i've made a decison

CaterpillarAssassin · Post by **CaterpillarAssassin** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 7:36 pm

Well after trying for about a year to get into the IT field with just an A+ certification I have given up. Its time to go back to school and do something better with my life. Now the question is what...

I've narrowed it down to two things...

Sticking with computers and IT and getting a degree in something to do with that.

OR

going into automotive.

I enjoy working on my car and my friends and families cars. But I also enjoy working on computers.
See computers are what I know. What I've always been into. I'm finding myself less interested lately and more interested in cars.

I'm probably gonna start out with just a 2 year degree and go from there.

I'm looking for some advice here.

DoPeY5007 · Post by **DoPeY5007** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 7:48 pm

either one there is always going to be a personal intrest for you.

why not go into something that mixes the two?

CaterpillarAssassin · Post by **CaterpillarAssassin** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 7:51 pm

i've been trying to think of something that does that but i cant think of anything

nexus_7 · Post by **nexus_7** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:01 pm

What I have been doing is taking marketing and business classes. you can take them Anywhere with you.

Greg

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:05 pm

Try combining both. Most of the mechanics around here are heavily computerized now. Usually a server and a couple of workstations. They can order their parts interactively via the internet, and do all their billing and inventory with it.

You IT knoweledge will ALWAYS be useful - make sure you mention it on any application and in your resume, even if it has nothign to do with the job you're applying for.

Most small businesses need an IT guy but can't afford one fulltime. However if they're lookign to hire you for something else AND you're IT savy, that's a major plus.

CaterpillarAssassin · Post by **CaterpillarAssassin** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:14 pm

ya know thats true. FP. I'm leaning more and more to automotive. It just feels like a waste because i put so much time into learning computer stuff. oh well.

dadx2mj · Post by **dadx2mj** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:18 pm

Being a mechanic sucks. I was an auto mechanic for 10+ yrs. When I started it I thought it was so cool. It did not take long for me to learn to hate it. Unless you can get into some serious custom work you end up working on old dirty broken down family cars (not cool) The work is hot and dirty and your hands will show it. By the time I was done it was no longer fun working on my own Hot Rods and they went to hell because of it. For me it ruined the passion I had for working on Hot Rods.

Demrok · Post by **Demrok** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 9:05 pm

You need to engineer a new vehicle that is all computer operated

With a night vision HUD windshield, reinflatable tires ala "Demolition Man" and a sexy womans voice to soothingly keep you company as you drive

just don't base it on Windows... I don't want my HUD suddenly doin the BSOD when I'm racing down the highway...

Judg3 · Post by **Judg3** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 9:08 pm

If I went into automotive again (Was a mechanic for a few years Pre-IT) I'd go for big truck diesel mechanic. When I was a truck driver, it looked like a nice job. Bit engine, plenty of room to move around, the engines are quite modular, the whole thing.

I know what your talking about though CA. After 10 years in the field, I'm about to hang up the towel as well. Haven't had any real solid hits since I got laid off in 02 - I have the knowledge, but not that lovely piece of paper required *mutter*.

For me, I always wanted to open up a bar. That's my goal now. I started a new site to promotoe bands, and hoping the money from that I can use to seed the bar. I dunno if it'll happen or not, but it's worth trying.

When I was a mechanic (back in 94 or so) it was about 70% computers then - hell it's one of the reasons I decided to go into IT as a career instead of a hobby. All the cool ass diagnostic tools and such. Probing the cars CPU and reading the voltages live as it fires off signals to turn on and off the injectors, etc. It was a blast. I hated doing the work, loved doing the diagnosis though hehe.

Hipnotic_Tranz · Post by **Hipnotic_Tranz** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 10:31 pm

Have you ever considered the military? I've been trying to get in for a while now, but have been having complications one after the other. It doesn't look good, so I'll probably have to end up back to school... ...which I don't particularly want to do right now.

My current job sucks the life from me. I almost turned in my two weeks today. Its not the fact that it's hard or physically/mentally stressing...hell, I don't really know what it is. I get absolutely no satisfaction from it and I'm just frustrated from being denied from the military twice now. I dunno, I should be thankful I have the job, I guess

hame

Hey, good luck to ya.

wvjohn · Post by **wvjohn** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 10:39 pm

the military can be a good place to get very good tech training - and you can learn things like aricraft engines and whatever - then the good new is that uncle sam sends you to college - i've had quite a few students on the GI bill and most of them were glad they had taken a couple of years to do something different - not for everyone, though

one guy I knew worked as a deckhand on an aircraft carrier and ended up as a prison guard - go figure

Judg3 · Post by **Judg3** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 10:42 pm

yeah military is great if you actually specialize in something hightech like radars/programming/etc. While I was a trucker I met so many guys who where ex-military, but mainly grunts. When all you know is how to use a gun, there's not much else out there for ya in the real world hehe

chottoED · Post by **chottoED** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 4:20 am

all i can tell you is do what you love... and then you'll love what you do

(that's my yogi impression)

MK888 · Post by **MK888** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:13 pm

I dont know if doing what you love is the answer. I think Dadx2mj hit it on the head. I hate what I used to love. Computers were my passion. Now that I work every day with them, I get home, and I dont even want to think about touching my machines. It has become something I have to do, not something I want to do.

If I could do it over again, I would go into something like chemistry, maybe work for a drug company.

FanTum · Post by **FanTum** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:23 pm

I got an apprenticeship in a skilled trade (plumbing). Best decision in my life !

I coached gymnastics for 5 years and really miss that!!! Not enough money!