need job advice

[Bruce Yeaton]

Hi folks,



I'm looking for advice for a possible job switch, let me hear your comments.



Over the last 1.5 years I worked part time (30 hrs.) in a large insurance company. I was basically a "floater" as a Computer Operator (AS400) and would fill in for full time people on their days off, or work during the week as the print operator, etc. Along that time I was responsible for the Sunday shift (7a - 8p 13 hr shift) and worked alone for that time.

Training was always an issue, but I always managed to get done what I could, but a particular production system I was never trained on.

Over the 1.5 years I "battled" with my manager for the night shift differential because I worked nights as part of being the floater, but never got anywhere. She has since left, but still never got anywhere with it. I also asked about full time hours during my reviews, but was told there was not a need.



A co-worked has moved on to another dept.(day shift) and a full time night shift has opened (which I have taken and started this week). All the shifts are three 13 hour days and every 4 months the days switch to a different part of the week. Keep in mind this is my first job that I have ever worked overnight.



I'm finding I do not like the work (never really did), but the pay has increased about $2/hr due to the night diff. The day I started the full time shift, a job has opened in the facilities dept. for a Custodian. The hours are 4:30p - 1 a.m. 5 nights a week. The pay is close to what I was making without the night diff. increase, but is also full time.



I'm at a loss what to do here. It's not what I want to do the rest of my life, but neither is my current job. My goal was to get to a postion working with PC's (I have some background) as tech support, but those jobs do not come up often.



What would you guys do? Should I post out for the Custodian position or stay where I'm at?



Thanks for your comments. Bruce

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Easy choice for me, I would stay in the current job for a number of reasons.

1. You go to facilities and you will never get another computer job.

2. If you don't like what you are doing you can look for another job as you gain experience in computers.

3. Where is the promotion potential in facilities? In the computer field?



I feel your pain, after 3 years as a contract employee with the government, I was offered "Career Status" position and had to give up over 20K a year. Never regretted it. Just did it. Went to Washington, accepted my appointment and spent the next 10 years on the road. It paid off in spades when all was said and done.



TOXIC

 

[Staci Matheis]

Bruce -



TOX is absolutely right; "Custodian" is a dead end job. As dead end as dead end can be.



Hang in where you are - even though you don't like it - until something opens up that you really want.



Good Luck!

me!

 

[Brian Bell2]

Tox makes all good points, but I think the bottom line, with me anyway, you have to enjoy what your doing.

 

[Christopher Laurencio]

Bruce,



I agree with Brian, enjoying what your doing is intangible.



I actually like the idea of custodian, it's really an "in" into the Operations of any business/Corporate Center. Every place I have worked, the top Operations positions are highly regarded and visible.

 

[Steve Rizza]

Do what makes you happy..



About two years ago I bid a lower paying job because it was a job that I really enjoy doing.

Did I miss the extra $60 bucks a week?...a little at first



But I have never regretted the move one bit,because I really enjoy what I do now.

 

[Texas Transplant]

Doesn't sound like a good career path move. I agree with comments above. You might not like it now, but you will find it very difficult to move from the custodial job, into what you want.



Best of luck.



Tex

 

[Greg Meyer]

Here's a thought... Stay in the "computer" position... Use some of your "day" time to get some PC training... A+ certificatiion (preferred) or N+ to start. My desktop consultants "start" at $25.00/ hr (A+, MCP and 2 yrs experience and good references) and quickly move to $30.00. Network consultants command $100+ per hour (even "wholesale" working for me is $65-75)... You really want to think about this move... Once you get started you will love the flexible hours and great pay...

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Thanks for the comments guys.



I've since beat myself up over this decision since I posted this a couple days ago.



I understand about staying with the computer position and possibly moving on to something computer related later on down the road. I'm about 75% positive that I will stay with this job for the time being. The 13 hour shifts are killer and my sleep schedule is all screwed up. It is also effecting me in other ways but won't get into details.



I have decided (at this point) to bid on the custodian job to see what the job has to offer and if there is a "future" as far as advancement goes. The schedule opens possibilities for schooling and training as Greg has mentioned above (already studying for my A+ now), where the 3 night shifts have me working and sleeping 4 days out straight.



The deadline for the bid posting is tomorrow, I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[Jim B]

Bruce, like everyone else said stick witht the computer job. The expierence will pay off down the road whe it comes time to try for another job. The A= is a good thiong to get also think about getting the mcdst Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician cert. A lot of companies look for this one now. I took mine last month and passed it without even studying, went in totally blind and aced it. My company wanted me to take it( dont know why since im two tests away from my mcse) so i did.

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Jim,



What certification # is that? This is the first I've heard of it. I took a class on Windows 2000 (2151) almost 2 years ago (MCP).



I read thru the first part of the A+ (hardware) and am in the process of going back thru and taking notes. Once I pass the hardware part I'll hit the software portion. I guess it's the Microsoft Desktop Support after that!!



Unfortuantely this is all getting done out of pocket. I can't take classes thru the company with my current shift

 

[Jim B]

Bruce,

Here is some more info on the MCDST. Its a new one as of last year. Its almost microsofts version of the A+ and you can use it as an elective for the 2003 mcse.



Its been a long time since i have seen the A+. I took that test almost 12 years ago when i worked at Comp USA. I was one of the first people in the state to get it. BAck then is was one 50 question test that took all of 30 min to complete.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdst/default.asp

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Jim,



Do you reccomend the A+ hardware and then start on the MCDST, or go with the A+ software?



I'll be looking into the book this week. I also saw they have a free comprehensive test, which I'll dive into before I start reading.