blog about it

So, it’s finally here. My last week of the A+ training program. I made it through, and it has been an adventure of sorts. I have to say I had a great run with the A+ instruction phase.

next up: the exam

It’s time now to practice for the exam – two exams really. I’d like to pass it the first time I take it. So I am still in veritable hermit mode, giving all my time to studying for what should be a beast of a test.

From what I’ve heard that’s a fairly ambitious goal. Reviewing the book, I would almost believe that’s too much to ask, except we actually went through the entire book in the class. And the newest technological advances easily sat on top of things I already knew.

So, I’ve decided to be positive and go for it—soon as I’ve been through the book a couple more times.

why make the change to a new job?

I have done some manner of IT in many of the jobs I’ve had. It was always something that I found enjoyable. Since my plan was to re-invent myself, it seemed like a good idea to focus on one thing that I really enjoy; one thing that will let me support my other habits.

When my bills can be paid with room to breathe, it’s a lot easier to enjoy my other pleasures including writing online, on paper, and from my printer. I like to draw. I’m not good at it. It’s just a pleasure. Which translates to an expense with no monetary ROI. These things and movies and travel will be possible for two reasons: the means to afford them and the peace of mind that comes with financial security.

is it fair to call it re-invention if you did it before?

Absolutely, it’s fair. I’ve performed a lot of technician duties, often times not as an an IT person, but related to the IT department. After this training, I’ve learned a lot that I didn’t know. I’ve also learned that I knew a lot more than I thought I did. Because of this, I see myself differently.

Included in my changes will be a new title, working directly for the department, and definitely a new core set of job duties. So, yes I will definitely emerge from my cocoon of studying and training, a different being. Wings would be cool, but I’ll let them go in favor of all the great things that will be coming my way.

so begins the job search

My local employment offices will be my first visits. Of course, the online job search is already under way. To get where I want, I’ll be trading on my prior experience with computers and my current training. Once the certification is mine, then I’ll be bumped into another IT category since A+ is the basic certification to get in many IT doors.

I still have what freelance work comes my way. Currently, that work includes writing and simple web designs, two things that I thoroughly enjoy. Since you gotta work, you may as well do stuff you love to do, right? And until you can do that, simply do what you know.

Reinventing yourself is scary business. But when it gets to a place where you can’t ignore the things that call to you, I believe the best course of action is to embrace them. So I did. What about you?