I hate to decide, especially when my future's at stake

[cmM]

Interesting twist in my life on the professional level this morning, and I’m honestly torn. As some of you may know, I’ve been working for the past year or so as a CAD engineer (through an employment agency however). I love photography, I like geometry and engineering, I have studied computers… So now I’ve worked in engineering for the past few years (my previous job was with CAD too). Today, my boss gives drops something onto my desk… a job application … to work directly as a company employee, but not in engineering. IT position … managing/analyzing the shop management software that we run in the plant. Sounds awesome, but that would mean a lot more commitment from me to the company, a lot more time. What holds me back? I haven’t completed my education yet. I have an associate degree, I want more. I don’t know if or how well I will be able to pursue that while doing my job in the same time. So what do I choose? A possible start of a career in IT, or education – broaden my horizons. I’d love to do both, but I don’t know how well I’ll be able to do that.

So here I am with the application clipped to my resume, all filled out. Maybe I should just flip a coin… heads or tails?

[BeautyEyes]

Do what you love! If you have a family to support that probably makes your decision more complex. But do what makes you happy. This from someone who has done what everyone else thought was best for me too many times. Take care BE

[Scottes]

Do what you like/love, no doubt.

Be aware of the overhead of IT... I've done it for 15 of the last 18 years. It can be a PITA on time and availability... Also extremely rewarding. But I highly doubt that I'll go back to it. My time is too precious.

[dewmuw]

Just a few thoughts to consider:

1. How old are you? Many people take jobs with the intention of carrying on their eductaion or returning to it at a later date and never do. If you are still a young guy you've got time to finish your education now and be even more attractive to employeers.

2. What do you want to do in the long term and which course of action makes that most likely?

3. If the company want you that bad how about asking them if they will sponsor you through the rest of your education?

4. Do you have a family to support?

5. What does your gut instinct say?

Only you can make the decision, but try and picture yourself in 5 years times looking back at today. What do you see?

[cmM]

well both of these fields interest me, I like doing both of them. Taking the IT position though might be the thing that will determine my future, and that is the thing I'm torn about. It might restrict my ability to a further education, it might open some doors and close others.
I'm 21, and I don't have to supprt anyone except myself, but in the same time this is a great opportunity, not only for the money, but also for my future.
....I'm so lost. I'm leaning towards taking the job though at this point.

[aam1234]

Hi Chris,

Just to make sure I understood you correctly, are these your options:

1- Take the job now and (realistically) forego your education.
2- Continue your education with a part time job.

If those were the options, and I'm in that situation, I'd choose option #2. Education has better return on "investment" in the long run.

[cmM]

no, no part time job. Either school or IT.

and I am not sure that education might land me in a better position (to start with) than the one I'm currently being offered... I think, I'm yet to meet with the IT staff and be briefed in more details in my future(?) duties

[aam1234]

Thanks for the clarification.

[aam1234]

and I am not sure that education might land me in a better position (to start with) than the one I'm currently being offered

You may start with the same position when you graduate, but with education the ceiling is a lot higher --- for promotions, development, and better positions down the road.

[robertwgross]

Make a deal with the boss that you'll work there for a specified period if he partially funds your education.

---Bob Gross---

[dewmuw]

I don't know what the figure are in the US - but a university graduate in the UK will on average over the course of a career earn £500,000 ($1m) more than a non graduate. Might help.


I forgot to say earlier - good luck deciding.

[gramps]

I can't tell you which way to go but I can offer one thing..............I've been retired for 10 years now, I spent 28+ years at the same job and enjopyed going in every day. Whatever job you take/do make sure that you are happy doing it.

[FlyingPete]

well both of these fields interest me, I like doing both of them. Taking the IT position though might be the thing that will determine my future, and that is the thing I'm torn about. It might restrict my ability to a further education, it might open some doors and close others.
I'm 21, and I don't have to supprt anyone except myself, but in the same time this is a great opportunity, not only for the money, but also for my future.
....I'm so lost. I'm leaning towards taking the job though at this point.

I was at the same cross roads at the same age! I took the IT path, it was that or graphics/photography. In hind sight 10 years later I made the correct descison for me, I now have a really cool job that pays very well and has a future. Not sure I would have got there with the other option.

It is important to note that I have no 'higher' education, secondary (or college in US speak) is a far as I went, I do now have industry relevant qualifications obtained over the last 10 years (only hassle is, they expire as things change so quickly, my NT3.5 MSCE isn't much good now!). But I am now near the top of my game in the local IT scene, no doubt in the next few years I will begin the decent into management.

On the side though I have been working my photographic thing in my spare time, building my reputation, skills and resources until the day I can hopefully do that full time instead. I am a long way off though, I need to be really excellentto match where I am in IT, in fact I might never make it, but I now have an awesome hobby that pays its own way.

[cmM]

Well..... I turned in my application. I will give IT a shot. If it's too much for me to handle, then I will back out - all the way out. Hopefully I will be able to continue my education in the same time. Partial funding is possible through the company, so maybe they'll pay for it too.

...and I hope I'll have some time left for photography as well. I'm not gonna give up my passion even if I don't have time, I'll just have to do it less.

Either way, thank you for the support and excelent advice.

[aam1234]

Wishing you the best Chris, and please let us know how things turn out.

[MT]

Good luck - since you've already decided I can influence you (whew!).

IT is a little different than lots of other fields. Lack of education doesn't seem to be a hindrance, lack of experience is. I've been in IT for ...way too long...longer than you've been alive (yes they had computer that long ago), but my experience isn't directly applicable. That said, I've got three sons currently working in IT in one capacity or the other - all without formal education (or at least not for ComSci education - one has a completely unrelated degree).

One of the boys started in IT @ 19 - he is far above his age peers in terms of salary and promotion - likely he will remain so.

[jO3]

All i have to say, from personal experience, and I know I'm young, but still, is this:

Do what you love and love what you do.

[dewmuw]

Good luck mate.

Now, if you are going to be too busy to spend a lot of time on photography can I have your gear? :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[cmM]

Hahha.. sure, what's your shipping address?



.... Oh, wait, not today.... I have a photoshoot with a model :-P