At 46 Is it realistic to learn how to become a Windows System Administrator?

Question

I am 46 and some friends encouraged me to learn on how to become a Windows System Administrator. I am preparing myself for 1 test SQL Server 2005 certification. Also I was told to learn Msql on linux. Will all that be enough to get a job as System Administrator? I have been around Pcs for 10 years but never did anything professional with them. I am giving myself 1 year. Where should I go? Is it realistic at my age to start that? Please give a honest answer. Thx guys.

Answer 1

OK, you say please be honest. Job competition is high for that kind of job. I don’t know what you are making now, but you probably wouldn’t make a lot starting out in the tech field if you haven’t been there before so might have to take a pay cut if you are making decent money now. Small companies would tend to have a jack-of-all-trades PC person rather than a Windows SA, and for large companies, a Windows SA would tend to be promoted from within - if they brought someone in from outside, it would likely be someone with experience. You’d probably have to start out as a PC tech, doing installs and fairly straightforward trouble shooting, and work your way up – and pay usually isn’t real high for that type of job.

That said, 46 isn’t too old to change careers, including going into the tech field. If you want to give it a shot, do it. The tech field has many opportunities, and at 46 you have a lot of years left to work. Even if your background hasn't been technology, your work ethic from previous jobs can carry over to be very valuable to a new employer.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hi,

It's never to late to learn a new skill at any age. There are so many people changing jobs, looking to better themselves and going after things they enjoy doing.

I say go for it and remember with any new job or skill that you
learn, you are always going to run into problems that you will need answers to and there will be others that can help you or they may have problems that you know the answers.

Education is a lifetime of learning so don't give yourself a year. Things can change during that time.

Answer 3

Yes, it is realistic. You are not too old, I had a friend who started at about the same age, first as a computer operator (doing backup to tape) and become one of our best Linux system administors before she retired this year.

Answer 4

Yes, in fact, I would think more highly than the whiz-kid in the same position. With that position, you hold the responsiblity of the company in terms of its electronic data. You understand what responsibility means in life and how you could easily jeopardize your co-worker's future with data mismanagement.

Good luck.

Answer 5

WHY NOT? this should be your question. If you like working on computers then go for it.

I'm 40 and just graduated from college after retiring from the military.

Good luck!!