Choose my career: System Administration, or Programmer?

[scythefwd]

Currently going for my Associates in computer Science and am about to take my CCNA Final

Most employers are looking for Network administrators that also have knowledge in Desktop help. If you have vast knowledge in computers and networking. Its the field to go into! Its way more exciting. Who wants to sit at a computer and look at code for 8 hours a day? Not this guy. I would rather be out in the field.

I'm in a similar boat. I've done deskside support (I'm NOT a people person). I'm a system engineer now, and have done network engineer work. I'm not sure which I'd rather do though.. terminate fiber under a raised floor (splicing because some idiot came through with a saw and cut a 72 strand), or look at code.... Of the two options, I'd choose a root canal without meds.

 

[danaj]

There's a lot of money in programming right now. Particularly c# and java for what I'm seeing on the it job sites I use. Which makes sense given the growing trend.of applications running thin rather than fat client.

One thing I would warn though, particularly with system administration... its alright studying IT, but unless you have a natural aptitude or ambition for it, you may never be exceptional. I see many people even with mcsa/e and they just haven't got a clue in reality.

The fact it was between nursing and IT concerns me that you're not as interested in IT as I would expect you to be, so do think hard about this before making a decision.

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but people get laughed at (in my country at least) when they do not possess the logic and methodical approach needed along side the knowledge.

I'm not saying you dont have this. I don't know you.. but I'm just warning you that you need it if you want to be good at it.

If you have it and are genuinely interested, go for it I say

I am very interested in IT, it is nursing that I have no interest in. I was looking at nursing only because it is a job that will never go away. Even thinking about being a nurse makes me shudder, so that is why I will not be one. I have chosen to go into the associates program for system admin. I think it seems closer to the picture I have in my head of what I want to do. Thanks everyone for your responses.

 

[SUroot]

Best of luck