In the late 90's I started creating websites for fun, mostly game based fan sites, and learned to write HTML in Notepad. I did this for several years and ran a popular Warcraft 3 site (nerd alert!). I did both the HTML and design portions. Eventually, I moved on to building computers and getting into server admin and networking, and wasn't keeping up with web stuff anymore. Now I work full time as an IT Admin.
I was recently tasked with revamping our company's website. I was originally supposed to help with the coding portion and coming up with a CMS solution, but ending up doing the actual design. Getting back into the groove of creating websites and learning new things like using CSS for layouts instead of creating designs based off nested tables, I realized just how much I really enjoy it all. It's fun going back to an old love of mine and catching up with the new trends.
I feel like I'm at a crossroads now. I have about 7 years invested in IT administration, yet I'm wondering if maybe I would enjoy creating websites for a living more. I hate to throw away all that time, not to mention certifications; although a fair amount is applicable to web administration. I've thought about picking up some jobs on the side just to see if this is something I really should move forward with which may be my best bet.
If I want to change up careers, what skills and schooling do I need to be successful? What is YOUR experience and how has it helped YOU? Are job prospects in Oklahoma good or is freelancing part time the best way to go? I'm interested to hear your stories/background.
I hope that this can turn into a discussion that will be helpful to ANYONE interested in getting into this career path.
Comments
Fantastic Post
This is a fantastic post. Kris and I have met lots of different people over the years in the web/programming/IT industry. Not to say you can't become successful in the industry without "loving" it... I'm certain it's possible. However, almost EVERYONE we meet at Drupalcon, who is active in the community with jobs with great companies are "hobby-ists". They love Drupal, they think about Drupal outside of work, they work on Drupal at home. To really get into the industry and be successful, you really have to love it on your own, not because it's your job.
Sounds like you're maybe discovering a new phase in your career! My best advice, after meeting many professionals, would be to follow what you love to do. You will have more fun doing it, you'll be better at it, and you'll be more successful with it. As for us, we have discussed this internally, and we would definitely be more interested in hiring people who enjoy and love the industry on their own time.
Doing what I enjoy...
My work and home tend to overlap in the sense that I play with computers all day, whether its at work or home. There's never been a distinction between the two. I'm not the type of person that once home, doesn't want to see a computer until I go back to work. That might explain the slight tendinitis I have. :) I would say that I do what I enjoy, but not exactly what I love. Web design/development may be the game changer though..
Lookin' forward to hearing more from everyone.
Anyone else?
Anyone else?
As far as I'm concerned, I'm moving forward with this. I have enrolled at Francis Tuttle for their online web development course. It seems like the best course out there compared to other trade schools. I was tempted to consider college, community or otherwise, but FT seems like a better fit. I'm ready to get going on this and don't want to fool around with prerequisites.
Anyone have experience with local school's programs?
Awesome Thread!!
Wow Kris! You read my mind! I've been designing personal websites for only 6 months now and I'm a marketing professional to pay the bills. I've always loved marketing but the web marketing and web design has really got a hold on me. In addition, the SEO and online marketing stuff just gets me fired up! I'm strongly considering what I have to do to get to a point to take my career to the next level.
I would love to hear about your experiences at FT in the web development course. I've had someone else recommend FT to me as well. I'll be very interested to get an update on your progress.