Got a job offer. Need career advice.

[vital]

I've been an IT Auditor for 5 years and I just got an offer for a Senior IT Auditor position with another company for $10k more than what I currently make. The problem is I find auditing boring and I've been trying to change my career track to a more technical role in information security. I even achieved my CISSP and I'm also CISA certified but I cant seem to get an in person interview for a security analyst position after the technical phone screenings. Should I take the Sr IT Auditor position or keep trying to pursue something different? Part of the reason why I interviewed for the audit position was due to frustration and boredom from my current job.

 

[Slugbait]

At this point of the economic recovery, take the 10K and then pull a Suzy Orman: bank that extra 10K and continue to drive that old '73 Volvo until the engine freezes up, stop eating out as much, find a less-expensive daily beer, and build up your emergency fund.

Dazzle your new boss, maybe they have a position next year for something you wanna do. I assume as a "senior" auditor, you may have a couple of direct reports, which leads more toward management positions later. If they don't have further opportunities, you've got a cushion of cash to survive on if the company discovers you're doing informationals or interviews and fires your ass.

In short...I'd take it, then make my next move from there.

 

[Modelworks]

Money is never worth being miserable to earn. If you don't think you will like the job then don't take it for the money. Life is too short to spend doing something you don't like and have a choice to not do.

 

[vital]

Money is never worth being miserable to earn. If you don't think you will like the job then don't take it for the money. Life is too short to spend doing something you don't like and have a choice to not do.

Well the problem is I already don't like what I'm doing and it's tough for me to acquire the info sec position without direct experience.

 

[jbt52]

Take it and keep looking

 

[Zargon]

Take it and keep looking

this.

bank most of the extra cash and use some to continue exploring security?

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I'd do that too. I know several people who have landed other great jobs doing just this.

Take it and keep looking

 

[stahlhart]

Certs aren't a substitute for experience, and my guess is that this is coming out in the screenings. You're probably going to have to take a step back into some hands-on and working on getting this more equal to your skill level as an auditor. At the end of the day you'd be a broader and more flexible employee than a purely technical person, I think.

 

[Modelworks]

Well the problem is I already don't like what I'm doing and it's tough for me to acquire the info sec position without direct experience.

A bigger question might be if you don't like what you are doing now what makes you think that moving up in the same field will be any better. I have seen too many people spend their lives in horrible jobs being miserable in hopes that the next promotion will make things better. Do what you enjoy if at all possible. Being miserable and working a job you hate for years in the hope it will get better and then getting killed in a car crash before those dreams ever come true is a sad life to live.

 

[vital]

A bigger question might be if you don't like what you are doing now what makes you think that moving up in the same field will be any better. I have seen too many people spend their lives in horrible jobs being miserable in hopes that the next promotion will make things better. Do what you enjoy if at all possible. Being miserable and working a job you hate for years in the hope it will get better and then getting killed in a car crash before those dreams ever come true is a sad life to live.

Well I figured with the extra money I'd at least enjoy life better by getting some nicer toys or going to nice places for travel..

 

[Slugbait]

Well I figured with the extra money I'd at least enjoy life better by getting some nicer toys or going to nice places for travel..

Looking at your sig rig, I'm sure there are a few people here who would be willing to help you decide on the toys part...

 

[lxskllr]

Well I figured with the extra money I'd at least enjoy life better by getting some nicer toys or going to nice places for travel..

I think Modelworks is on the money. Cash isn't worth anything if you don't enjoy your job. I've been there, and still get anxiety episodes thinking of doing it again. I'd take minimum wage doing something I loved rather than 6 figures doing something I hated.

I don't know the particulars of your situation with regards to moving into something you like, but don't change jobs for money only. If you move, move towards something you want to do.

 

[Slugbait]

I've been there, too. I killed the anxiety with beer.

Five years. Apparently no career ladder. Higher position with higher pay is available. Possible career ladder available.

In this economy, waiting and dreaming is financial suicide. Don't believe me? Suzy Orman takes live calls...

You can still keep trying to pursue something different. Perhaps with your new company...the current company appears to not have that option.

 

[gsellis]

Is there lateral opportunities at the new company not where you are at? That is what to consider too.

 

[vital]

I've decided not to proceed with the position. I have other interviews lined up with fortune 50 companies and since I'm underpaid anyway getting a $10k bump isn't that hard to get. Thanks for the input.

 

[lxskllr]

Good luck with your upcoming interviews. I hope you find a good fit :^)

 

[vital]

Edit:Reposted twice

 

[lowrider69]

A bigger question might be if you don't like what you are doing now what makes you think that moving up in the same field will be any better. I have seen too many people spend their lives in horrible jobs being miserable in hopes that the next promotion will make things better. Do what you enjoy if at all possible. Being miserable and working a job you hate for years in the hope it will get better and then getting killed in a car crash before those dreams ever come true is a sad life to live.

A bit dramatic at the end but I agree.

I worked at a job in the IT field that payed well that I couldn't stand. I won't go into great detail but lets just say the environment sucked, the job was boring, too much backstabbing, ass kissing, and everybody thought they were a superstar who knew more than the next guy. That unfortunately describes many work environments . Anyway, I left and never looked back. I don't make as much money now but I'm happier because I'm doing my own thing.

 

[Oakenfold]

I've been an IT Auditor for 5 years and I just got an offer for a Senior IT Auditor position with another company for $10k more than what I currently make. The problem is I find auditing boring and I've been trying to change my career track to a more technical role in information security. I even achieved my CISSP and I'm also CISA certified but I cant seem to get an in person interview for a security analyst position after the technical phone screenings. Should I take the Sr IT Auditor position or keep trying to pursue something different? Part of the reason why I interviewed for the audit position was due to frustration and boredom from my current job.

Sorry I'm a bit late to the party. It's not an easy transition, one I don't have the answer too as I'm working through the same problem right now. From my experience I can share this:

With a Senior IT Auditor role you may find more of an opportunity to work with external security firms or directly with your information security group or network security. You could also look into information security governance or an information security officer type role as a career plan.

Do you have a mentor? If not now is a good time to get one, try looking outside of your job (maybe at your local ISACA chapter?).

Try asking potential employers for feedback regarding what they are looking for. You've got good experience, and the right certifications, I'm assuming their concern is limited technical background?

In short, I'd take a Senior IT Auditor position and keep working to better yourself professionally with some direction from a mentor to move into Information Security (i.e., that doesn't mean you have to stop applying for those jobs!).

Goodluck and keep us updated!
p.s.<-----waiting on Cisa results from the June exam.

 

[chuck2002]

If you like Security, keep working on it. Backtrack has some nice training and certification stuff.
Short of working for free for experience, I don't know how you will get your foot in the door other than keep learning and practicing and interviewing until you can dazzle them with your know how.
Swapping career paths is tough no matter the industry. Keep at it.

 

[vital]

Thanks all.. I just accepted a Sr IT Auditor positioning with a fortune 100 tech company in silicon valley. I didn't get my target position but... but I now make $20k more..

 

[gsellis]

Good for you.

 

[Venom20]

Good job. I currently despise what I do and think it is a waste of my intelligence. Money generally isn't worth it if you don't like what you do.

I hope you find more happiness with this new opportunity.