For me, back in '95 I looked into what the local university was teaching. They were teaching archaic technology, and I had no interest in learning that, being a punkass kid. I took a job repairing computers at a local shop, thinking I knew LOTS about computers.
I knew nothing.
Now, 15+ years later, I work with Cisco, VMware & enterprise storage solutions. If I'd like to go for my degree, the company would pay for it for me, 100%.
I honestly believe that at that point, I still made the right decision. Today, I know I have basically hit the limit of where I can go, without that degree.
For someone entering the field today? Get a degree & get a desktop support role at a large company. Do a good job and the people you're working with will see that.
The one big comment that others haven't mentioned- Don't be afraid to switch jobs. That's really the only way to get salary jumps, for the most part. A couple jobs I switched I about doubled my salary.
Dave aka Ghan
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