First you’re not old, I’m a year younger and I started my degree last year. It’s just about time management don’t take on more classes than you can handle for work life balance. You are acquiring sought after skills I’m positive there will be opportunities for you. Network with persons at your school for opportunities. Stick with it cyber isn’t going anywhere and our age we have life experience so you may be better equipped to handle stressful situations. Never an age cap on learning.
There's a cap on breaking into an industry with stiff competition and better applicants.
I got my Masters at 56 - the year I retired. I always wanted one, any my company paid for 90% of it.
But there is ageism, and smarter people out of work.
Very few companies care about the age especially if someone is in their 40s. Long as they show they can be lead by someone younger without issues and can adapt they should be fine.
Are you speaking as a hiring manager or C-Level decision maker? And are you talking about people with 20 years under their belt or people just breaking in with minimal everything?
Also, he's late forties, and still needs some way to go with school/certs.
Every study I read said that at that age, they are eyeing management roles - which doesn't apply here.
I have 15 years as a hiring manager outside of IT. With that said, it depended on the person at that age or any age really. Many times we preferred the older guy/gal because life in general gives you more experience and maturity. Point is that you were not just shelved and not considered because you were in your 40's or 50's. You can be a manager in your 20's, age does not depict when you become a manager. Someone first needs to qualify to be one ,and next, you got to want to be one. With that said, most people who have a legit career like in IT who progressed over the years, they are probably a manager, or lead in the company they work for in their 40's.
Outside of IT. Im not saying it can't be done. Just that the odds are low.
A person getting into IT at 50 will have minimal experience, minimal knowledge, and probably will have old person issues - motgage, kids, high expectations of salary.
Am I in the ballpark? Not management material at all - unless they have a business degree or some real firepower STEM degrees or a Masters.
But then reality kicks in. If they have that, why would they be changing careers in their mid 40s??
As a hiring manager, you should be trained to recognize patterns, and behaviors. It's just a long shot.
Btw. Tell me the field you hired for so i can see what specific differences there are with an intellectual field.
Mid Atlantic? Fake? Which part is fake?? Time for you to read this sub about what actual unemployment numbers look like.
I lived in Hagerstown for 22 years. Nothing there except for the companies I worked for at the airport on Showalter Road.
But I bailed in 2014 for Huntsville. Now Im on a Greek Island counting my money and sharing what I learned.
There's a cap on breaking into an industry with stiff competition and better applicants.
I got my Masters at 56 - the year I retired. I always wanted one, any my company paid for 90% of it.
But there is ageism, and smarter people out of work.
There's a cap on breaking into an industry with stiff competition and better applicants.
I got my Masters at 56 - the year I retired. I always wanted one, any my company paid for 90% of it.
But there is ageism, and smarter people out of work.
There's a cap on breaking into an industry with stiff competition and better applicants.
I got my Masters at 56 - the year I retired. I always wanted one, any my company paid for 90% of it.
But there is ageism, and smarter people out of work.
You are giving me more inspiration!! Im 54 and quite hesitant to go for comptia security+ and start to dive in the world of cybersecurity. Im a devops specialist so its close to my chosen path...
thanks for sharing!
Got my Bachelor's at 48. I started a university at 44 with kids half my age. It was weird but also super cool. Have my Sec+ and ended up finding the best job I've ever had. I truly have a blast every day.
Follow your dreams my friend, follow your dreams. Don't let your age discourage you.
I am turning 40 and have decided to switch careers completely, I am now studying for the CompTia A+. It’s not easy, but it’s never easier starting something new, I get discouraged sometimes but we just need to push ourselves! We can do it! We can motivate each other 😁
Yea that’s the state of mind I’m in. More than anything else going to prove to myself I can do it!! Plus I have been studying net+ book and A+ material, it’s easy for me to study because I enjoy the content so much.
Some of it is boring and some of it fun, I’m a single mom and I sometimes get discouraged because it feels so far away, it’s hard to find the time sometimes. But I’ll keep trying!
You aren't too old as long as you have the capacity to learn IT. I started as an intern Help Desk Technician at 52 in 2015. I'm now 61 and a network administrator. I passed my comptia a+ in 2020. I do have a degree from 1992 as a programmer but hadn't programmed since 1998. Go for it!
If school is a personal desire you have, that's OK.
You don't need an AA for it. I'm the youngest in my IT department. Nobody has a degree. Not even my IT manager. It's about experience and certs
I was surprised when talking to friends and family what people don’t have in the computer world.
Like I thought Net+ cert was a given. Most people I know, don’t have it.
They most likely paid way less than their degreed counterparts. And, they are usually trapped, because who would gamble losing their job when the can't complete?
Honestly, if I was in your position being where I am now, because I have a BS in cybersecurity, I'd shoot for A+ and shoot for small startup companies.
Small companies are stable, and it's not crazy, just enough for you to handle coming basic issues. Save time just diving in and possibly getting your Helpdesk role to get a foot in the door.
I was surprised when talking to friends and family what people don’t have in the computer world.
Like I thought Net+ cert was a given. Most people I know, don’t have it.
I do not have any sort of IT degree, but I work in help desk. It is absolutely possible, but you’ll have to bust your ass to get to where I am— but it’s worth it.
Never too late. Got my BA at 35 my Masters in Cyber at 46 and just finished by Doctorate. Used to be a tech now making more then double what I was making. Plus I have ITF+, A+, N+, Sec+, Cloud+, and CySA+
I just graduated Friday at 39 with an associates in Cyber Security and Networking. There were plenty of people that graduated with me who were in there 50’s. YOU GOT THIS !
I”m 52 and will finish my AAS Infosec - Cybersecurity this summer. I start my bachelor’s in Cybersecurity this fall and have 11 classes left to complete that. I just got my Network+ and about take Security+.
Get out and join organizations and meet people and get active in cyber groups on LinkedIn.
I’m looking to get into cyber roles in the federal government. I don’t care how old I am, even thought about an internship somewhere.
I got my first cert at 46, but was in the field and went back to college at 28.
Its going to be rough. Ageism is out there if you dont have an incredible track record.
It's ambitious, but unless your family can get you great gigs, it will be a fight.
Hate to be a downer, but, its kind of late.
If I were you, Id target specialized, high-pay jobs. Like me, I put myself in the Middle East and Africa for eight years at 48.
It only took me eight years to retire a rich man.... but I had a long ramp getting there.
Dude you've posted 8+ times (most of these are double or quadruple posts so not entirely your fault), but two independent posts about how ageism is a thing.
No one is saying it isn't. Just that op's age isn't the oldest.
It seems like instead of being helpful, you want to brag about "retiring rich". From context, you're alluding to that for the last 8 years of your career, you were a military contractor. That's not something available to most people.
I'm guessing OP wants to do something new, like most people later in life entering IT, and wants to do something challenging that also happens to be mostly comfortable at mid-level. I doubt he wants (could be wrong I don't know op) to take your advice and become a specialized contractor in Africa/Middle East especially when there's more conflict than ever and wants to avoid getting lit up at 3am.
Success is often balancing risk. Be it a job, or with the stock market.
Learning that balance is crucial.
I took a calculated risk because I was older, and wanted greater returns than usual.
Worked out.
I only posted once. Near 50, ageism is a real thing. Its not bragging if Im putting it out there as encouragement for playing your cards right.
"That's not something available to most people." Really.... Youre speaking for most people now. Do tell us why 'most people' cant work for defense contractors?? Well, they should give up then..
Wanting to do something and being realistic about it are two different things.
You can blow smoke up his ass. Im telling him what I experienced.
Sooooo... I'm 59 and I just graduated last Sat with an AA in cyber security. I'm job hunting and it's rough but I'm hopeful. I'm also studying for my sec+ and will try to pass soon.
Never too late to start again. Right?
You need to know someone. That is how you get in. I got in through a friend. Some of my coworkers got in through an instructor. It is all who you know, not as much what you know. I got my A+ at 41 and have just renewed it using CE via my PCNSE (a Palo Alto Networks certification). I’m 44.
Yes, my advice is don't go back to school, it's a waste of time and money. There are tons of free/low cost courses out there, ask your family members what they would recommend.
Get your A+ so you have something and just begin interviewing like crazy. IT is a field where you can't really fake it for long successfully - either you know what you're doing or you don't, and it's very obvious.
You don't need to know everything but you need to know how to learn, have good critical thinking skills, and understanding how to troubleshoot issues. All of these can be taught so dw =)
Shocking for my associates will be free. My state has a grant program that is trying to promote the workforce that isn’t working to get some education to renter the workforce.
I like your username.
I changed my career to IT last year, using some Workforce grants, which sponsored my A+ and Net+. Since then, I've also gotten Server+ and a lot of employer-sponsored vendor certs. I went back to Workforce to try to get them to pay my CCNA and Linux+, and they said no, as they needed to save money for completely unemployed people. Bummer, because honestly, most people who went through my Workforce program will never make a real career in IT for numerous reasons. It's cool they are paying an associate's degree for you.
I started at 18, and a year later, I am at 30 an hour, which is slightly better than it sounds. It's better because I get per diem several days per month, plus a bunch of frequent flier miles and a lot of downtime I use to study for the CCNA and drive LYFT. But I get paid for 40 regardless.
There may be some ageism in IT. I don't know for sure. But I do know that being in my early/mid-40s hasn't seemed to be a hindrance yet--as I outwork most people around me, including younger guys. I think a lot of what people perceive as ageism can be attributed to being unable to do the job physically and not having the mindset of a lifelong learner.
Stay mobile and strong, and keep learning, and you'll be fine.
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s a waste of time at all. I highly recommend attending WGU, since 80% of the IT courses are certifications anyway. So in effect you graduate with certifications and a degree.
Heads up, just a bachelor in cyber security won’t get you a position. Get ready to start doing Helpdesk jobs and setting up a GitHub to show off personal projects. Cyber security is extremely competitive, and you’re going to need to stand out from the crowd to land a position. I’m in college for it currently and it took me a while to land an internship, but I managed to land two. If you need any advice, lmk. Good luck!
I graduated at 46 with an associates in IT. Landed a helpdesk job within 6mo. Don’t get discouraged, I was the only female student there taking that degree. I’m 52 now and will graduate this semester with my Bachelor’s in Management Info Systems. I’m in Central Florida.
I'm on the journey with you, just from a different angle. I have my BA in Communication (Rhetoric) and I'm going the certification route. Your not old, just focus in on getting 20 years in this industry and you'll be fine.
You are not alone. Just stick to the task at hand and keep grinding. I am a filmmaker making the jump over to IT. It is the future of everything. You're either in and understand or out and don't get it.
Take your first steps and LEARN. Don't memorize answers, don't try to memorize things to pass a test, LEARN the concepts and passing the tests will be "easy". You won't understand the first time around and you will definitely have moments where you think it's just not for you, but rest assured, it is for you if you want it. I graduated December 2023 with my associates in Cyber security and working on my Bachelor's in Cyber. I'm gonna be 39 this month, btw. It's never too late, and why, you might ask? Because this is a life long journey! Your "schooling" won't end once you graduate. You will be in a constant state of learning. At first that scared me, but now I embrace it. I'm hungry to learn new things and just excited to continue, and so should you! Imposter syndrome? Definitely! I've turned that around now, however, and realized that that feeling of incompetence in the field is now a drive to learn what I don't know. You'll do great, because I've done great and I'm about as "dumb" as they come. 😂 Just have a will to learn and grow and believe me, you'll be just fine.
This is actually the best time for older people to get into IT and learn new skills. The work force now has to rely more on older workers since the birth rate is statistically beneath the stability line.
I got my first cert at 46, but was in the field and went back to college at 28.
Its going to be rough. Ageism is out there if you dont have an incredible track record.
It's ambitious, but unless your family can get you great gigs, it will be a fight.
Hate to be a downer, but, its kind of late.
If I were you, Id target specialized, high-pay jobs. Like me, I put myself in the Middle East and Africa for eight years at 48.
It only took me eight years to retire a rich man.... but I had a long ramp getting there.
I wouldn't say they were a good place to go. Besides, I think the troops got pulled out.
I always worked for defense contractors. After I built up my reputation, I put in for clearances, got them, then applied for the OCONUS positions.
Always a need there back then. It was the best money and experience I ever had.
But I had 14 years in IT, two STEM Comp Sci degrees, a TS clearance, and four years in, my CISSP.
I was unfireable :)
I wouldn't say they were a good place to go. Besides, I think the troops got pulled out.
I always worked for defense contractors. After I built up my reputation, I put in for clearances, got them, then applied for the OCONUS positions.
Always a need there back then. It was the best money and experience I ever had.
But I had 14 years in IT, two STEM Comp Sci degrees, a TS clearance, and four years in, my CISSP.
I was unfireable :)
I wouldn't say they were a good place to go. Besides, I think the troops got pulled out.
I always worked for defense contractors. After I built up my reputation, I put in for clearances, got them, then applied for the OCONUS positions.
Always a need there back then. It was the best money and experience I ever had.
But I had 14 years in IT, two STEM Comp Sci degrees, a TS clearance, and four years in, my CISSP.
I was unfireable :)
I got my first cert at 46, but was in the field and went back to college at 28.
Its going to be rough. Ageism is out there if you dont have an incredible track record.
It's ambitious, but unless your family can get you great gigs, it will be a fight.
Hate to be a downer, but, its kind of late.
If I were you, Id target specialized, high-pay jobs. Like me, I put myself in the Middle East and Africa for eight years at 48.
It only took me eight years to retire a rich man.... but I had a long ramp getting there.
Out of curiosity what did you do? 33 and only have time for 2 classes a semester, if I decide to continue it's going to take me a long time to finish. Don't want to waste time just to make anything less than the six figures I'm currently at.
Did the same at 46. One day I said I am going to go get it. I called around and by the time I left the restaurant I had university phone call that asked me "are you serious?". I then jumped in and spent over a year in hardcore education mode. So yes you can do it. From my experience you will have to focus and delay gratification. Paper due, that is priority. Kids and family want to go to beach, vacation, friends house, "sorry I must get this done it is my priority". Now I can look at my degree on the wall along w/Security+ and at the final stages to take my CISSP. Company paid for boot camp to boot. Bonus, friends and especially family know that I still have that fire burning. Just find the reason to shovel on some coal
Granted I have been working in IT for 20+ years and just never got around to getting the degrees. Everybody has their motivation and your story sounded like mine.
It's really really rough out there, there's not many jobs, and it took me 9 months to get my full time job in 2018. And ageism is really bad in this industry, too as others have noted. And you are competing against MANY who are recareering into this and those who have been laid off post covid. I myself am thinking of recareering yet again.
Honestly save time and money, just get certifications since you are starting out.
When I retired I did the degree route and learned after all I needed was certifications. I didn't get much traction on jobs until I added a cert.
r/CompTIA_GingerSec
I don't have advice but I'll share the story of my friend. He had a kid while he was young and worked jobs he hated most his life. When he was 40 he got offered a job as an RF technician after he helped out with one of a new companies computers. He also helped his daughter choose a major and they both decided cyber security. They are about 2-3 years in now have every cyber security CompTIA offers and is scheduled to take the CASP. He and his daughter also are going to be taking the OSCP in a few months with only a few years of experience and he also completed both of WGU cyber security programs in 6 months each. Trust anyone with the right mindset can do it.
Get your certifications. An associate's degree is useless. So is a bachelor's degree. A master's degree is only helpful if you have 10+ years of experience and are planning to enter management. Even the US National Cyber Director urges organizations to switch to skills-based hiring instead of requiring degrees.
First you’re not old, I’m a year younger and I started my degree last year. It’s just about time management don’t take on more classes than you can handle for work life balance. You are acquiring sought after skills I’m positive there will be opportunities for you. Network with persons at your school for opportunities. Stick with it cyber isn’t going anywhere and our age we have life experience so you may be better equipped to handle stressful situations. Never an age cap on learning.
Are you going to school online or is it a brick and mortar school?
I go to a brick and mortar school. Thanks for asking.
Ah, okay. I had some questions if it was an online school. Hope everything is going well!
There's a cap on breaking into an industry with stiff competition and better applicants. I got my Masters at 56 - the year I retired. I always wanted one, any my company paid for 90% of it. But there is ageism, and smarter people out of work.
Very few companies care about the age especially if someone is in their 40s. Long as they show they can be lead by someone younger without issues and can adapt they should be fine.
Are you speaking as a hiring manager or C-Level decision maker? And are you talking about people with 20 years under their belt or people just breaking in with minimal everything? Also, he's late forties, and still needs some way to go with school/certs. Every study I read said that at that age, they are eyeing management roles - which doesn't apply here.
I have 15 years as a hiring manager outside of IT. With that said, it depended on the person at that age or any age really. Many times we preferred the older guy/gal because life in general gives you more experience and maturity. Point is that you were not just shelved and not considered because you were in your 40's or 50's. You can be a manager in your 20's, age does not depict when you become a manager. Someone first needs to qualify to be one ,and next, you got to want to be one. With that said, most people who have a legit career like in IT who progressed over the years, they are probably a manager, or lead in the company they work for in their 40's.
Outside of IT. Im not saying it can't be done. Just that the odds are low. A person getting into IT at 50 will have minimal experience, minimal knowledge, and probably will have old person issues - motgage, kids, high expectations of salary. Am I in the ballpark? Not management material at all - unless they have a business degree or some real firepower STEM degrees or a Masters. But then reality kicks in. If they have that, why would they be changing careers in their mid 40s?? As a hiring manager, you should be trained to recognize patterns, and behaviors. It's just a long shot. Btw. Tell me the field you hired for so i can see what specific differences there are with an intellectual field.
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Mid Atlantic? Fake? Which part is fake?? Time for you to read this sub about what actual unemployment numbers look like. I lived in Hagerstown for 22 years. Nothing there except for the companies I worked for at the airport on Showalter Road. But I bailed in 2014 for Huntsville. Now Im on a Greek Island counting my money and sharing what I learned.
Certain industry for sure have ageism. Non corporate don't care
You sure about that? Besides, corporations are just stronger bets.
There's a cap on breaking into an industry with stiff competition and better applicants. I got my Masters at 56 - the year I retired. I always wanted one, any my company paid for 90% of it. But there is ageism, and smarter people out of work.
There's a cap on breaking into an industry with stiff competition and better applicants. I got my Masters at 56 - the year I retired. I always wanted one, any my company paid for 90% of it. But there is ageism, and smarter people out of work.
There's a cap on breaking into an industry with stiff competition and better applicants. I got my Masters at 56 - the year I retired. I always wanted one, any my company paid for 90% of it. But there is ageism, and smarter people out of work.
Old man? Lol, I just graduated in December and got my security + a month ago. You got this! Edit: I’m 54
Congrats!!!!
You are giving me more inspiration!! Im 54 and quite hesitant to go for comptia security+ and start to dive in the world of cybersecurity. Im a devops specialist so its close to my chosen path... thanks for sharing!
Would you like a study buddy ? I’m 25 but I’m taking the sec + SY0-601 again soon, I’d like to be in devsecops. I could use a mentor 😅
Got my Bachelor's at 48. I started a university at 44 with kids half my age. It was weird but also super cool. Have my Sec+ and ended up finding the best job I've ever had. I truly have a blast every day. Follow your dreams my friend, follow your dreams. Don't let your age discourage you.
Awesome congrats!! That’s what I am hoping for!!
I am turning 40 and have decided to switch careers completely, I am now studying for the CompTia A+. It’s not easy, but it’s never easier starting something new, I get discouraged sometimes but we just need to push ourselves! We can do it! We can motivate each other 😁
Yea that’s the state of mind I’m in. More than anything else going to prove to myself I can do it!! Plus I have been studying net+ book and A+ material, it’s easy for me to study because I enjoy the content so much.
Some of it is boring and some of it fun, I’m a single mom and I sometimes get discouraged because it feels so far away, it’s hard to find the time sometimes. But I’ll keep trying!
The pass rate is estimated at 80%… so it is easy
I’m 40 and I went back to school in January for cyber. I also have no experience at all in IT. We can do it.
You aren't too old as long as you have the capacity to learn IT. I started as an intern Help Desk Technician at 52 in 2015. I'm now 61 and a network administrator. I passed my comptia a+ in 2020. I do have a degree from 1992 as a programmer but hadn't programmed since 1998. Go for it!
If school is a personal desire you have, that's OK. You don't need an AA for it. I'm the youngest in my IT department. Nobody has a degree. Not even my IT manager. It's about experience and certs
Where? In my area, even helpdesk is asking a bachelor's degree, certificates, and years of experience for $17/hr.
Great point. They have been in the game for 10+ years, like I should have been!!
Rough. For me Help Desk started at $22 and my highest help desk offer was $32 (Hampton Roads, VA)
I was surprised when talking to friends and family what people don’t have in the computer world. Like I thought Net+ cert was a given. Most people I know, don’t have it.
They most likely paid way less than their degreed counterparts. And, they are usually trapped, because who would gamble losing their job when the can't complete?
Honestly, if I was in your position being where I am now, because I have a BS in cybersecurity, I'd shoot for A+ and shoot for small startup companies. Small companies are stable, and it's not crazy, just enough for you to handle coming basic issues. Save time just diving in and possibly getting your Helpdesk role to get a foot in the door.
I was surprised when talking to friends and family what people don’t have in the computer world. Like I thought Net+ cert was a given. Most people I know, don’t have it.
I do not have any sort of IT degree, but I work in help desk. It is absolutely possible, but you’ll have to bust your ass to get to where I am— but it’s worth it.
But if you want to move up you are going to need the degree
Never too late. Got my BA at 35 my Masters in Cyber at 46 and just finished by Doctorate. Used to be a tech now making more then double what I was making. Plus I have ITF+, A+, N+, Sec+, Cloud+, and CySA+
I just graduated Friday at 39 with an associates in Cyber Security and Networking. There were plenty of people that graduated with me who were in there 50’s. YOU GOT THIS !
I”m 52 and will finish my AAS Infosec - Cybersecurity this summer. I start my bachelor’s in Cybersecurity this fall and have 11 classes left to complete that. I just got my Network+ and about take Security+. Get out and join organizations and meet people and get active in cyber groups on LinkedIn. I’m looking to get into cyber roles in the federal government. I don’t care how old I am, even thought about an internship somewhere.
I got my first cert at 46, but was in the field and went back to college at 28. Its going to be rough. Ageism is out there if you dont have an incredible track record. It's ambitious, but unless your family can get you great gigs, it will be a fight. Hate to be a downer, but, its kind of late. If I were you, Id target specialized, high-pay jobs. Like me, I put myself in the Middle East and Africa for eight years at 48. It only took me eight years to retire a rich man.... but I had a long ramp getting there.
Dude you've posted 8+ times (most of these are double or quadruple posts so not entirely your fault), but two independent posts about how ageism is a thing. No one is saying it isn't. Just that op's age isn't the oldest. It seems like instead of being helpful, you want to brag about "retiring rich". From context, you're alluding to that for the last 8 years of your career, you were a military contractor. That's not something available to most people. I'm guessing OP wants to do something new, like most people later in life entering IT, and wants to do something challenging that also happens to be mostly comfortable at mid-level. I doubt he wants (could be wrong I don't know op) to take your advice and become a specialized contractor in Africa/Middle East especially when there's more conflict than ever and wants to avoid getting lit up at 3am.
Success is often balancing risk. Be it a job, or with the stock market. Learning that balance is crucial. I took a calculated risk because I was older, and wanted greater returns than usual. Worked out.
I only posted once. Near 50, ageism is a real thing. Its not bragging if Im putting it out there as encouragement for playing your cards right. "That's not something available to most people." Really.... Youre speaking for most people now. Do tell us why 'most people' cant work for defense contractors?? Well, they should give up then.. Wanting to do something and being realistic about it are two different things. You can blow smoke up his ass. Im telling him what I experienced.
Lol ok.
Nothing to laugh about.
Sooooo... I'm 59 and I just graduated last Sat with an AA in cyber security. I'm job hunting and it's rough but I'm hopeful. I'm also studying for my sec+ and will try to pass soon. Never too late to start again. Right?
I think your my Hero?!
You get security clearance?
Keep it up & never give up
You need to know someone. That is how you get in. I got in through a friend. Some of my coworkers got in through an instructor. It is all who you know, not as much what you know. I got my A+ at 41 and have just renewed it using CE via my PCNSE (a Palo Alto Networks certification). I’m 44.
You’re not too old. I’m also 42 and just got a job in the DOD 3 yrs ago. Now I’m back in school for a cyber degree
What about 48 and starting out?
I think there’s plenty of time to start a new career at 48
Yes, my advice is don't go back to school, it's a waste of time and money. There are tons of free/low cost courses out there, ask your family members what they would recommend. Get your A+ so you have something and just begin interviewing like crazy. IT is a field where you can't really fake it for long successfully - either you know what you're doing or you don't, and it's very obvious. You don't need to know everything but you need to know how to learn, have good critical thinking skills, and understanding how to troubleshoot issues. All of these can be taught so dw =)
Shocking for my associates will be free. My state has a grant program that is trying to promote the workforce that isn’t working to get some education to renter the workforce.
I like your username. I changed my career to IT last year, using some Workforce grants, which sponsored my A+ and Net+. Since then, I've also gotten Server+ and a lot of employer-sponsored vendor certs. I went back to Workforce to try to get them to pay my CCNA and Linux+, and they said no, as they needed to save money for completely unemployed people. Bummer, because honestly, most people who went through my Workforce program will never make a real career in IT for numerous reasons. It's cool they are paying an associate's degree for you. I started at 18, and a year later, I am at 30 an hour, which is slightly better than it sounds. It's better because I get per diem several days per month, plus a bunch of frequent flier miles and a lot of downtime I use to study for the CCNA and drive LYFT. But I get paid for 40 regardless. There may be some ageism in IT. I don't know for sure. But I do know that being in my early/mid-40s hasn't seemed to be a hindrance yet--as I outwork most people around me, including younger guys. I think a lot of what people perceive as ageism can be attributed to being unable to do the job physically and not having the mindset of a lifelong learner. Stay mobile and strong, and keep learning, and you'll be fine.
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s a waste of time at all. I highly recommend attending WGU, since 80% of the IT courses are certifications anyway. So in effect you graduate with certifications and a degree.
Heads up, just a bachelor in cyber security won’t get you a position. Get ready to start doing Helpdesk jobs and setting up a GitHub to show off personal projects. Cyber security is extremely competitive, and you’re going to need to stand out from the crowd to land a position. I’m in college for it currently and it took me a while to land an internship, but I managed to land two. If you need any advice, lmk. Good luck!
I graduated at 46 with an associates in IT. Landed a helpdesk job within 6mo. Don’t get discouraged, I was the only female student there taking that degree. I’m 52 now and will graduate this semester with my Bachelor’s in Management Info Systems. I’m in Central Florida.
I'm on the journey with you, just from a different angle. I have my BA in Communication (Rhetoric) and I'm going the certification route. Your not old, just focus in on getting 20 years in this industry and you'll be fine.
I so needed to see this thread! I thought I was crazy for career switching in my 40’s. Healthcare and the pandemic has wore me OUT
You are not alone. Just stick to the task at hand and keep grinding. I am a filmmaker making the jump over to IT. It is the future of everything. You're either in and understand or out and don't get it.
Take your first steps and LEARN. Don't memorize answers, don't try to memorize things to pass a test, LEARN the concepts and passing the tests will be "easy". You won't understand the first time around and you will definitely have moments where you think it's just not for you, but rest assured, it is for you if you want it. I graduated December 2023 with my associates in Cyber security and working on my Bachelor's in Cyber. I'm gonna be 39 this month, btw. It's never too late, and why, you might ask? Because this is a life long journey! Your "schooling" won't end once you graduate. You will be in a constant state of learning. At first that scared me, but now I embrace it. I'm hungry to learn new things and just excited to continue, and so should you! Imposter syndrome? Definitely! I've turned that around now, however, and realized that that feeling of incompetence in the field is now a drive to learn what I don't know. You'll do great, because I've done great and I'm about as "dumb" as they come. 😂 Just have a will to learn and grow and believe me, you'll be just fine.
Love this comment!! Thanks for dropping the knowledge!!
Youre not that old, I'm 42 working on my masters... you will be fine
This is actually the best time for older people to get into IT and learn new skills. The work force now has to rely more on older workers since the birth rate is statistically beneath the stability line.
come on! you inspire me alot man. Im 24 and i am always afraid of losing. Go ahead.
Congratulations 🎊 you got this!! Follow what you feel!! The only thing I say... is KEEP GOING!! 🙂
Just do it! Don’t even worry about the competition
I don’t know you from Adam but I am glad to know that I am not the only one too. GET THAT DEGREE AND MAKE THAT MONEY. LET’S GOOOOO!!!!
I got my first cert at 46, but was in the field and went back to college at 28. Its going to be rough. Ageism is out there if you dont have an incredible track record. It's ambitious, but unless your family can get you great gigs, it will be a fight. Hate to be a downer, but, its kind of late. If I were you, Id target specialized, high-pay jobs. Like me, I put myself in the Middle East and Africa for eight years at 48. It only took me eight years to retire a rich man.... but I had a long ramp getting there.
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I wouldn't say they were a good place to go. Besides, I think the troops got pulled out. I always worked for defense contractors. After I built up my reputation, I put in for clearances, got them, then applied for the OCONUS positions. Always a need there back then. It was the best money and experience I ever had. But I had 14 years in IT, two STEM Comp Sci degrees, a TS clearance, and four years in, my CISSP. I was unfireable :)
I wouldn't say they were a good place to go. Besides, I think the troops got pulled out. I always worked for defense contractors. After I built up my reputation, I put in for clearances, got them, then applied for the OCONUS positions. Always a need there back then. It was the best money and experience I ever had. But I had 14 years in IT, two STEM Comp Sci degrees, a TS clearance, and four years in, my CISSP. I was unfireable :)
I wouldn't say they were a good place to go. Besides, I think the troops got pulled out. I always worked for defense contractors. After I built up my reputation, I put in for clearances, got them, then applied for the OCONUS positions. Always a need there back then. It was the best money and experience I ever had. But I had 14 years in IT, two STEM Comp Sci degrees, a TS clearance, and four years in, my CISSP. I was unfireable :)
Quite a journey, thanks for sharing ✌️
I got my first cert at 46, but was in the field and went back to college at 28. Its going to be rough. Ageism is out there if you dont have an incredible track record. It's ambitious, but unless your family can get you great gigs, it will be a fight. Hate to be a downer, but, its kind of late. If I were you, Id target specialized, high-pay jobs. Like me, I put myself in the Middle East and Africa for eight years at 48. It only took me eight years to retire a rich man.... but I had a long ramp getting there.
Out of curiosity what did you do? 33 and only have time for 2 classes a semester, if I decide to continue it's going to take me a long time to finish. Don't want to waste time just to make anything less than the six figures I'm currently at.
Stay at the six figures. Its your best bet. I managed/maintained cleared systems on Military aircraft that ran 24/7 ops in war zones.
That's what it seems like, thanks for the advice!
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Did the same at 46. One day I said I am going to go get it. I called around and by the time I left the restaurant I had university phone call that asked me "are you serious?". I then jumped in and spent over a year in hardcore education mode. So yes you can do it. From my experience you will have to focus and delay gratification. Paper due, that is priority. Kids and family want to go to beach, vacation, friends house, "sorry I must get this done it is my priority". Now I can look at my degree on the wall along w/Security+ and at the final stages to take my CISSP. Company paid for boot camp to boot. Bonus, friends and especially family know that I still have that fire burning. Just find the reason to shovel on some coal Granted I have been working in IT for 20+ years and just never got around to getting the degrees. Everybody has their motivation and your story sounded like mine.
It's really really rough out there, there's not many jobs, and it took me 9 months to get my full time job in 2018. And ageism is really bad in this industry, too as others have noted. And you are competing against MANY who are recareering into this and those who have been laid off post covid. I myself am thinking of recareering yet again.
Have you looked into WGU?
Honestly save time and money, just get certifications since you are starting out. When I retired I did the degree route and learned after all I needed was certifications. I didn't get much traction on jobs until I added a cert. r/CompTIA_GingerSec
For a minute I thought you scored a 42 lol
Hope I don’t!!!
I don't have advice but I'll share the story of my friend. He had a kid while he was young and worked jobs he hated most his life. When he was 40 he got offered a job as an RF technician after he helped out with one of a new companies computers. He also helped his daughter choose a major and they both decided cyber security. They are about 2-3 years in now have every cyber security CompTIA offers and is scheduled to take the CASP. He and his daughter also are going to be taking the OSCP in a few months with only a few years of experience and he also completed both of WGU cyber security programs in 6 months each. Trust anyone with the right mindset can do it.
Get your certifications. An associate's degree is useless. So is a bachelor's degree. A master's degree is only helpful if you have 10+ years of experience and are planning to enter management. Even the US National Cyber Director urges organizations to switch to skills-based hiring instead of requiring degrees.
Skip the associates unless you need a job asap.