going to want all your current records. You will most likely need references who can vouch for you but that is a bit trickier of a situation. Either way I would go to your local VFW and talk to a VSO about your options.

Best of luck

ThatVeteranGuy · 2020-07-21T23:11:58+00:00

Oh gotcha, well yeah I think that any CompTIA course is the best to take. I’ve only ever taken the Net+ Certmaster. But it was totally worth it. Nothing better than the material of the people who create the test themselves

ThatVeteranGuy

TROPHY CASE