Current Events > Obtainable Careers [with high pay]

(+) Yeah! (+)

I need something to focus on, but I have no direction. Please advise.


P.S. When I say obtainable, I mean something achievable in a relatively short amount of time.
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Anything in the medical field is a safe choice.
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Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and you can be anyrhing

IT depending on how much effort you spend on self learning and acquiring certs.
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If youre a woman theres the sex industry.
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Don't know what relatively means, but if you can go to college engineering is a pretty safe bet for getting a decent to good salary depending where you go to school.
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BlazinBlue88 posted...

IT depending on how much effort you spend on self learning and acquiring certs.

I was gonna post something in the IT/programming field.
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Mernardi posted...

Anything in the medical field is a safe choice.

I was thinking about doing xray tech and going from there. Or maybe phlebotomy. But I'm not much of a people person.

DonaldClinton posted...

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and you can be anyrhing

That's the plan, but I have a time limit.

BlazinBlue88 posted...

IT depending on how much effort you spend on self learning and acquiring certs.

IT is computer stuff right? What exactly does it entail?
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ReignFury posted...

If youre a woman theres the sex industry.

I haven't hit that low yet.

TomNook20 posted...

Don't know what relatively means, but if you can go to college engineering is a pretty safe bet for getting a decent to good salary depending where you go to school.

What type of engineering? I was thinking computer engineering since, you know, vidja.

Sativa_Rose posted...

BlazinBlue88 posted...

IT depending on how much effort you spend on self learning and acquiring certs.

I was gonna post something in the IT/programming field.

My biggest fear of programming is boredom. What do you say about that?
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3khc posted...

IT is computer stuff right? What exactly does it entail?

It's a super broad field so tons of different things ranging from tech support over the phone (lower wage) to being a hardcore software engineer or something (much higher wage)

It's worth putting some time into thinking about what kind of work you would like as well. Do you want to work in the same office every day or do you want the kind of job where you go to different places a lot? Also the physical nature of the work, someone mentioned being an electrician, that will probably involve a lot more physical movement and stuff than sitting in an office chair I'd imagine.
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GregShmedley posted...

Electrical field. Entry level positions are everywhere, including unions, and they usually pay relatively well in accordance to your area.

Almost any construction really.

My friend went to a trade school to become an electrician. Seems alright, but I never really saw myself climbing those poles. At any rate, it's still better than where I'm at right now.
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3khc posted...

What type of engineering? I was thinking computer engineering since, you know, vidja.

Anything, whatever floats your boat.
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Sativa_Rose posted...

3khc posted...

IT is computer stuff right? What exactly does it entail?

It's a super broad field so tons of different things ranging from tech support over the phone (lower wage) to being a hardcore software engineer or something (much higher wage)

It's worth putting some time into thinking about what kind of work you would like as well. Do you want to work in the same office every day or do you want the kind of job where you go to different places a lot? Also the physical nature of the work, someone mentioned being an electrician, that will probably involve a lot more physical movement and stuff than sitting in an office chair I'd imagine.

I work from home right now. I believe I would love to go to different places. I'm pretty inexperienced tho, so unsure what I would really be comfortable with. If I have a good time in the office, then that would be cool.

As far as physical, I used to really want to do that as well. But now, idk. I think brain power is more beneficial.
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Learn to install flooring (carpet, VCT, LVT, ceramic, etc.) we pay our guys a shit ton of money because no one knows how to do it anymore.
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I remember in college this electrical engineering grad student was telling us computer science undergrad students that we have it easy when it comes to getting the good jobs in IT/tech/whatever you call it compared to what he went through.

That is not scientific data or anything, but just anecdotal.
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3khc posted...

BlazinBlue88 posted...

IT depending on how much effort you spend on self learning and acquiring certs.

IT is computer stuff right? What exactly does it entail?

Really broad field.

Helpdesk support - super basic job. Sit at your desk and reset passwords all day plus some other simple tech support stuff. Get your A+ cert(~$200 cost) and you can have one of these entry level jobs that pays $35k-$45k. Easy to move up to System Admin/Data Center Engineer areas which bump you up to $60k and $90k respectively.

Networking - Work on the network that all computer devices sit on. Cables and switches. You'll spend all your time doing Cisco certs that your company will pay for. The higher exams cost $1k and more. Entry level job $45k-$55k with potential for $120k or more dependent on the Cisco cert you have. My friend went from entry level to the $120k mark in 4 years with constant studying.

Programming - No certs, seems to be the most time intensive to me because it's a lot of learn on your own and prove you can do the job type thing. Figuring out which programming language you like to work with and which ones are in demand the most. Salary anywhere from $50k-$120k depending on the company, your skill level, city, ect.

Database management - Working with SQL database servers. Anywhere from $60k-$100k. Don't know too many specifics on this area.

Security - up and coming area. Get some certs and make $60k-$90k.

All of these numbers are just what I've personally seen in my area. I'm sure the numbers will be much higher in bigger cities.
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Anything in the trades will pay decent money in exchange for your back's structural integrity.
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TomNook20 posted...

3khc posted...

What type of engineering? I was thinking computer engineering since, you know, vidja.

Anything, whatever floats your boat.

What path did you choose? I guess I'm just looking for someone to follow.

DelianSK posted...

Learn to install flooring (carpet, VCT, LVT, ceramic, etc.) we pay our guys a shit ton of money because no one knows how to do it anymore.

On average, how much would someone like that earn per year?
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3khc posted...

TomNook20 posted...

3khc posted...

What type of engineering? I was thinking computer engineering since, you know, vidja.

Anything, whatever floats your boat.

What path did you choose? I guess I'm just looking for someone to follow.

DelianSK posted...

Learn to install flooring (carpet, VCT, LVT, ceramic, etc.) we pay our guys a shit ton of money because no one knows how to do it anymore.

On average, how much would someone like that earn per year?

Realistically, probably 70-80K or more. But that's after a couple years of doing it. You get paid by the amount that you install. Per linear foot of base, or square foot of VCT.
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I went the network engineering route in IT. It has done well for me so far. I've still got a ways to go to be where I want to be, but life is pretty good right now.
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Correctional Officer

Easy money
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3khc posted...

My biggest fear of programming is boredom. What do you say about that?

one of the many reasons I like being a programmer is because i'm hardly ever bored. technology evolves so rapidly, there's always something new to learn and every time i get tasked with debugging a problem it feels like solving a puzzle.
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Giant_Aspirin posted...

3khc posted...

My biggest fear of programming is boredom. What do you say about that?

one of the many reasons I like being a programmer is because i'm hardly ever bored. technology evolves so rapidly, there's always something new to learn and every time i get tasked with debugging a problem it feels like solving a puzzle.

That's how I feel studying infosec, except we're trying to break the stuff that you guys make.
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What do you consider "high pay"
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Sativa_Rose posted...

I remember in college this electrical engineering grad student was telling us computer science undergrad students that we have it easy when it comes to getting the good jobs in IT/tech/whatever you call it compared to what he went through.

That is not scientific data or anything, but just anecdotal.

That's good to hear. I'm leaning towards computer science now more than ever.

Trigg3rH4ppy posted...

Anything in the trades will pay decent money in exchange for your back's structural integrity.

One of the reasons I believe brain power is more beneficial. I used to want to work physically to help me stay in shape, but meh. Just go gym.

CableZL posted...

I went the network engineering route in IT. It has done well for me so far. I've still got a ways to go to be where I want to be, but life is pretty good right now.

Can you tell me what you do in the network engineering field?

DemonBuffet posted...

Correctional Officer

Easy money

Like prisons? I knew someone who did that as well. I believe this leads to a police officer career. Sounds cool and all, but I don't think I want to do that.

DarkDragon400 posted...

Giant_Aspirin posted...

3khc posted...

My biggest fear of programming is boredom. What do you say about that?

one of the many reasons I like being a programmer is because i'm hardly ever bored. technology evolves so rapidly, there's always something new to learn and every time i get tasked with debugging a problem it feels like solving a puzzle.

That's how I feel studying infosec, except we're trying to break the stuff that you guys make.

Well that's good to know it's fun. What are some annoying things about the field tho? And what's infosec.
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3khc posted...

And what's infosec.

Infosec is Information Security like I mentioned in my earlier post. They're the guys that keep us from doing anything fun. lol
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BlazinBlue88 posted...

3khc posted...

And what's infosec.

Infosec is Information Security like I mentioned in my earlier post. They're the guys that keep us from doing anything fun. lol

How are they keeping you from doing anything fun? Ain't they trying to hack you so they can find the vulnerabilities and fix them?
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Sativa_Rose posted...

BlazinBlue88 posted...

3khc posted...

And what's infosec.

Infosec is Information Security like I mentioned in my earlier post. They're the guys that keep us from doing anything fun. lol

How are they keeping you from doing anything fun? Ain't they trying to hack you so they can find the vulnerabilities and fix them?

That's one side of infosec, but there's also the defensive side of infosec that tries to keep things from being hackable in the first place, which results in things being less fun.
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DarkDragon400 posted...

Sativa_Rose posted...

BlazinBlue88 posted...

3khc posted...

And what's infosec.

Infosec is Information Security like I mentioned in my earlier post. They're the guys that keep us from doing anything fun. lol

How are they keeping you from doing anything fun? Ain't they trying to hack you so they can find the vulnerabilities and fix them?

That's one side of infosec, but there's also the defensive side of infosec that tries to keep things from being hackable in the first place, which results in things being less fun.

Yeah, the computer security guy and I have this kind of ebb and flow. I'm responsible for the network and I have to make sure everything can talk to everything. He's responsible for the security side, and he has to make sure nothing can talk to anything it doesn't need to talk to. So we kinda have a saying going between us.

"I giveth, and he taketh away"
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BlazinBlue88 posted...

3khc posted...

BlazinBlue88 posted...

IT depending on how much effort you spend on self learning and acquiring certs.

IT is computer stuff right? What exactly does it entail?

Really broad field.

Helpdesk support - super basic job. Sit at your desk and reset passwords all day plus some other simple tech support stuff. Get your A+ cert(~$200 cost) and you can have one of these entry level jobs that pays $35k-$45k. Easy to move up to System Admin/Data Center Engineer areas which bump you up to $60k and $90k respectively.

Networking - Work on the network that all computer devices sit on. Cables and switches. You'll spend all your time doing Cisco certs that your company will pay for. The higher exams cost $1k and more. Entry level job $45k-$55k with potential for $120k or more dependent on the Cisco cert you have. My friend went from entry level to the $120k mark in 4 years with constant studying.

Programming - No certs, seems to be the most time intensive to me because it's a lot of learn on your own and prove you can do the job type thing. Figuring out which programming language you like to work with and which ones are in demand the most. Salary anywhere from $50k-$120k depending on the company, your skill level, city, ect.

Database management - Working with SQL database servers. Anywhere from $60k-$100k. Don't know too many specifics on this area.

Security - up and coming area. Get some certs and make $60k-$90k.

All of these numbers are just what I've personally seen in my area. I'm sure the numbers will be much higher in bigger cities.

Thanks, this is really informative. I'm interested in security because that sounds the coolest. Like hacking or at least defense against it. Maybe programming, but that one seems the most difficult. Can you tell me how much time it would take to get a job in these fields assuming I go to school for them?

DelianSK posted...

3khc posted...

DelianSK posted...

Learn to install flooring (carpet, VCT, LVT, ceramic, etc.) we pay our guys a shit ton of money because no one knows how to do it anymore.

On average, how much would someone like that earn per year?

Realistically, probably 70-80K or more. But that's after a couple years of doing it. You get paid by the amount that you install. Per linear foot of base, or square foot of VCT.

Damn that's decent. But I think I've decided on focusing on CS, thanks.

HypnoCoosh posted...

What do you consider "high pay"

Higher than minimum average lol. Even 40k would be nice, but I want to end up in the 80k-100k. Unsure how realistic that is.
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Mernardi posted...

Anything in the medical field is a safe choice.

Wrong. I wanted to be a doctor but I can't do math. I just can't do it, so it's not attainable for just anyone.
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National guard to civilian workforce on a base. You just have the six months basic that the army has then you are good.
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DarkDragon400 posted...

Sativa_Rose posted...

BlazinBlue88 posted...

3khc posted...

And what's infosec.

Infosec is Information Security like I mentioned in my earlier post. They're the guys that keep us from doing anything fun. lol

How are they keeping you from doing anything fun? Ain't they trying to hack you so they can find the vulnerabilities and fix them?

That's one side of infosec, but there's also the defensive side of infosec that tries to keep things from being hackable in the first place, which results in things being less fun.

This. They create the policies for the business that tell you how open you're allowed to make your systems.

Me: "I need SSH enabled for this server."
InfoSec: "By policy, SSH is disabled for all servers in the company."
Me: "But I need it for *insert great business justification."
InfoSec: "Hmm...we'll review your request at our next meeting."
Me: "When is that? This project needs to be done by the end of the week."
InfoSec: "We meet at the end of each month."
Me: "That's 3 weeks from now!"
InfoSec: "lol"


3khc posted...

Thanks, this is really informative. I'm interested in security because that sounds the coolest. Like hacking or at least defense against it. Maybe programming, but that one seems the most difficult. Can you tell me how much time it would take to get a job in these fields assuming I go to school for them?

InfoSec is half creating policies and procedures that the company has to follow and half running pen tests to ensure there aren't any vulnerabilities in the systems. If you like working with IT people to balance security with useability then that's the career path for you.

Side note: I do love creating policies and having people follow them so I'm no better.

College degree is good for getting your foot into the door but you don't necessarily need it. It's more about certs and work experience than anything. Just google any IT field name and the word cert with it like "networking cert" and go from there. You'll need to shell out the cash for your first cert or two but then your employer will probably start paying for all your training. After you get a cert, create accounts on LinkedIn, Dice, and Indeed. IT recruiters search those sites and will contact you with job opportunities fairly quickly. Within 1-2 months.

3khc posted...

Higher than minimum average lol. Even 40k would be nice, but I want to end up in the 80k-100k. Unsure how realistic that is.

I mean if you go into IT then $50k is easily achievable. I'm only 8 years into my career and I'm near the six figure mark. My networking friend I mentioned earlier is it $115k with only 5 years experience.
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BlazinBlue88 posted...

3khc posted...

BlazinBlue88 posted...

IT depending on how much effort you spend on self learning and acquiring certs.

IT is computer stuff right? What exactly does it entail?

Really broad field.

Helpdesk support - super basic job. Sit at your desk and reset passwords all day plus some other simple tech support stuff. Get your A+ cert(~$200 cost) and you can have one of these entry level jobs that pays $35k-$45k. Easy to move up to System Admin/Data Center Engineer areas which bump you up to $60k and $90k respectively.

Networking - Work on the network that all computer devices sit on. Cables and switches. You'll spend all your time doing Cisco certs that your company will pay for. The higher exams cost $1k and more. Entry level job $45k-$55k with potential for $120k or more dependent on the Cisco cert you have. My friend went from entry level to the $120k mark in 4 years with constant studying.

Programming - No certs, seems to be the most time intensive to me because it's a lot of learn on your own and prove you can do the job type thing. Figuring out which programming language you like to work with and which ones are in demand the most. Salary anywhere from $50k-$120k depending on the company, your skill level, city, ect.

Database management - Working with SQL database servers. Anywhere from $60k-$100k. Don't know too many specifics on this area.

Security - up and coming area. Get some certs and make $60k-$90k.

All of these numbers are just what I've personally seen in my area. I'm sure the numbers will be much higher in bigger cities.

Whoah i had no idea how easy and lucrative getting an a+ certificate was I might do that myself just for the hell of it. I make 40k currently but my job is really dangerous and stressful.
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Howl posted...

Whoah i had no idea how easy and lucrative getting an a+ certificate was I might do that myself just for the hell of it. I make 40k currently but my job is really dangerous and stressful.

The A+ is a two test exam. One test is $100 and the other is $150 I think. I never took it but I took Security+ which is a sister exam of A+ and it was piss easy. Granted I only took it cause an employer required it. I already had 4 years of IT under my belt and my college education so I'm sure there will be more studying on your part.

Moving up the ladder depends on the type of helpdesk job you get. If you work one of those boring ones that only want you to work on break fix tickets and twiddle your thumbs otherwise then it'll be hard to move up. If you get the helpdesk job that has you doing break fix tickets and lets you work on upgrade projects with more senior members then you're exposed to more. That allows you to build up your resume and move up the ladder easily.
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BlazinBlue88 posted...

Howl posted...

Whoah i had no idea how easy and lucrative getting an a+ certificate was I might do that myself just for the hell of it. I make 40k currently but my job is really dangerous and stressful.

The A+ is a two test exam. One test is $100 and the other is $150 I think. I never took it but I took Security+ which is a sister exam of A+ and it was piss easy. Granted I only took it cause an employer required it. I already had 4 years of IT under my belt and my college education so I'm sure there will be more studying on your part. A+ will get you in the door but you'll need to continue on to better certs to get hired for better jobs.

Moving up the ladder depends on the type of helpdesk job you get. If you work one of those boring ones that only want you to work on break fix tickets and twiddle your thumbs otherwise then it'll be hard to move up. If you get the helpdesk job that has you doing break fix tickets and lets you work on upgrade projects with more senior members then you're exposed to more. That allows you to build up your resume and move up the ladder easily.

Just messing around for a little bit, I found a lot of information on this online.

Like this video off YouTube that goes over all the 201-901 test,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eLe7uz-7CM

And this website that has practice questions from the actual TIA A+ certification test.

http://comptiaexamtest.com/A+220-901/

This seems like a good way to spend my free time at the least and just learn something completely new that's interesting for several months.
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I wonder if it's worth it for me to pursue any certs if I already have a bachelors in CS
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Sativa_Rose posted...

I wonder if it's worth it for me to pursue any certs if I already have a bachelors in CS

Depends on the cert.
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I don't really know what I want to specialize in. I am gravitating towards data science type stuff, which I don't really think is a thing with certs, but I also this cybersecurity is cool
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Howl posted...

BlazinBlue88 posted...

Howl posted...

Whoah i had no idea how easy and lucrative getting an a+ certificate was I might do that myself just for the hell of it. I make 40k currently but my job is really dangerous and stressful.

The A+ is a two test exam. One test is $100 and the other is $150 I think. I never took it but I took Security+ which is a sister exam of A+ and it was piss easy. Granted I only took it cause an employer required it. I already had 4 years of IT under my belt and my college education so I'm sure there will be more studying on your part. A+ will get you in the door but you'll need to continue on to better certs to get hired for better jobs.

Moving up the ladder depends on the type of helpdesk job you get. If you work one of those boring ones that only want you to work on break fix tickets and twiddle your thumbs otherwise then it'll be hard to move up. If you get the helpdesk job that has you doing break fix tickets and lets you work on upgrade projects with more senior members then you're exposed to more. That allows you to build up your resume and move up the ladder easily.

Just messing around for a little bit, I found a lot of information on this online.

Like this video off YouTube that goes over all the 201-901 test,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eLe7uz-7CM

And this website that has practice questions from the actual TIA A+ certification test.

http://comptiaexamtest.com/A+220-901/

This seems like a good way to spend my free time at the least and just learn something completely new that's interesting for several months.

Look up professor Messer on YouTube. I watched his videos exclusively for security+ and passed with flying colors. He has A+ courses as well.
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