Network Engineer

[Eric]

Ok, so I am getting in on this a little late.  But I have to ask: I have a
law degree, but I am basically in the middle of doing a career change to
Linux Sys Admin.  Since I don't have a CS/BSEE/CIS, however, I am thinking
about taking the Sair or RHCE to give myself some "credibility."  But I
ain't gonna do a career change where I top out at $40,000 per annum.

From this whole thread, I am gettin' some pretty negative vibes about the
future of at least some techie jobs, esp. "Network Engineer."  Is the gist
(sp?) here that it is not a good time to be career changin' into this type
of field?

PS--Yes, I am very familiar with the opinions of some in re certifications,
but if you have any better advice for someone with no CS and high student
loan debt, I am listening.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: plug-discuss-admin@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us
> [mailto:plug-discuss-admin@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us]On Behalf Of Linux
> Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2001 2:56 PM
> To: plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us
> Subject: Re: Network Engineer
>
>
> > Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 11:13:06 -0700 (PDT)
> > From: Matt Alexander <m@netpro.to>
> > To: <plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us>
> > Subject: Re: Network Engineer
> > Reply-To: plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us
> >
> > I like the part about needing 5 years of experience with
> > Win2K and other operating systems that haven't been
> > out that long.  It reminds me of a few years back when
> >  I was seeing job listings for "Senior Java Developer -
> > Must have 8-10 years experience with
> > Java programming in an Enterprise environment."
> >
>
> I find these ads very humorous myself!
>
> > But you do make an interesting point.  I think that
> >  those of us in this industry have been WAY overpaid
> >  for quite a few years now.
>
> I disagree.  One has a reasonable expectation of make a living.  $35,000 a
> year is a start.  There is a shortage of tech people why?  Long Hours, Low
> Pay, HIGH level of Responsibility!  I can hang around a car lot 50 hours a
> week and make $50,000 plus a year with little or no education.  There is a
> skill however it is a "soft" skill.  I think most people can sell
> a car with
> a couple weeks training and a few months coaching.  Should you not make
> atleast as much as a car salesman?
>
> I personally would refuse working for that kind of money unless I am
> learning a ton.  I hope we all refuse to work for $35,000 a year,
> post entry
> level.
>
>
> > As the carnage from the
> > dot-com bubble settles, I'm guessing that salaries
> > will shrink back down to a more reasonable level.
> > ~M
>
> Can you support your family in the Phoenix or Tucson area on
> $35,000 a year?
>
> Keith
>
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