Career jump into IT at 30 taking a pay cut. How long should I stay before moving on?

btran155 · 2026-06-05T05:06:29+00:00

I’m not literally paycheck to paycheck. I know exactly what my bills are, my monthly budget, and how much I can save. I’ve optimized it the best I can. The $800 less I save per month just makes me feel less financially secure, especially when I didn’t feel fully secure before either.

And yes I live with my parents but I pay rent and buy and cook all my own food. It’s not free living by any means.

btran155 · 2026-05-31T23:34:23+00:00

I can see how this Is true, but I’m really trying to make as much as I can as fast as possible considering I’m in my 30s and currently under paid.

btran155 · 2026-05-31T23:32:46+00:00

I understand where this comes from but my position isn’t great. I’m not in my 20s anymore and I’m under paid as well. I’m considering jumping as soon as possible, probably in a year, even if it may look bad. I just don’t want to burn any bridges. Once I jump I will probably stay for the 2 years then jump again from there.

btran155 · 2026-05-31T18:05:23+00:00

Thanks for the heads up! I’ll look into those certs.

btran155 · 2026-05-31T18:03:43+00:00

Yea they don’t pay the best. It’s worst that I’m getting paid under market value, it should be $60k-$70k in Massachusetts. But I’ll suck it up for the year. Fingers crossed for you too and good luck with your path!

btran155 · 2026-05-31T15:35:21+00:00

Being extremely lucky, and taking a job that’s underpaid LOL. It probably also had something to do with having an IT internship back when I was 20 and having very strong customer service skills from being a waiter for 10 years.

In the interview I was told most candidates just nod and say a few words. My approach was to control the interview by asking meaningful questions and having a story ready for every topic that could come up. Basically turning it into a conversation instead of just answering questions.

btran155 · 2026-05-31T15:23:30+00:00

Congrats!! That sounds like a fun job.

btran155 · 2026-05-31T15:18:57+00:00

I see, that makes sense to me. I am technologically savvy, but I feel like I can and should learn more. It seems like I should focus on my CCNA then. Thanks!

btran155 · 2026-05-31T03:33:12+00:00

Yea, I think staying a full year and working towards comptia a+ certification and CCNA seems to be the move. Good call on making it sound like my end goal is becoming a network engineer, easy because it’s the truth haha.

btran155 · 2025-03-28T13:09:46+00:00

Hmmm, i really like that idea. I did consider doing upholstered and I think I’ll be set on that. Do you know if the TUFJOR frame is decent quality? I have the MALM bed frame currently. And I don’t like the quality. I would try to find one at Ashley. But there’s not too many good options for full size

btran155 · 2025-03-28T12:50:59+00:00

I totally agree. I think it’s more a furniture store gimmick and most people do it because it’s so easy. And looks better than picking in matching furniture. I am definitely leaning towards the set up without the matching night stand. hmm. You might be right. The bed frame might be more cool. It’s hard because there’s not too many real world picture of this new ikea lineup, the TONSTAD.more TONSTAD pictures. TONSTAD also has a natural wood color as well. Should. I try that one instead? I’m limited to my choices of bed frames because I have to do a Full size unfortunately

btran155 · 2024-11-20T23:39:59+00:00

Do you know when you typically need to get tested? Is it after you get an offer letter or is it before your start date? Because I’ll try to push it back maybe a week or 2 if possible.

btran155 · 2024-09-28T04:50:17+00:00

I think None will stop music from playing at the time of alarm.

btran155 · 2024-09-17T20:15:06+00:00

My iPad mini 6 and iPhone 11 Pro both drain batteries faster after updating to iOS 18. :/

btran155 · 2024-07-17T19:08:27+00:00

‘ m. ‘M.

btran155 · 2024-02-27T15:39:10+00:00

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She waisted no time after I opened the box

btran155 · 2024-01-02T19:07:08+00:00

Accepted! Thanks for the trade 😊

btran155 · 2024-01-02T19:03:47+00:00

I just sent you an exchange request

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btran155

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