Current 31 years old in military doing IT. My position is basically the pinnacle of the IT field and I couldn't be more unhappy.
Had 3 IT jobs prior and I disliked them too. Thought joining the military doing IT would be different but it's not. I'm not sure if any IT job will make me feel content. Got a degree, certs, and I don't feel like studying for anything anymore. The only thing appealing about IT is the potential pay.
I plan on getting out and will be 35 years old when that happens. Not sure where to go after that. As I get older I enjoy doing "manlier" things like working with my hands. I'm definitely not nerdy and don't enjoy sitting at a desk. Being electrician sounds appealing but my back isn't the best, I'm going to be 35 years old when I start and won't make $30 an hour until I'm 40 years old. Other jobs that seem interesting a poor pay and blue collar.
Don't have a family or a gf right now. My parents aren't much help cause they take money over job contentment. Dad was the one you suggested IT so I trusted him.
Feeling lost, stuck, and don't know what to do. What jobs are out there that I may not be aware of? Appreciate your help.
CNC machining is a good option and it isn't as much of a learning curve as being an electrician. I've worked with a lot of one man shops who are successful if running your own business is a goal. If you ever end up landing contracts for defense contractors then you can make some serious money.
As a machinist, CNC can be described as an incredibly high skill floor, and no ceiling. I've been in machining for a decade now, and frequently wonder if I should switch to EE because it would be easier.
Use your Gi bill and go to school for a range and wildlife degree.
Department of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences | Texas A&M University Kingsville https://share.google/C1AECTm3V3wIf4uFU
Depending on the gov for any job that's not DoD related is a risk. Never know when the GOP is going to DOGE fuck shit up again. They could gut his job like they did the USPS last time trump was in office
What are you doing with your spare time? Any hobbies?
Motorcycle, woodwork, grilling, trying to get a ranch job or mechanic job.
Gonna throw this out there: I think a hobby where you can leverage your IT skills and some creativity might do you some good. Now, you want to work with your hands too right? Be outside as much you can? Any interest in 3D printing? As an example, my buddy has a 3d printer and makes his own drones. I do not know the 3d printing industry but I would imagine it's growing? Definitely keep up with the mechanic skills: valuable. Creativity enhances dopamine levels. Maybe it's what you need to offset the rigitity of the military and often boring aspects of IT work? Maybe it leads to a new career but at minimum you might feel happier. For me it's guitar but you, not sure. Just a thought.
If you're not married or have dependents and don't own a home, I would second the suggestion of looking at government positions. Between governmentjobs.com and usajobs.gov there are quite a few opportunities for positions with your skill set, especially if you're willing to relocate. The veterans preference will give you a leg up in the hiring process, and while Fed employment is a little iffy right now, it's usually pretty secure. State employment is generally fairly secure and usually well enough compensated that you can live comfortably.
You can be a cashier at Target.
Asshole lol
Penetration testing. Go to DefCon and meet some people.
Since you like working with your hands and don't like the office setting I'd say may e the parks department in a city or wherever, trades, construction, mechanic shop or something g of that nature. If your unit has like a transition readiness class go to it and they usually have a day employers come I'm and that can be a good way to land a job to, it helped me slightly.
How about an outdoor job working on the various sensors and such used by the USGS? I would hope your military service gives you an edge in getting a guv't position.
A lot of places require a degree, but you can get into something else entirely with it. Tons of college grads do this.
Stay in for 20 years. The pension is a reliever. Unless that’s gone away. If it’s still an option keep it. Tomorrow can be a very long time. Do the right thing now.
The pension is the only thing appealing for me to stay in.
Hold your nose and stick with it. Heard Too many people regret not staying in.
Honestly, I’d look at parks, USGS, or city/ranch jobs. Something with tech skills but still outside and manual. In my own experience, balancing a “desk brain job” with side hands-on projects helped a lot for satisfaction.
What branch of the military were you in if you don’t mind me asking? What did your IT involve doing?
I’m only asking because Im considering joining the National guard for something in IT as well.
Check industrial automation, it's a mix between electrical and IT work and it's generally not back breaking.
Save as much as you can, ideally having 2 million dollars net worth when you turn 40YO. You will be able to do things you love and earn a little extra income.
The hell do you men "manlier" jobs, being a gay pornstar?
Anyways, you tried IT and its not for you, if you want to jump ship, you should probably get some skills or experience during your down time to prepare yourself for a career change.
I would learn a skilled trade, e.g., electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, etc. Try to join a union, if possible, work as an apprentice during the day and go to school at night.
Start an IT company and hire others to do the work.
I'm a combat veteran. Pretty decorated. Your best to bet is to go for a government job. You will get veterans preference.
Unfortunately, most civilian jobs don't really give a crap about your service. The government does though. They actually understand how much time and money they have invested in you.
I know so many guys over the years that have went this route. They've struggled trying to get good civilian jobs and got a government job very easy.
You don't have to do cybersecurity for the government, there's all kinds of different government jobs and you're going to get veterans preference points when you apply.
This may sound cliche but unfortunately my friend, it's true. If you've ever saw the movie first blood, Rambo says it best.
"I was in charge of million dollar equipment in the military and I can't get a job pumping gas in the civilian world."
Unfortunately, that really is true.
The issue is you're looking to completely change career fields. That means your experience won't mean much, so you will make less money for the first few years until you have the experience again. I went from nuclear operator (navy followed by commercial) to cybersecurity and saw my pay cut in half (including regularly scheduled OT). It took about 4 years to catch up to where I was in nuclear.
If you can hold out until you're eligible for your military pension, that can help smooth out the lower paying years. The GI Bill can also help if you're in a training program (I know a few guys who used it in plant quals and RO/SRO license class).
Honestly, if you can handle doing IT/Cyber as a day job, try to get a federal cyber position for regular hours, then get a "hands-on" hobby. I picked up blacksmithing, although I don't have the space for a forge in my yard and don't have time to get to the local forge any more, and leatherworking (also no space right now).