Tech Career Crossroads: Father of Two Seeks IT Entry Amidst Full-Time Job and Family Life

Shawn, a Facebook user, recently sparked a conversation about career transitions in the tech world.

On January 30, 2025, he posted about his desire to enter the IT field, acknowledging a decade-long gap in his tech knowledge.

Juggling a full-time job with demanding hours and family responsibilities, Shawn is looking for advice on how to break into the industry, seeking a path that balances learning with his current commitments.

He expressed a willingness to self-study, take courses, and pursue certifications, raising the question of the most effective way to gain entry-level IT skills.

The post quickly garnered responses, offering diverse perspectives.

Marco highlighted the importance of considering location, noting that different countries approach technology differently.

He suggested certifications as a potential starting point but also pointed out the potential value of a bachelor's degree, emphasizing the rapid evolution of technology over the past ten years.

Ankur advocated for a hands-on approach, recommending Shawn build a home lab using existing technology to explore device configurations and troubleshooting tools like command prompt and PowerShell.

Ankur advised against pursuing a degree in IT, emphasizing the current industry focus on experience and certifications, and suggested looking for companies that offer training and certification sponsorship.

Michael, a computer store owner with nearly two decades of experience, offered a different perspective.

While acknowledging the value of certifications as entry-level requirements, he stressed the importance of on-the-job training (OJT).

Michael argued that practical experience gained through internships in active IT environments provides more valuable learning than certifications alone.

He shared his observation that three months of internship experience can be more beneficial than a year spent acquiring certifications, offering a practical insight into the real-world demands of the IT industry.

Shawn's post and the ensuing discussion highlight the challenges and diverse pathways individuals face when navigating a career change into the ever-evolving tech landscape.