Software development vs IT?

[Energize]

Sort of at a bit of a crossroads atm. Currently work in a technical support role doing a variety of things on site, looking for a new job trying to move up in my career but it seems that there are a paucity of IT roles in the north west that actually involve working on site, (can't drive atm due to medical reasons) and I don't want another job that involves tedious phone calls from customers.

Which has made me consider switching careers to software engineering, it seems to be an expanding industry with an ever increasing number of jobs compared to the shrinking number of junior level IT roles, and seems to pay better. The number of development roles in the area vastly outnumbers the IT roles, so I was thinking that considering my position and the fact that I have some previous commercial dev experience, that switching to a software development role would make for a better career in the long term for me.

Has anyone else made a similar switch, what are your thoughts on the industries as they currently stand?

 

[HangTime]

Software development is generally considered to be part of IT, but assuming you mean IT support then it is probably a worthwhile move given what you've said about the number of roles available in your area. Generally speaking a midrange developer probably earns more than a midrange support person; elite specialised support personnel can top out fairly high but I think it is a steeper pyramid to climb.

Don't mention 'tedious phone calls from customers' though as that would make me question your people skills.

 

[OspreyO]

Development pays better on average. But its more demanding. It may suit you better. Unless you don't like it. Go to a course and complete a project in your own time. You need to know if you have that drive to do it.