Options to further my career

DiscoDave · 2 May 2013 at 16:37

Afternoon All,

I'm currently evaluating where I am in my career at the moment, where I want to go and what I want to achieve. I currently work in a datacenter with main areas of responsibility in VMWare, Windows Server architecture and storage.

From casually looking on job sites I think I'm close to hitting the limit as to what employers want technically combined with salary expectations for my area. Based on this I see two avenues to pursue.

Move into consulting
Start my own business

The first idea is a tricky one, locally, there's very little in terms of consultancy. Are there any IT consultants on OCUK? - if so, how did you move into that area/are you home-based a lot of the time?

I'd love to start my own consultancy business, a lot of my friends have expertise in various areas in IT, and combined we would have quite a complete set of competencies. However, is this suicide considering the current climate?

Or, do I work in London?

Or should I just be happy with a good job with good pay and count myself lucky?

Cheers,

httk · 2 May 2013 at 18:20

Well, I'm no expert. But what I would say, is in both instances you need to build contacts/network/explore who you're actually going to work for before thinking about leaving your current job.

Many people who consult or start their own business have one client that they know of to start with.

DiscoDave · 2 May 2013 at 18:28

httk said:
Well, I'm no expert. But what I would say, is in both instances you need to build contacts/network/explore who you're actually going to work for before thinking about leaving your current job.

Many people who consult or start their own business have one client that they know of to start with.

Thanks for your reply httk.

I can understand the logic there, the only issue being approaching potential contacts offering my expertise, and not being able e to help them full time whilst I have a full time job. Kind of catch 22.

Fenris · 2 May 2013 at 18:39

Have you considered expanding your skill set?

DiscoDave · 2 May 2013 at 19:12

Fenris said:
Have you considered expanding your skill set?

Virtualisation, storage and windows server architecture are quite broad topics to begin with. Any more and I'd think I would risk becoming too general.

D.P. · 2 May 2013 at 19:14

From your OP it seems like you need to move to get more options. In the era of a modern global workforce you have to be willing to upsticks to where he jobs and money are. Actually, that has always been the case but with globalization you may need to look beyond the confines of your home country, let lone home town. If you have a general skillset then moving to a bug city/capital is sufficient.

Wink · 2 May 2013 at 20:21

How about moving into a technical architect role?

DiscoDave · 3 May 2013 at 09:22

D.P. said:
From your OP it seems like you need to move to get more options. In the era of a modern global workforce you have to be willing to upsticks to where he jobs and money are. Actually, that has always been the case but with globalization you may need to look beyond the confines of your home country, let lone home town. If you have a general skillset then moving to a bug city/capital is sufficient.

Although I approach the subject of moving out with some caution, I'm not completely against it. I just have my girlfriend and family here, so there's some consideration to be made.

I don't think i'd like to move to London either, but more than willing to commute in.

Wink said:
How about moving into a technical architect role?

That's a really good idea, I'll check it out. Thanks

.

The Geezer · 3 May 2013 at 10:17

Are you currently in a hands-on role with vitualisation ?

Firstly, you need to ask your current employer if there is any possiblity that you could be involved in the design process against client requirements.

To move further up the food chain the real skill you need is the ability to communicate effectively with clients. This requires a good set of 'soft skills', in my experience a good technologist does not necessarily make someone who is good with clients whether the client is internal or external to the organisation.

[FnG]magnolia · 3 May 2013 at 10:23

I can't tell if we're re-enacting Office Space or not and ironic has become ultra-onic but my gosh. To whit:

To move further up the food chain the real skill you need is the ability to communicate effectively with clients

This is an attempt at wit, a salute to irony. It is, isn't it?

e:

Are you currently in a hands-on role with vitualisation ?

Amazing.

p1RATE · 3 May 2013 at 10:34

DiscoDave said:
I'd love to start my own consultancy business, a lot of my friends have expertise in various areas in IT, and combined we would have quite a complete set of competencies. However, is this suicide considering the current climate?

although i cant speak for your specific field, i would not let the current business climate put you off. There is endless amounts of work out there so long as you are willing to work for it.

DiscoDave · 3 May 2013 at 14:27

p1RATE said:
although i cant speak for your specific field, i would not let the current business climate put you off. There is endless amounts of work out there so long as you are willing to work for it.

It's an interesting thing to consider, but getting traction is the biggest hurdle I can see.

Ev0 · 3 May 2013 at 16:38

DiscoDave said:
The first idea is a tricky one, locally, there's very little in terms of consultancy. Are there any IT consultants on OCUK? - if so, how did you move into that area/are you home-based a lot of the time?

Well with consultancy you go where the work is, the amount of home working will depend on the client and the work required.

I do 1 or 2 nights away a week with the rest being at home as that's fine for that particular client. Others may want you on site all the time, or it may only be practical for you to be on site.

I'd say look at some of the big tech consultancies, see what vacancies they have, and go from there.