View Full Version : Who Here Works for an AWESOME Company & is Passionate About What They Do?
I'm at a point in my life where I want to find a truly exceptional company to align myself with. I've got a Business Development/Sales background as well as IT, Real Estate, Banking/Finance, Investment, construction/electrician and numerous other experiences (comes with getting old I guess) to draw from but I'm curious about what is out there that can not only challenge me and keep me engaged but I want to find a company that cares for it's employees and their success as well as something I can be passionate about.
Bonus points for those with available positions (now or coming up) and located in Norther Colorado but I'm open to ideas here as I'd just love to hear from people who truly love what they do. I'm at a crossroads in my life and I want to find something to channel my focus into that will be more rewarding than just financially if you get my drift.
Example: At one point at an early age of my life I was going to be a fireman. That's what my grandpa did and, being as I was practically raised by my grandparents, I spent a LOT of time in the firehouse. Bunch of great guys and really seemed like something that I could enjoy. I always felt that it was something I wanted to do when I "grew up" and follow in his footsteps. My professional life took a different path early on when I stumbled into success elsewhere though and one day I woke up at 40 and realized I wasn't where I wanted to be in life. Crazy how quickly that time passed.
Is it being a fireman? I dunno. All I know is it wasn't what I was doing for work previously. That doesn't mean I can't find something I'm passionate about in the line of work I've been doing but it's very difficult. The opportunities I thought would be solid ended up being just the same BS with a different name & amount on the paychecks.
So, whatchu got?
I don't have any advice, but I did want to say that I understand where you're at...
I got nothin, too late for me, should've stayed in what I was doing a long time ago. My older son will be 35 this July and just loves being a firefighter/paramedic. He's been a Combat Medic, now Flight Medic in the CO National Guard (E6), has taught at a paramedic academy, worked in the ER and is driven to emergency medicine. He's quite fortunate in my eyes to know what he loves doing and is able to do it.
Find your passion and go for it is the only advice I can give. I too understand completely.
I have worked with awesome people...at times. I have been passionate about the work I was doing...at times. I have been fortunate that many of the things I have wanted to try or explore have become available at different times. Some of the things I thought were going to be awesome turned out to be not so awesome. Some of the things I took for granted while I was doing them are the things I miss most.
I like Mike Rowe's take on work. Don't do what you love, learn to love what you do. I am as guilty of not following this advice as many, but I try to remind my adult children that until they are competent at a job, they really don't know enough to hate the job. It is easy to be frustrated and hate things that I suck at. More often than not, once I have gotten good at something, I can actually make a fair judgement on whether it is something I would like to do for any length of time.
Of course my work partner, who just retired last year used to always remind me that "we work to live, not live to work." Best way to ruin a hobby is turn it into a job.
Gook luck with your next challenge.
So, whatchu got?
Maybe you could start your own school and teach "Adulting Classes"!
https://nypost.com/2017/03/17/helpless-millennials-are-seriously-taking-adulting-classes/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/adulting-classes-teach-millennials-basic-skills-like-sewing-cooking-and-how-to-deal-with-relationships/
http://www.newser.com/story/239162/millennials-taking-classes-on-how-to-be-grown-ups.html
[ROFL3]
SouthPaw
01-10-2019, 15:02
You could always be a professional cuddler?
https://fox4kc.com/2019/01/08/this-lawrence-woman-is-a-professional-cuddler-getting-paid-for-platonic-touch/
You could always be a professional cuddler?
https://fox4kc.com/2019/01/08/this-lawrence-woman-is-a-professional-cuddler-getting-paid-for-platonic-touch/
With only 4 certified cuddlers in Colorado, the market is wide open! https://cuddlist.com/cuddlers?fwp_categories=colorado
OctopusHighball
01-10-2019, 15:27
Wondering if this thread will be the shortest ever on this site?
I'm in a similar position as OP in that I've determined my next job will be something I am absolutely passionate about. I figured anything in the Aerospace, Vehicle or Firearm industry. I may even start looking this year.
For awhile, Boom Aerospace had a job opening for a Director of IT here in Denver Metro. Aside from what I thought was the worst name ever for an airplane manufacture, it sounded like something that I would love coming into work everyday to do. Not my overall technology stack, so I thought maybe snowball's chance in hell, but I did dream for a bit.
I have worked with awesome people...at times. I have been passionate about the work I was doing...at times. I have been fortunate that many of the things I have wanted to try or explore have become available at different times. Some of the things I thought were going to be awesome turned out to be not so awesome. Some of the things I took for granted while I was doing them are the things I miss most.
I like Mike Rowe's take on work. Don't do what you love, learn to love what you do. I am as guilty of not following this advice as many, but I try to remind my adult children that until they are competent at a job, they really don't know enough to hate the job. It is easy to be frustrated and hate things that I suck at. More often than not, once I have gotten good at something, I can actually make a fair judgement on whether it is something I would like to do for any length of time.
Of course my work partner, who just retired last year used to always remind me that "we work to live, not live to work." Best way to ruin a hobby is turn it into a job.
Gook luck with your next challenge.
Thanks and I agree with the loving what you do part. It's just that, for the most part, these sales type jobs I tend to gravitate towards become very difficult to "love" long-term. I think if I could a sales gig with a cause I can get behind I would feel more fulfilled maybe? I dunno. I just feel like, there's something better for me out there but I don't know what that something is and I don't feel like I've got enough time left to sort of try several things, settle on something and become an expert at it. I love Mike Rowe though and his teachings are legendary.
Maybe you could start your own school and teach "Adulting Classes"!
https://nypost.com/2017/03/17/helpless-millennials-are-seriously-taking-adulting-classes/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/adulting-classes-teach-millennials-basic-skills-like-sewing-cooking-and-how-to-deal-with-relationships/
http://www.newser.com/story/239162/millennials-taking-classes-on-how-to-be-grown-ups.html
[ROFL3]
Wouldn't that require me being an adult to begin with? Wouldn't part of adulting be knowing it is I want to do for a career when I'm an adult? [LOL]
I work for myself now. I couldn't be happier
Great-Kazoo
01-10-2019, 15:41
I work for myself now. I couldn't be happier
We're retired, everyday is saturday.
Bailey Guns
01-10-2019, 16:11
10 years active, 4 guard and reserve in the AF. 15 years, give or take, as a cop...firearms instructor, SWAT, supervisor. Owned my own business for 8 years. I liked them all, good and bad, but got tired of all of them for one reason or another.
I really like my current job and employer. I can't say I'm passionate about either, though. And I stumbled into this job just looking for a part time gig 8 years ago. The company is probably the best employer I've ever had in terms of taking care of me. Benefits are as good as any I've had, even in the military and working LE. The pay isn't as good as LE, but I don't need to make as much these days so it keeps me in guns and Harleys. Unfortunately, my company is going thru some serious debt issues over an acquisition that went bad a few years ago. Stock price (we get stock thru an employee ownership plan) went from about $25 a share to currently trading at $1.25. It's been down as low as $0.54 recently. So, part of my retirement strategy is in the tank. But, they're working out of it. It just may take some time.
On the other hand, I'm trying to see some opportunity here. I bought 1100 shares of the stock today because it just might get back to where it should be within 5 years or so. That would be a tidy little sum.
I guess, for me, I've always found something in every job I've had that kept me from wanting to do it forever. Maybe I just don't like working. I miss the camaraderie of the military and LE and being part of something bigger than me. The trade off to that is I work in a one-man shop now, very low stress, very little supervision, just pretty much do my own thing. There's a lot to be said for that.
Sorry I don't have any real wisdom to pass on to you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
You could always throw all financial security out the window and open a motorcycle shop....[Peep]
I like the company I work for. Been here going on fifteen years. My previous best record was two. That was about as long as I could put up with stupid shit before I moved on. Can?t say I?m particularly passionate about what I?m currently doing as it is a bit mundane and routine but working four days a week makes it bearable. Plus, for what I do I?m paid pretty well. There?s other perks too. Things like having a company vehicle, good benefits, seven weeks of time off every year, etc. I?m at a point where I only plan to work about ten or twelve more years anyways so might as well just tough it out.
wctriumph
01-10-2019, 17:35
Know anything about motorcycles? Long hours (coming soon) and medium pay or a commission sales position which if you are good may make you real good money.
https://www.nocopowersports.us/ is hiring in all departments.
I’m self employed and my boss is an asshole.
Go work for New Belgium !
My advice with this. I remember you having weight issues or something, then I remember you getting into crossfit. If you are now in good shape go for it. I dont know your personal situation. (dont be offended by any of that. I am just trying to make sure you are ready to do it. Its a competitive market and the academy isnt easy if you are out of shape.
If you are in good shape now. Enroll in the local Community College Fire 1 Academy. Get your Firefighter 1 cert and Hazmat Cert. You will get those at the academy. At the same time enroll in the night EMT program. In 4 months or so (from the time your class starts) you will be employable. There are still lots of good firefighting jobs out there. The fact that you are 40 should not stop you. I am a few years older than you and I could out PT almost all the kids at the Academy. You do need to have both of those things done to be employable. Its extremely doubtful anyone will hire you off the street and send you to their academy in todays market. At the academy there will be a day when departments will come to do hiring. You can get hired right out of the academy. Is Fire a good job? Most fire guys work 9-10 days a month. (24 hour shifts) They make good money in Northern Colorado. In the Denver Metro they make great money. Then many guys will pick up extra shifts at small fire departments or at your local ambulance service. You get to work with mostly great people and hang out a lot of the time. You can spend time on the clock working out, getting more college courses done, doing ICS courses, etc.
I didn't mean to ignore this post earlier but it took me to a later post when I clicked the link from the email notification. Glad I scrolled back up because this is some solid info.
Not offended at all as I realize that's an important aspect & I appreciate you being real with me. I've been on the Crossfit train six days a week for about four years now. Love it. While I'm content with my overall fitness level & satisfied with how far I've come there's always more to be done no matter how fit you are, right? I'm told by fellow firefighter/Crossfitters (we have several at the Crossfit box we go to, the owner and all of the coaches are as well as several of the members) that my level of fitness would be more than enough to pass any physical testing required to get in. That's a good feeling and shows the hard work has paid off I guess.
The guys I was talking to said to apply for opportunities and interview and if a dept liked me they would put me through academy and all that jazz. Sounds like if I put myself through it might make me a little more desirable candidate which makes sense. I'm not as worried about the age as one of the guys I was talking to didn't decide until he was 36 that he wanted to be a firefighter and got on full time at like 37 or 38. Another buddy told me about a guy that gave up his life as an attorney to do it at 45 years old. I figure if they can do it I can too if I put all of my eggs in that one basket and focus.
Know anything about motorcycles? Long hours (coming soon) and medium pay or a commission sales position which if you are good may make you real good money.
https://www.nocopowersports.us/ is hiring in all departments.
I do. Well, that is to say I did anyway. I used to own, ride and work on motorcycles for many years. That ship has sailed though and I chose life over the thrill of riding on two wheels years ago. I used to be wildly passionate about them but now I kind of avoid the subject to help forget how much fun they were. I realize I wouldn't have to ride but my guess is it would be a lot like a recovering alcoholic trying to be a bar tender. I know a few folks at that fine establishment too... just not sure it's something I would enjoy waking up for every day year round for years to come.
Go work for New Belgium !
Believe me, I looked into this as well. I saw they were hiring a Liquid Center Representative which I think would be a lot of fun to give tours and what not. It's a solid ESOP company with lots of potential for growth. I talked to a couple of friends who work there and come to find out they filled that position already and there really wasn't much else available. Hell, I remember applying for a janitor job there many years ago just to get my foot in the door. A little birdie told me that they tend to get hundreds of applicants for just about anything that comes available but I'm going to keep my eye on it anyway.
Just for my own clarification is this a thread specifically about you exploring new options, or just about work attitude in general? Both?
Just for my own clarification is this a thread specifically about you exploring new options, or just about work attitude in general? Both?
Are you trying to imply that any thread on this forum has a point? Because even if the OP has a point, all threads eventually take the scenic road. [Coffee]
I just didn't want to intrude or get in the way of him finding employment happiness.
Are you trying to imply that any thread on this forum has a point? Because even if the OP has a point, all threads eventually take the scenic road. [Coffee]
This one started straying when crossfit was mentioned.
My happy job= Employees/Board who listen and execute all the job task when I am the CEO/Chairman.
RblDiver
01-11-2019, 02:47
I love my company. We only have a couple open positions right now, but periodically come up with others. Our main office is in Niwot near Boulder. https://wiland.com/career-center/
BushMasterBoy
01-11-2019, 05:06
Get a job fishing as a baiter?
ChickNorris
01-11-2019, 08:13
Are you trying to imply that any thread on this forum has a point? Because even if the OP has a point, all threads eventually take the scenic road. [Coffee]
I remember a thread about round penetration through wall material morphing into a challenge of sorts to suffer European techno music....
Just for my own clarification is this a thread specifically about you exploring new options, or just about work attitude in general? Both?
It can be both. Not really a structured conversation per sey so much as a general conversation. I'm trying to both get a feel for what others do that love their job (hell, you can even rant here about why you hate your job and what it is to re-affirm what we don't want to do and make yourself feel better to get it out if you want) as well as any potential opportunities. At this point I've been eyeing firefighter for a while now and I keep coming back to that as a marketed departure from what I've done tot his point which may be what I've been looking for. I'm still not 100% committed to anything though and super curious about what everyone does to afford living. I've definitely always been a work to live v live to work type person so I'm not looking to find something that makes me $250k a year but requires 90hrs a week of my time. I want to find something I can work a reasonable amount doing something I enjoy to make a reasonable amount and have my time be my time. I guess that's the idea behind this impromptu thread to just open a dialog with what everyone is doing to see if maybe there's something I haven't yet thought of that I might have some experiences that would apply.
Are you trying to imply that any thread on this forum has a point? Because even if the OP has a point, all threads eventually take the scenic road. [Coffee]
That's the joy in life... the journey is never what you expected but almost always enjoyable. lol
I just didn't want to intrude or get in the way of him finding employment happiness.
No intrusion at all. Hoping more people can contribute or maybe even benefit from an open & free-flowing dialog about enjoyable employment.
This one started straying when crossfit was mentioned.
I'm contractually obligated to mention it at least once in every conversation so I was glad he brought it up so I could work it in w/o things getting awkward. lol
Great-Kazoo
01-11-2019, 09:03
Since you have many quals, why not do what other members here have done. Start your own business. If you're that good, with how short qualified contractors, consultants, IT and home security people are. You should be in the black by 2nd quarter.
Every person we know who went out on their own are going full tilt.
Being self employed while hard at first, seems to be a good way for those "seeking a company that's passionate" perfect for you. You sound good on paper, go out and show CO how good you are at what yo do.
Perhaps find a non-profit organization that aligns with your interests. Sounds like you have potential for something like Development Director or Marketing Director. The pay may not be the greatest but the people you work with tend to be folks you like.
I love my company. We only have a couple open positions right now, but periodically come up with others. Our main office is in Niwot near Boulder. https://wiland.com/career-center/
Thanks for the suggestion but, based on what I say with the current posted opportunities, it appears as though college education is a requirement. This is a common non-starter for me so I'm kind of used to it at this point in my life though. The companies where I know someone who's able to help get my foot in the door have been happy they looked outside of their general hiring box/requirements. In a situation like your company where I don't know anyone my resume likely won't even get viewed by a human being w/o the proper credentials the software looks for as specified by the person in charge of hiring.
Get a job fishing as a baiter?
Only if there's a master's program. (I assume that's the joke you were going for)
Since you have many quals, why not do what other members here have done. Start your own business. If you're that good, with how short qualified contractors, consultants, IT and home security people are. You should be in the black by 2nd quarter.
Every person we know who went out on their own are going full tilt.
Being self employed while hard at first, seems to be a good way for those "seeking a company that's passionate" perfect for you. You sound good on paper, go out and show CO how good you are at what yo do.
Been there, done that. While it was somewhat enjoyable early on what I found was that it was my baby and I wasn't able to properly disconnect when I was "off" work. I want something that when I'm off I'm truly off and I can focus on what matters to me and decompressing. For purposes of longevity & happiness in this life I prefer to find someone to work for and get that 8-5 situation with benefits and actual down-time where I'm not focused on work. As with most things, there's pros and cons and I'm not yet ready to take a foray into that set of cons again.
Perhaps find a non-profit organization that aligns with your interests. Sounds like you have potential for something like Development Director or Marketing Director. The pay may not be the greatest but the people you work with tend to be folks you like.
Not a bad idea but has the feel of not being able to truly be "off" of work when I punch the clock as per my previous response above. Maybe I'm wrong but that seems like the type of position that will cause my mind to constantly race trying to think of new avenues or resources that would keep my up at night. If I'm wrong that would certainly be an opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself that would scratch that itch & if it was for a cause I truly believed in it could also scratch the passionate work itch as well.
Great-Kazoo
01-11-2019, 09:31
Join the military.
OR don't.
Sounds like you're making excuses instead of finding solutions.
Here's a hint. Sign up at Colorado Workforce, Jobs.gov and other employment related sites. FYI: there is no perfect job out there.
In today's workplace. You're the golden child, till they find someone to work for less. Or keep you on till you're this close > < to retirement. Then they drop you
GilpinGuy
01-11-2019, 09:47
In today's workplace. You're the golden child, till they find someone to work for less.
I've been on the ass end of this. Got a 4.7 out 5.0 annual review - over 4.5 was unheard of and had to to be approved by the GM. Got a decent raise and all of that, then 2 months later they canned my ass because they could get a totally green guy for $10K less who knew nothing. (Then I sold bacon for a while)
They lost the knowledge and experience, but it looked good on the books that quarter for labor. Screw next month or quarter, we need to worry about what looks good THIS month or quarter.
To touch on something the OP mentioned a few posts back...
There was a time in my life where I worked a lot. Making as much money as possible was kind of my goal and if it meant working sixteen hours a day working on my scheduled days off or working through a weekend I just did it.
As I?ve gotten older and wiser I?ve realized that the reason any of us works is to have enough money to live a comfortable, enjoyable life. Working all of the time left very little free time to actually enjoy the benefits of making decent money.
I suppose one of the things that I enjoy about my current job is that it only obligates me to work a forty hour week. Typically, I can get most of that time in Monday through Wednesday and usually work about a half day on Thursday. Having Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off and being able to cut out early on Thursday gives me more time to actually enjoy life.
Finding the ideal work/life balance for your lifestyle might be more important than whether or not your job itself is enjoyable or satisfying.
BushMasterBoy
01-11-2019, 10:38
www.cia.gov
To touch on something the OP mentioned a few posts back...
There was a time in my life where I worked a lot. Making as much money as possible was kind of my goal and if it meant working sixteen hours a day working on my scheduled days off or working through a weekend I just did it.
As I?ve gotten older and wiser I?ve realized that the reason any of us works is to have enough money to live a comfortable, enjoyable life. Working all of the time left very little free time to actually enjoy the benefits of making decent money.
I suppose one of the things that I enjoy about my current job is that it only obligates me to work a forty hour week. Typically, I can get most of that time in Monday through Wednesday and usually work about a half day on Thursday. Having Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off and being able to cut out early on Thursday gives me more time to actually enjoy life.
Finding the ideal work/life balance for your lifestyle might be more important than whether or not your job itself is enjoyable or satisfying.
That's the point I'm at in my life. The most income I generated in my life was also at a point where I enjoyed life the least because, once I was out and able to examine from the outside, I was always working even when I wasn't working. I never spent money, took trips or splurged on anything let along sat back to enjoy the simpler things in life.
I'm not ready to retire and a couple decades away from even considering but we have been smart with our money and have very little in the way of payments. At this point in life it's just earning to pay off what's left of the mortgage and throw money at retirement funds. Being somewhat smart with my money & getting lucky a few times over the years has lead to less stress at this point in my life when it comes to finding work because I don't HAVE to make a fortune to stay afloat. We're not into the common trappings of society that get most people into trouble in terms of credit card debt, massive car loans and other monthly expenditures to afford some lifestyle. None of this is to say I'm afraid of hard work and dedication for the right opportunity so don't read it as such. I get up at 5:00am every day to go do Crossfit because I enjoy it. It takes a special kind of maniac to do such a thing is what I'm told by people when they find out of this start to my daily routine. I do it because I love it and work my ass off because of that.
I want something similar in terms of work. Something that I'm passionate enough about that when I'm doing it it doesn't feel like I'm working my ass of because I've enjoy what it is I'm doing. That's what I'm looking for now and soliciting ideas I may not have thought of.
BTW, I don't think you mentioned what you do or who you do it for.
I don't know your age, but it's not easy to be a firefighter. EMT B, Firefighter 1 and 2 certs needed, probably a college degree. Paramedic would increase your shot. Then work for free for maybe 2-3 years as a reservist at a department that has such positions. Then, and only then, might you be able to be hired. It's important to remember that for every open position, they have probably 200-800 applications. Many of those are trash (HS graduates), but many are not. You need to be at the top of the pile to even have a slight chance of a job, and if your not in your prime, it's all that harder, if not, perhaps, impossible. If it's a place that has reservist positions - many do - think about it, who are they going to hire, you, or the guy that's volunteered for three years? It's not something that you can just hop careers into though, because there are too many people that really badly want to get paid to sit around all day grilling steaks. [ROFL1] 'Scuse me while I dodge some incoming tomatoes.
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but it's not a career people can easily hop into.
Source: Close family and friends are/were FF.
By no means do I want it to seem like this is the easy way out because I don't believe that for a second. A buddy of mine was on a list for Colorado and Southern Wyoming for years just to get a volunteer position and when it finally came up it was someplace way southern Colorado. This was probably a decade ago so I'm sure things have changed but from what I've heard maybe not all that much. I realize that getting on full-time somewhere would be a challenge and my age is just a small portion of that. I know the process is stressful and the line is long but nothing worth having in life is easy to attain. This is also why it's a consideration since we're at a point where I don't need a six-figure-income to stay afloat.
BTW, I don't think you mentioned what you do or who you do it for.
I'm mysterious that way. Lol.
I can send you a PM if not knowing is keeping you up at night.
ChickNorris
01-11-2019, 10:56
I'm mysterious that way. Lol.
I can send you a PM if not knowing is keeping you up at night.
Not keeping me up, but I do enjoy having context...
I'm mysterious that way. Lol.
I can send you a PM if not knowing is keeping you up at night.
No, it's fine. I think we discussed it at one point years ago and I have an idea but I didn't know it was top secret. I'll probably keep it together & sleep well tonight. Tomorrow night though.... [LOL]
Know anything about motorcycles? Long hours (coming soon) and medium pay or a commission sales position which if you are good may make you real good money.
https://www.nocopowersports.us/ is hiring in all departments.
I do. Well, that is to say I did anyway. I used to own, ride and work on motorcycles for many years. That ship has sailed though and I chose life over the thrill of riding on two wheels years ago. I used to be wildly passionate about them but now I kind of avoid the subject to help forget how much fun they were. I realize I wouldn't have to ride but my guess is it would be a lot like a recovering alcoholic trying to be a bar tender. I know a few folks at that fine establishment too... just not sure it's something I would enjoy waking up for every day year round for years to come.
Go work for New Belgium !
Believe me, I looked into this as well. I saw they were hiring a Liquid Center Representative which I think would be a lot of fun to give tours and what not. It's a solid ESOP company with lots of potential for growth. I talked to a couple of friends who work there and come to find out they filled that position already and there really wasn't much else available. Hell, I remember applying for a janitor job there many years ago just to get my foot in the door. A little birdie told me that they tend to get hundreds of applicants for just about anything that comes available but I'm going to keep my eye on it anyway.
OtterbatHellcat
01-11-2019, 22:19
They lost the knowledge and experience, but it looked good on the books that quarter for labor. Screw next month or quarter, we need to worry about what looks good THIS month or quarter.
I bet a *real good Team Leader* made that decision right before he transferred, quit, or got fired.
Fuck those people....and the mentality behind it.
Ive been laying brick for almost 20 years. Now would be considered a master mason. How many hooks do you need to bait before your considered a master baiter.
Master baiter is overblown. Most of us have been overqualified since we were teenagers.
BPTactical
01-12-2019, 10:47
Master baiter is overblown. Most of us have been overqualified since we were teenagers.
One must constantly strive to perfect their skills though Ray.
The question is this- were you self taught or did you learn it from others?
I don't have any advice, but I did want to say that I understand where you're at...
Yep. Me too. I hit 20 years with my current employer and figured it was time to try something different. My last day is next Friday. I'm going to give IT consulting a try. It certainly pays a lot better.
ChickNorris
01-12-2019, 12:50
One must constantly strive to perfect their skills though Ray.
The question is this- were you self taught or did you learn it from others?
Whut?
Great-Kazoo
01-12-2019, 13:51
One must constantly strive to perfect their skills though Ray.
The question is this- were you self taught or did you learn it from others?
Might be perfect for jer, it is hands on. Make your on hours, only have 1 clock to punch.
BushMasterBoy
01-12-2019, 14:27
The question is "how many hookers have you baited?"
I could be a life coach...
"I know what I did in a similar situation...DON'T DO THAT!!!"
So what'd you decide?
After examining the path towards being a firefighter I'v back-burnered that option for now. The primary detractor is the fact that it would likely be 2-3 years before I was in a paying gig. Possibly more since there aren't too many spots that come available across the state every day. That doesn't mean that I've given up on it but I may do it as a side hustle when I can maybe even do it on a volunteer basis if I have an income coming in from a full-time gig.
The other path I was considering was getting back into IT (many moons ago I had a 1-man IT shop that a few on this forum experienced) via some more specialized certifications and schooling. I feel like this could yield better near-term results and give me plenty of options long-term with a few different disciplines of focus that can be varied in structure and day-to-day responsibilities. I was considering working towards a CCNA cert (probably take on a help desk role in the meantime to build up a network and experience) in order to get a Network Engineer job and then work towards something like Virtualization/Cloud and InfoSec. I also recently found out that I've got up to $4k available for a career change that I'd like to take advantage of to get me a good head start on a solid education that will set me up best for success moving forward. Not sure if this means seeking out a SA/BA online or something and coming out-of-pocket for the portion not funded if that's the ideal method as I don't want to squander this opportunity. I have a few friends in the biz that I was picking the mind of on options and potential paths but I'm not 100% sure which direction to head yet so any input would be appreciated since I know we have a few in that segment on this forum. Ideally I'd want to find a good company to work for that values it's employees to meet the initial drive of this post but experience & knowledge transfer is going to be the key early on.
Do you have a Bachelors?
Negative. No secondary education.
Check out WGU and their cyber or network tracks:
https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/bachelors-programs.html
The certifications in the program are included w/ the degree, including cost of 2x taking them, all books/materials included. 6 month terms, largely at own pace (can accelerate).
Very cost effective. Regional accreditation. Can answer anymore questions if you have any.
I completed my Bachelors with them after completing an AS at a community college.
If your program mentor is cool, he'll let you knock out some of the certifications before you pursue any of the non-degree classes.
ChadAmberg also completed at least one degree there.
Check out WGU and their cyber or network tracks:
https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/bachelors-programs.html
The certifications in the program are included w/ the degree, including cost of 2x taking them, all books/materials included. 6 month terms, largely at own pace (can accelerate).
Very cost effective. Regional accreditation. Can answer anymore questions if you have any.
I completed my Bachelors with them after completing an AS at a community college.
If your program mentor is cool, he'll let you knock out some of the certifications before you pursue any of the non-degree classes.
ChadAmberg also completed at least one degree there.
WGU is exactly the site I was browsing. One of my buddies said he's not a fan (he didn't specify as to why) but lots of his cronies used it or are currently using it with great success.
I'll shoot you a PM with some more details.
I wonder if I should start a new thread since this one has kind of taken at turn of sorts from the original intent as of late. I think I've got a new focus which will broaden the ability to be picky about where I work. A new segment will give a new focus on the task at hand too rather than the same old same old with the only change coming in form of a new company to work for.
Most people who dislike WGU either 1) have no actual experience with it 2) don't understand the model 3) overestimate the quality of brick and mortar schools in comparison 4) all of the above in some combination.
The reality is it's a regionally accredited school with verifiable metrics and for any industry level certifications they are conducted 3rd party. The classes with associated industry certifications require that cert's passing to pass the course (e.g., to pass the Network Security course, you have to pass CCNA Security; to pass Operating Systems, you have to pass Linux+, etc.) -- this is actually useful since it applies industry recognized certifications as a metric vs merely showing up and getting a C in a class.
Here's the list of schools accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities:
http://www.nwccu.org/member-institutions/directory/
Some notable ones include Boise State University, Brigham Young University, "-Idaho, Gonzaga University, etc. I doubt your friend would poo-poo those, but they are held to the same standard of accreditation as WGU. The only difference is one isn't wasting money on stupid college "experiences", subsidizing liberal arts professors' studies on the "Feminist Poetic Modalities of the New Zealand Stock Exchange As Understood Through Maori Social Media Trends", etc. Nor is one wasting time listening to the driveling bullshit that comes out of 18 year olds' mouths, fighting for parking, and working off of some arbitrary class schedule. You're just in it to win it. You aren't held back or pushed forward beyond need, within reason. Understand VLANs in 15 minutes? Good. On to something else.
It's not for everyone though. But, having completed an Associates at a brick and mortar, and having several co-workers who also have brick and mortar experience along with WGU, WGU is a good alternative for a serious student who is non-traditional (read: you didn't graduate high school last week and know a bit about the world).
For the non-CompSci IT track, you have to meet the following requirements:
Option 1: Possess an associate’s degree in information technology or equivalent (A.S. or A.A.S. acceptable).
Option 2: Possess a high-level IT certification in network, security, programming, data management, operating systems, or hardware management earned within the last five years.
Option 3: Provide your r?sum? showing three-plus years of IT work experience.
Option 4: Show completion of high-level IT coursework within the last five years:
Two or more upper-level networking courses; OR
Two or more upper-level object-oriented programming courses (Java, C#, etc.); OR
One or more upper-level operating systems courses; OR
One or more upper-level information security and assurance courses.
https://www.wgu.edu/admissions/it-requirements.html#openSubscriberModal
If you don't meet any of those, I'd recommend going after something like Network+ in order to show competence w/ a certification to be accepted. While it's fairly low level, it should meet the requirement. I don't recommend A+ as it's so broad and shallow. Net+ will be a good foundation for going either on the network or cyber track.
The reality of WGU is it's on you to demonstrate competency. If it takes you 4 traditional years, or 6 months (full time students and guys with 10+ years experience just getting a degree to check an HR block seem to be the two types who do this), you still have to demonstrate the same proficiency.
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