Thinking of quitting my career job. Need help!

[SeductivePig]

Currently an electrical engineering consultant in the oil/gas industry. Have an EE degree from a good school. 5 years experience in a niche field, along with a PE license.

I am contemplating quitting my job and moving back in with my parents for a year. I have enough saved to survive for 16-18 months without a job.

My plan is to aggressively study software/tech and network in hopes of landing an entry level role. My dad has a lot of friends at the director/VP level at big companies in the healthcare industry. He himself is in the IT industry at a major healthcare company, so he could teach me some things.

My question is, to you guys that work in the industry - for a guy of average intelligence but a strong work ethic, is it feasible to think I could land an entry level role with 6 months of intense study (60 hours a week of programming and CS studying), 1 month of practicing for interviews, and 3 months of aggressive job hunting? Could I land a salary of say, $80k in a major city like Chicago?

Or would I be better off keeping my job and trying to do the same thing in my spare time?

My reason for quitting is that I am being asked to take on additional responsibilities and it may involve me having to put in some extra effort, and I know that it's ultimately a waste of time/energy. I could spare maybe 20-30 hours a week studying/networking if I kept the job.

 

[Red Squirrel]

EE is pretty good to have and rather secure, what is making you quit? Computer/tech stuff moves too fast, it's not really secure. I kinda regret going that route myself. Always questioning how long I'll have my job for. Just riding it out as long as I can since it's an awesome job, just not secure as it could easily be automated or outsourced or simply amalgamated somewhere else in the company.

Do you have any electrical related credentials, like would you be able to do actual electrical work or were you only strictly a consultant? If you can easily do the actual work maybe consider starting a small electrical business that does simple residential type work, if all you want is change of environment. It's crossed my mind to do but for someone with zero credentials it's very hard to get into if you didn't go to school for it, because of the hours you need as an apprentice.

 

[sdifox]

Weren't you supposed to find a girl and get married? Quitting your job and living in your parents' basement is not going to cut it.

 

[SeductivePig]

Weren't you supposed to find a girl and get married? Quitting your job and living in your parents' basement is not going to cut it.

I have a GF - we are engaged, and she's employed. Not sure how this has any relevance to my thread.

 

[SeductivePig]

EE is pretty good to have and rather secure, what is making you quit? Computer/tech stuff moves too fast, it's not really secure. I kinda regret going that route myself. Always questioning how long I'll have my job for. Just riding it out as long as I can since it's an awesome job, just not secure as it could easily be automated or outsourced or simply amalgamated somewhere else in the company.

Do you have any electrical related credentials, like would you be able to do actual electrical work or were you only strictly a consultant? If you can easily do the actual work maybe consider starting a small electrical business that does simple residential type work, if all you want is change of environment. It's crossed my mind to do but for someone with zero credentials it's very hard to get into if you didn't go to school for it, because of the hours you need as an apprentice.

I don't enjoy the work. And yes I do the electrical work, I'm a consultant/contractor - I fill a role which the company I consult for doesn't have in-house.

I don't like the people I work with either. Extremely high arrogance/ego.

 

[sdifox]

I have a GF - we are engaged, and she's employed. Not sure how this has any relevance to my thread.

It has everything to do with your thread. Are you going to live in the basement of your parents when you get married?

 

[Carson Dyle]

Having worked for several decades in software, if I were to do it over again, I would have gotten an EE degree.

If you don't like the work you're doing, find another job. Move to another city for a change of scenery, etc. Don't burn down the house killing spiders.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I don't enjoy the work. And yes I do the electrical work, I'm a consultant/contractor - I fill a role which the company I consult for doesn't have in-house.

I don't like the people I work with either. Extremely high arrogance/ego. To the point where my manager, a guy with a thick FOB accent, is attempting to correct my English.

Ugh yeah, that's actually the type of stuff that made me quit my healthcare IT job. The people - well mostly the manager, the users, and others I worked with were nice, but the manager and all his politics just made it a terrible environment. So I can understand that.

But if you also don't enjoy the work, then yeah maybe it's worth trying route you're looking at for a change of career. If you can live at your parents and it's something you want to do, until you get your feet back on the ground, then I'd say go for it.

I would consider just a different job in same field first though maybe that's all you really need.

 

[ImpulsE69]

I would question the whole 'moving back in with my parents' part of this plan regardless of what you decide career wise...

Is this a generational thing? I assumed being on your own was a sense of pride. These days people seem to just not care enough to make the sacrifices to not move out and stay out of their parents. (Not really directed at OP necessarily, just an observation).

 

[SeductivePig]

Having worked for several decades in software, if I were to do it over again, I would have gotten an EE degree.

If you don't like the work you're doing, find another job. Move to another city for a change of scenery, etc. Don't burn down the house killing spiders.

Ugh yeah, that's actually the type of stuff that made me quit my healthcare IT job. The people - well mostly the manager, the users, and others I worked with were nice, but the manager and all his politics just made it a terrible environment. So I can understand that.

But if you also don't enjoy the work, then yeah maybe it's worth trying route you're looking at for a change of career. If you can live at your parents and it's something you want to do, until you get your feet back on the ground, then I'd say go for it.

I would consider just a different job in same field first though maybe that's all you really need.

It's not just that I don't like the work, I don't even like the industry that I'm in. I don't like my older coworkers - they are extremely arrogant/condescending. This is something that is probably prevalent in the entire industry. They take so much pride in being right, they're like little children. If they are ever proved wrong they go red in the face and act like someone just killed their family. One guy, around 52-53, was telling me that I was wrong for using a mouse with my laptop. Apparently keeping a computer in my bedroom is also wrong.

The amount of borderline autism in these people is literally mind boggling.

I would question the whole 'moving back in with my parents' part of this plan regardless of what you decide career wise...

Is this a generational thing? I assumed being on your own was a sense of pride. These days people seem to just not care enough to make the sacrifices to not move out and stay out of their parents. (Not really directed at OP necessarily, just an observation).

I'm not a guy with a big ego - living with my parents doesn't define me as a person. That, and I love my parents/family dearly. I haven't lived with them since I was 18, and wouldn't hesitate to move back in with them on a temporary basis. They are getting old.

 

[Carson Dyle]

It's not just that I don't like the work, I don't even like the industry that I'm in.

Changing the industry should be the easy part. Find an EE job in a different industry. The day to day work could change dramatically.

 

[SeductivePig]

Changing the industry should be the easy part. Find an EE job in a different industry. The day to day work could change dramatically.

I don't think so.. while I think moving into a different EE industry could be interesting, my current role is far too specialized for me to make a quick transfer. I am in the electrical power industry. I want to completely get out of that. Moving into something dealing with circuits or communications is not a possibility given my background, I think.. I would need a masters probably.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I'm an EE and took the IT and software dev route myself. My advice? Don't do it - just look for different EE jobs.

 

[SeductivePig]

I'm an EE and took the IT and software dev route myself. My advice? Don't do it - just look for different EE jobs.

I don't necessarily see IT/software as an endgame. I see it as a stepping point for getting into other fields.

Tech consulting
Management consulting
Analytics
Big Data
Artificial Intelligence
Fintech
Algorithmic Trading
Quantitative Finance (this is a longshot)

Etc. I don't want to stay in a hardcore IT/software role forever. I want to move to the business side of things (also getting an MBA is not an option for me).

 

[Thebobo]

I have a GF - we are engaged, and she's employed. Not sure how this has any relevance to my thread.

Pics!

 

[Thebobo]

Have you ever read the book What color is my Parachute? Helped and a lot of my frieds a lot and it free as a audio book for a trial at amazon.

 

[Carson Dyle]

I don't think so.. while I think moving into a different EE industry could be interesting, my current role is far too specialized for me to make a quick transfer.

While it's probably true that you may not be able to just send out resumes and take your pick of job offers, as young as you are and with only five years of experience, you're not pigeonholed into that industry or that work. You could find something closer to an entry level job in EE and find something you really enjoy doing in that field.

 

[Herr Kutz]

Where are you based right now?

 

[SeductivePig]

While it's probably true that you may not be able to just send out resumes and take your pick of job offers, as young as you are and with only five years of experience, you're not pigeonholed into that industry or that work. You could find something closer to an entry level job in EE and find something you really enjoy doing in that field.

I don't know really - haven't thought about that. Industries outside of power are highly competitive from what I understand. Would I have to get a masters or could I just hop right into an entry level role in your opinion?

Where are you based right now?

I'm in Illinois.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I have a GF - we are engaged, and she's employed. Not sure how this has any relevance to my thread.

http://www.portvapes.co.uk/?id=Latest-exam-1Z0-876-Dumps&exid=thread...-about-getting-married.2517343/#post-39056702

 

[OutHouse]

I could land an entry level role with 6 months of intense study (60 hours a week of programming and CS studying), 1 month of practicing for interviews, and 3 months of aggressive job hunting? Could I land a salary of say, $80k in a major city

Ill make this simple
ummm no.

<< I back that opinion up with 20 years of corporate IT experience.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

My reason for quitting is that I am being asked to take on additional responsibilities and it may involve me having to put in some extra effort, and I know that it's ultimately a waste of time/energy. I could spare maybe 20-30 hours a week studying/networking if I kept the job.

What's your REAL reason? I didn't ask for your bullshit reason.

Is it more money? Is it a more "fun" and "active" job/employment? It sounds like you're in the millennial wishful thinking bucket. Sounds like you went into employment thinking it's fun, exciting, making new inventions, etc.... and then you joined and it was all paperwork and regulations. All I can say is get used to it, no amount of college loans is going to change the working world.

My suggestion is to get a hobby outside of work - to the point where you no longer care what actually occurs during work

For the record, I have recruiters all over my balls just based on my 2 previously listed employers. That doesn't mean you can land random jobs in random locations for high dollar.

I'm in Illinois.

Where at? Currently I'm traveling out there every week.
.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I don't necessarily see IT/software as an endgame. I see it as a stepping point for getting into other fields.

Tech consulting
Management consulting
Analytics
Big Data
Artificial Intelligence
Fintech
Algorithmic Trading
Quantitative Finance (this is a longshot)

Etc. I don't want to stay in a hardcore IT/software role forever. I want to move to the business side of things (also getting an MBA is not an option for me).

In the list above, tech consulting and maybe big data are the only ones where you'd have a reasonable chance of success - in the case of tech consulting, if you're REALLY good and have years and yeas of experience. I have no idea why you think IT gives you an "in" in something like management consulting.

Again, take my advice - don't do it. IT is a black hole and life-sucking experience especially at larger companies. I could fill volumes talking about how bad it has become. Take a few software courses at a local CC and call it a day. Remember, at the end of the day, it is just a job and an income - get some hobbies outside of work.

 

[purbeast0]

When I graduated with a CS degree and started at my first job, one of the new hires was fresh out of college with an EE degree. So I'd say yes, it's possible to get an entry level job in your case. However the salary you are looking for would completely depend on the company you are looking at. I've also seen quite a few postings for jobs that require a CS degree so basically you won't qualify for any of those.

After being in the field for 14 years though, I'd say real world experience is way more valuable than being book smart.

 

[Exterous]

I don't necessarily see IT/software as an endgame. I see it as a stepping point for getting into other fields.

Tech consulting
Management consulting
Analytics
Big Data
Artificial Intelligence
Fintech
Algorithmic Trading
Quantitative Finance (this is a longshot)

Etc. I don't want to stay in a hardcore IT/software role forever. I want to move to the business side of things (also getting an MBA is not an option for me).

So the thing is - entry level in IT sucks for almost any field. Most people end up spending time as a helpdesk monkey or call center smuck dealing with people who are shockingly bad with computers. Like, whatever the worst thing you can think of x1000 bad. So bad you won't be able to troubleshoot problems well because you aren't capable of imagining the actions leading up to the issue. Like using a hacksaw to make a different version of ram work with the motherboard. Like using a wet paper towel to clean a motherboard and then immediately turning it on. Time in these positions crawls along so 1 year feels like 5.

But you climb the ranks and have to deal with "Users" less and less. Finally one day you can sigh in relief as you should rarely have to deal with them again. Its this day you realize that other IT people are almost as bad. You visit the tier 2 person making $80k per year because the build system isn't working for them. And you find out the switch they are using isn't plugged into the wall jack. The DBA decides to run his python job locally on the database server and quickly consumes all 48GB of ram bringing it to its knees. Meanwhile he is also saving the results of his query to the C drive instead of the data drive or mapped network drives and proceeds to use up every last byte of free space. Now its an emergency issue YOU have to fix. Someone leaves and you get handed their code to fix\maintain and, not only is it atrocious but the ahole didn't comment anything anywhere

So you move up again and have to deal with supporting tech less. Now you can do more big picture things and tell people how things should be run. This is when you realize that your voice is often drowned out because you are the only IT person in "Stakeholder" meetings and no one else apparently knows anything about IT. So you give your expert opinion about how the project needs to be run but you get out voted because maybe they should require people enter their full SS#. They only really need the last 4 but this way they'll have it in case they need it later. No one else cares there is no good plan to curate access to this data. It'll be fine. Stop worrying. (It wasn't fine and a lot of people ended up with access they had no business having).

Or you go into a consulting meeting with the people who hired your firm and say "We've done this x number of times. If you do A you will have issues. B works flawlessly. Here are all the cases where we've been involved in both A and B so we know what we are talking about."
Everyone else at the meeting: "We want to do A. We are smarter than everyone else that has tried it. We will succeed where they failed."
Hint: They don't succeed. It has been my experience that you need to get used to being ignored a lot and watch all the negative consequences you predicted come to light. Sometimes you can't even say "I told you so" because you are too busy proving they were warned. Lots of decision makers at the top like to think they are smarter than everyone else so if something fails it must be someone else's fault.

I would be cautious about the grass being greener on the IT side of the fence

Again, take my advice - don't do it. IT is a black hole and life-sucking experience especially at larger companies. I could fill volumes talking about how bad it has become. Take a few software courses at a local CC and call it a day. Remember, at the end of the day, it is just a job and an income - get some hobbies outside of work.

So despite everything I said above I think there are still good places to work. I like where I am now and get a lot of job satisfaction out of it. It did take a few jobs to get there though. IT also lends itself to working from anywhere with a good internet connection so there can be a lot of flexibility there. My current one doesn't allow a lot of that (yet) but I think working from a beach or mountain trailhead might make certain positions easier to deal with