Should You Skip Help Desk in 2023?

If you are trying to enter a career in the world of information technology, should you be skipping the help desk? In this video, I help break down what you should understand about skipping the help desk and what that means for you.
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[@CarlaJenkinsTV]

Me working in the help desk/service desk helped me better understand customer needs. It helped me better chart my IT career.

[@balarabeibrahim9139]

That's a great place to start from. I hope you excel in your journey through the IT realm.

[@TheGunnyBadger03xx]

Honestly, six to twelve months at the help desk while studying and earning a CompTIA A+ is a great foundation to find out where your interests are: Networking, cybersecurity, systems administration, etc. No one is above the fundamentals.

[@cbot375]

not to mention it helps get the "experience in IT environment" out of the way.

[@TheKpow]

Where can you find it helpdesk jobs

[@TheGunnyBadger03xx]

@@TheKpow They're all over. Look up local MSPs in your area.

[@BullFinances]

Schools always hiring 😂

[@rock-99]

If you can get a help desk with just an A+, you'll be lucky.

[@UnixGuy]

More and more companies now are hiring fresh grads into specialised roles. I started as a Unix engineer 20 yrs ago fresh out of uni, and nowadays we hire (I work in consulting) a lot of fresh grads. Helpdesk is fine but it's not a 'must'. Great video!

[@ranulf6541]

I just took my Core 2 for the A+ and I’m now certified! I have the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner already. I used the Google IT Support classes (I finished all 5 courses) to help me study for the A+. I’m likely not going to skip help desk because I would like to get a job now while I study for my Network+/CCNA! Thank you so much for your videos because they have helped me a lot in my IT journey. I hope to get employed soon!

[@detryckvondoom4350]

Do not underestimate the Google courses. They're a GREAT resource.

[@towIie]

@@detryckvondoom4350 good info but they’re useless when it comes to applying for entry level jobs

[@tee_7737]

Don’t stay longer than 1 year at most. Many who teach entry people push help desk because that’s the easiest job to obtain, so help desk needs to be viewed as a win.

[@quintondixon987]

How much did you have to study for the comptia a+ after the google it cert or was that enough to take the comptia

[@HenryAni]

My entry level IT helpdesk job started me out $72,000 salary in Maryland.

[@mekaelejigu6163]

Congrats! How did you manage to do it?

[@ML-yn9yu]

you hit the lottery with that

[@HenryAni]

@@ML-yn9yu it is a state job too with great benefits.

[@funktion_og]

not unheard of. My salary is 70k at a tech company in Colorado working tier 1 support (remote 3 days a week).These jobs exist and the opportunity to make a good salary in helpdesk is an option if you look.

[@martinpecheur-xh1qp]

Hey man. You have no idea how much this video did help me regaining confidence into my IT career and its close futur. Thank you so much.

[@fraskie66]

I really love your videos man. You keep it real and straight to the point without misleading anyone and it means a lot! I'm currently transitioning careers at 31 and i'm applying for jobs right now to break into the IT world via help desk.

[@Conviction454]

I've worked at the help desk for 2.5 years now and I'd do it all over again if I had to start my career over. I started off as a tier 1 making about $15 an hour here in Atlanta. After awhile I transitioned to a more internal, corporate office sort of role where my pay increased to $20 an hour. As you've already stated in this video, help desk is the easiest way to gain exposure to the industry from a practical and hands-on standpoint. You can go to college, pursue certifications, etc but ultimately you will need some sort of experience to make it far in the IT field. I've known people from all sorts of backgrounds who've wanted to transition into IT, and they wound up being some of the best techs I'll ever meet through the course of my career. Some have been on the help desk for over 5+ years, and some only stay for maybe a couple years. I currently work as a Fully Remote IT Support Engineer(Basically a service desk position) making 60k. I have my degree and my A+, but I think what really separated me from the rest of the applicants were the soft skills I was able to come in and immediately express, on top of the experience I already had in tech naturally. Ultimately, if you have the willingness to come in and be a sponge, learn all the time and just gain exposure to the many different areas of tech, you probably don't have to be on the help desk for long if you don't want to. What separates those who are on help desk for years vs those that aren't often comes down to taking the initiative and going outside your comfort zone. The truth is you'll have to do more than just come in and work 9-5, you have to use the extra time you have to study, learn new technologies, and home your skills obediently. If you can do that, then there's so much that this industry has to offer for those that truly want it.

[@Conviction454]

@@Iamdanson Pursue your CompTIA A+. I managed to land my first role without any certs or a degree, but mainly because I have a background in customer service. Those soft skills really contribute in handy for help desk.

[@balkajian]

can you say what the most common problems the customers have?

[@doug138fkazi2n9]

@@balkajiansomeone's software isnt working, account lockouts, password resets, escalations to specialized teams for issues

[@chanistheman]

Thank you this comment is resourceful

[@detryckvondoom4350]

My company started me out at $53k/yr for tier 1 help desk.

[@vladislavkaras491]

Thanks for the video!

[@dustinhxc]

Great video man. Have been working hard at certs and labs! 🙏 Also ITProTV are awesome! Going to also study Security+ with them!

[@toropezagoldway]

Yes yes - the eternal question. I was a help desk (I prefer to say IT Operations) manager for over 18 years. I now teach IT at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz CA. I have this discussion ALL THE TIME with my students. At Cabrillo we also have a short duration workforce prep program for Adult Learners looking to get into Tech or change careers into Tech. I have this conversation there regularly as well. As you say, it really is about where you are at in your career path and what experience you bring to the table. If you don't have the depth of technical knowledge and you don't have some solid customer service background, working in frontline support is a great way to get it.

[@alexrieger9638]

Hi Zach, thanks for making this video. I really enjoy your content and appreciate all the effort you put into this channel and helping people out with getting into I.T. In regard to home labs, do you have (or if not could you make one) any videos regarding some examples or resources on how to go about home labs and how to document/show them to potential employers? Thanks.

[@williamb8313]

I have been working as a healthcare provider and pushing the 50 yo point of my life. I have been considering transitioning to IT, but find it very difficult figuring out where to start based on the pay component that you are discussing.

[@Mongo11b]

I'm in this exact spot atm. I am finishing my junior year in college and will finish my bachelor's with a minimum of my Sec+. Cloud+, CCNA, and CYSA+ certs. I'll be just about 40 when I graduate and coming from a job that let me clear over 100k last year with all my OT. The thought of taking a 40-50k pay cut worries/scares the hell outta me.

[@kickthejamz]

Interesting can you tell me what your recent job was and why you want to switch to IT? Congrats on your certs btw!

[@Mongo11b]

@@kickthejamz I work in contracted physical security. But I average about 800-1000 hours of OT per year which is why I make what I do.

[@Random_Identity]

You could probably transition into a supply chain security role given your experience in physical security.

[@kickthejamz]

I feel like you will thoroughly enjoy all the extra time off for a more work life balance but that is a lot of money too. Just a step down in money temporarily to later make more money and work a lot less if you keep progressing yourself as you seem to be. Good luck

[@artywatts4892]

I will start as an IT-Support at a medium sized company in the next month even though I have some pentesting certs and this video is quite spot on. I life in an area where the salary is quite a bit under the countries median, which upset me at first, but its a good company with more opportunities that I can advance to. Its also my first IT Job so its a really good start I think. Swallowing the bitter pill of a lower income for 1-2 years will probably be worth in the long run, if you set yourself up in the right way.

[@ManguPapi]

Look into getting into an ISP as a cable installer or technician, take your certs, and make your way up to the enterprise side of things. My company is paying for my courses. I'll be taking a pay cut as well, but it's not really bad. Definitely not 24/hr, lol. Or ask around your company and see if their IT departments are hiring. It's better than leaving and starting somewhere else fresh; less scary too.

[@fireballoontv9932]

I'm on the equivelent to "working on the help desk" in the uk. I'm 19 and they pay for my uni degree. They also pay me to work there. Then I can start to move into more of a position that I feel comfortable in as a career once I've mastered it. It's great to see how a business operates from a lower level and can help see where you want to go in the future

[@cloudwithlesetja]

Great one

[@jasonbrumley5453]

Good video, sharing with a friend who is looking at changing careers to IT. I skipped help desk (other than a 3 month stint) and it was a mixed bag. On one level, I am glad I skipped helpdesk- I am not the type of person who does well sitting in one place for 8 hours a day doing the same thing over and over. On the other hand, there were things I would have learned organically from helpdesk I missed out on that I had to learn down the road. Overall, I am glad I skipped helpdesk but I see the benefits of doing helpdesk for a year. I was in a position where I was in my late 20s when I transitioned and was making around what an entry level position in IT pays in my last career, too, so the transition was not as painful. To people looking to break into IT who want to skip help(hell)desk, I always recommend looking into "Deskside Support' or "Field Engineer" positions. If helpdesk is level 1, deskside support or field engineer positions are level 1.5. It is a similar level of knowledge required, but it is (as you would imagine) a position in the field rather than being in a call center. It is doable for someone looking for entry level if you get some knowledge first and are willing to learn and/or travel. I was able to get a deskside support position and in less than 5 years I am now a network engineer.

[@bossK78]

Started as help desk... now I'm a Sr Systems Engineer after a 10 year grind. I still use those help desk principles today.

[@vegasrichsave]

True that 's an important question and more importantly real life experience is super helpful. Tbh I'm here for that thumbnail is that your desk phone Zach?

[@cincinnatiking8008]

I've been a stay at home dad for the past 8 years. I'm ready to start my career in the IT field, but I don't have a great job history to put on the resume. I'm wondering if I should get a customer service type job somewhere first

[@Ryan.Lohman]

I started in a department store doing computer repair for Circuit City, then a call center for a cable company for 8 years, then I did helpdesk (I would rather DO HELPDESK than call center - but call centers gave me the soft skills and documentation skills I needed). Today I'm an Information Systems Specialist working on Helpdesk and doing minor infrastructure stuff. I started in 2006 at 22 and have been in this industry on and off for about 15 years.

[@brosquito7483]

Wait, how have you been "flirting" with IT career for about 15 years and you still work at Helpdesk? I'm sorry,my guy. I'm not trying to be mean, I just never understood people who felt comfortable with Helpdesk. Why are you not aiming higher?

[@doug138fkazi2n9]

@@brosquito7483some people choose to do what they like or are comfortable with

[@xavierjones6852]

Got my sec+ back in may and just got a service desk role. I can honestly see how education is no where near actual experience although it helped to get a better understanding if you are new to IT. But I think it’s best for me personally to start from the beginning and see what I where I want to go in it from the drivers seat

[@ManguPapi]

Nice. Are you liking it? I'm currently taking an n+ & sec+ course.

[@Ogkrptonite]

Thank u🎉

[@oldmangames6593]

You look like Jim Halperts brother. Thanks for the help dude

[@roberthastings5442]

I skipped help desk and went straight to tier 3 deskside support without a single day of IT experience. They were desperate to hire and I had 17 years customer service experience. Huge mistake on my part. They trained me on Azure, Remote Desktop, LAN’s, physical etc. but never the basic stuff like Active Directory. Long story short, I got extremely burnt out after a year quit. I couldn’t find a entry level help desk job after that because interviewers (rightfully) assumed that I knew the most basic things, but didn’t. I’m sure I could’ve taught myself in preparation, but chose to go back to being a personal trainer in a physical therapy clinic. Although I still enjoy working on computers, I’m much happier being on my feet all day and helping people get better instead of sitting at a desk all day. Still appreciate all of your advice that got me into IT in the first place!

[@katec9893]

Thanks for sharing your experience, it's rare to hear this side of things. I've done a lot of admin, customer service, reception jobs as well as teaching. I've just started my own small business but was wondering about IT as a backup plan. I'm not keen on sitting in an office all day but think I could manage it remotely if I could schedule in 1 walk and some yoga at home each day to move my body. I love being physically active and being outside, did lots of gardening work. But find work like that pays badly and it can be hard physically ie back pain so it's hard to know what to do. It's good you were able to return to a career you enjoy.

[@ecsta_chic]

I’m from philippines and trying to make transition in IT field from unrelated job description at the moment. And I am currently studying for certifications. Whether i passed or not my plan is to start in BPO industry as my first step. Then try to do remote jobs in help desk. While in this job, I will try to get more certifications. So if opportunity goes in my way, I’m ready and be able to solidify my skills. Hopefully! Thanks Zack…

[@godwingreat8712]

Hy Can we chat up... Like we are in same shoe

[@xavierjones6852]

That’s a good idea and sounds like my life lol

[@clockwork9011]

I’m in that problem lIn dead end career and pay cap can’t take a cut and trying to pivot to IT for something I enjoy and higher pay! Help desk just doesn’t pay much. I don’t have a problem with starting in help desk just need a minimum of my current pay i know help desk maxs out at like 50k. I have headged my bets with two more years of school for bachelor degree, homelabs and studying for security + and CCNA

[@mundotazo]

If you take a part time helpdesk position as your first IT job do you think it'll count as years of experience. My current career pays twice that of the entry level support.

[@sampsonmetalconcepts]

I’m a programmer for CNC machines and we have our on play on run dmc It’s called RUN CNC (computer numerical control) lol

[@matt_milack]

I want to start studying for becoming a system administrator. In your opinion, how much is this role endangered by the rise of AI, and is it worth it spending few years studying this field due to the rise of AI?

[@cheyennezeller3720]

I have been in college for 2 years, and I will be getting my AA in Network Administration. Should I skip the help desk?

[@funktion_og]

I don't get the focus to skip helpdesk when most folks have zero experience with ticketing systems or the environments that the company they'll work for are utilziing. Honestly your homelabs aren't enough, kids. Put in the time and effort - stop looking for shortcuts.

[@nicksrandomness8116]

I recently got a Helpdesk job. I like it but it's extremely stressful. Your expected to know everything by users on websites you have never been on. Have to learn about Adobe Sign in the morning and assist a user.

[@doug138fkazi2n9]

will get better over time trust me the start is really rough

[@nicksrandomness8116]

@@doug138fkazi2n9 Ended up getting fired on Monday. It was actually unexpected. I was doing the job and starting to do pretty good. Im now holding off on college and am working in getting certifications.

[@nainsiniceoin1190]

I believe that starting at the help desk is the best way to go and wish that I could afford to do so. Unfortunately, it's not an option for me. It would be a $30,000 pay cut in my area. I can afford to take a bit of a pay cut, but not one that is that drastic.

[@TAPCybersec]

Help desk was the only place that I could get into IT (like 12 years or so ago), so I did it, but not for long before moving on to other things in IT. You have to start somewhere. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@listentotheanimalscreamsha1511]

I'm thinking of taking the google it course from coursera. Will I be able to get a help desk job with this everyone makes it sound easy. I don't have tech experience and I'm ok with low pay as long as the work is remote. In your opinion will I be able to get into it or will I have to longterm invest in courses? Thanks for any input. And I have no degree I'm trying to get into entry level jobs.

[@doug138fkazi2n9]

⁠@@listentotheanimalscreamsha1511i tried with google certificate and was unsuccessful but had a much easier time finding a job after getting my comptia A+. couldve skipped certificate but if I did skip it, it's possible i wouldve struggled passing the A+ as it helps with learning alot

[@striker0603]

@@listentotheanimalscreamsha1511 update?

[@ShadowMoon96]

How do I transition from helpdesk to cyber security analyst

[@epicotakugamer4930]

I work at dead end jobs I just wanna work at any entry level IT stuff

[@calebs.4659]

I can’t even find a help desk job! I’ve got A+ and a few other experiences. I’ve applied to maybe 100 jobs. Only had one interview

[@tinxe6821]

No. I am a manager of a IT Helpdesk with 11+ years of XP. We have had a lot of people applying trying to get straight into cyber sec or net admin. They have no clue of the basics. Its insane. Now yes, as an entry even with certs, you will make maybe 20$. It sucks, but I guess end goal, XP > certs > college. It sucks, but you need to grind and learn. If you can go into the interview with basic AD, exchange and 365 XP you have the upper hand. Helpdesk is a broad range so grain of salt. But defintately spend like 6 months learning the basics on your own time, with no certs before going into an interview.

[@tinxe6821]

Also for the newbs applying. Dont take anything less than 18. If you are actually trying, and want to learn, then you are worth $20 already. We much rather hire you then someone with half the XP but no drive. Just learn AD, basic folder permissions, exchange basics and 365 admin basics. You will do fine even without certs. And most important, basic customer service skills are a must!!!!

[@froedge]

It's interesting. I'm just transitioning career fields (I'm still quite young) but what I've noticed so far, even with pursuing and achieving my A+ certification, is that getting even an entry level help desk job WITH customer service experience has been quite the uphill battle for me so far. I've scheduled a few interviews (still waiting to conduct them) but this is me with professional experience, an A+ cert, and after applying to almost 60+ jobs. I couldn't even imagine someone coming in fresh right now, say A+ only no experience getting a help desk job. Maybe I'm in a particularly bad area who knows, but the job market seems really awful right now for IT entry level positions. Just my observations so far, take it with a grain of salt. Great video nonetheless, and hey maybe you can speak on that in another video!

[@detryckvondoom4350]

Yeah you have to get lucky. Its hard out here.

[@dialvin]

Getting a job is hard regardless what it is.

[@jonathangibbs1937]

Then why is everywhere desperately searching for employees

[@Pappagar]

​@@jonathangibbs1937usually those that say this are manual labor or factory jobs

[@artywatts4892]

hope your interviews went well

[@reverbautopsy9093]

I have three years experience as a tier 2 Helpdesk agent, with the Comptia A+ and Security + certificates and I'm getting zero callbacks on anything that isn't Helpdesk. I can script in Bash but employers are never specific in what exactly it is that they want you to know in Bash and Linux. In my country no-one cares about certs. Degree + minimum of three experience(not in Helpdesk ofcourse) + competition from outside of Europe is what keeping me here forever. I'm ready to switch careers to be honest.

[@corn2545]

This has been my personal experience, but I’m a year away from getting my associates degree in CS. Went to a job fair, and most employers there wanted you to have IT experience before getting hired. I’ve applied for multiple entry level positions with no luck at all. I’m wondering if I should become a plumber and say heck with this.

[@TeamxiLLeSt]

It honestly feels like it at this point. IT seems like a crazy field right now. Everyone wants 2-3 years of experience to then try to pay you $15 an hour.

[@JJFlores197]

Have you tried looking at local school districts?

[@Voyex]

I'm trying to find a help desk position but everything near me requires a security clearance! Do you think a remote position is viable, if there is any that is?

[@MarcusT86]

Hey man can you do a video on AI and if you think it's going to displace IT workers?

[@Itcareerquestions]

It’s already in the works.

[@MarcusT86]

@@Itcareerquestions awesome. As a spoiler or sneak preview: is it good or bad for IT bros and wannabe IT bros?

[@porsche911fan2]

I absolutely hate the help desk

[@-_oOtianaOo_-]

I make 17 an hour after 6 years working landscaping 18$ an hour to work with computers ans fix them sounds better to me 😁. I am already struggling might as well struggle doing something i like. I am definitely not young and i am going to school for computer information systems .

[@vanshprashar385]

Do I really need to make home labs for help desk? Isn’t a certification or bachelors degree enough?

[@JJFlores197]

You don't necessarily need to do home labs, but it can be advantageous especially if you want to move onto other IT positions.

[@izamalcadosa2951]

I did Help Desk for the first 3 or 3 1/2 years. I did Desktop Support for another 2 or 2 1/2 years. I do Network Engineering/Software Engineering the past 2, 2 1/2 years. Total=Over 8+ years!

[@izamalcadosa2951]

I started at $12.00/hour in Help Desk way back in 2015 working at Target here in Los Angeles!! That's when the minimum wage was $9.50/$10.00 an hour out here in Los Angeles!! Now, making $96,000 and up!!

[@Isaiah080williams]

I learn more from the Comments

[@TheJake16785]

Would remote help desk be an okay replacement for onsite help desk? There are no onsite positions in my area but plenty of remote ones. Does anyone here have remote help desk experience?

[@Conviction454]

I do. I actually work remote help desk right now honestly. For the most part it's not really that much of a difference. What I would suggest is that if you can find a position with an MSP(Managed Service Provider), then do that as you'll gain a lot of exposure to different technologies... And very quickly. MSPs usually have plenty of documentation to help you along the way as well, so while there will be somewhat of a steep learning curve, it'll only benefit you in the end. I've also worked fully onsite internal IT in the past and honestly, I'd just go remote should the opportunity present itself.

[@doug138fkazi2n9]

@@Conviction454MSP is great definitely helped me to decide which path in IT i was most interested to specialize in

[@jbs2763]

I’m one of those midlife career changers…. What would be the best route to get some certifications to get started?

[@Rsalmond83]

KZbin University

[@jbs2763]

@@Rsalmond83 care to elaborate sir? Other than binging videos did I miss something? TIA

[@metalmayhem007]

@@jbs2763 Go for the Comptia A+. Professer Messer has a free course on KZbin.

[@franciscoortiz8531]

Trick Question: All end users will ask for your help no matter what role you have.

[@austin7877]

Can’t even get into help desk and I want to. I have certs too. Fuck the pay I just wanna do the shit..

[@JJFlores197]

Have you looked at local school districts? That's a decent way to get into IT.

[@wednesdaysangel1]

I’m going to graduate on cinco de Mayo with an A.S. Network Systems Technology and I have my CompTIA A+ and Network +, what sort of home labs would you recommend for me to go ahead and try out so that I can document and upload them?

[@Rsalmond83]

Active Directory

[@wednesdaysangel1]

@@Rsalmond83 I covered most of the topics for Active Directory as a module in my windows server I class, including OU’s and least privilege.

[@Conviction454]

​@@wednesdaysangel1Honestly if you know AD and have your A+ and Network+, as long as you know how to communicate with people, you shouldn't have trouble landing a Help Desk role. Maybe consider getting Security+ or a Cloud Certification and pursue a Jr system admin role after maybe a year or two of help desk experience?

[@wednesdaysangel1]

@@Conviction454 for real it’s my dream job to be a sys admin, but maybe it would help to then have a Microsoft certification to prove out AD worthiness but yeah there are people hitting up my linked in, I got a director of information technology viewing my LinkedIn profile from a job I applied to. So we’ll see how that goes. That being said in the meantime I gotta walk for graduation tomorrow and that’s going to be a real treat.

[@lariyahel7054]

Do course careers

[@fluffycat6489]

I think it's a bad career choice for mental health. For a job fine but find a different career path. Youre expected to be a magician. If you want a good career do something else. It'll wear you our something chronic. I'm 40 and yes I have done other roles like sys admin but it's all about making people happy and not doing or using what the technology is DESIGNED for. Do not get a job in corporate or IT. It's all about saying YES. I'm changing careers not sure what yet and it's extremely bad advice telling someone to do what they have a passion for because you'll run yourself into the ground in no time. Keep your passion and work separate.

[@kidinfinity50]

I’m 18 I just graduated class of 2033😂 I want to get into IT/Cybersecurity what are some of the best / worth it certifications I want to become either a ethical hacker or a cyber security specialist (I NEED ASSISTANCE) 😂😢❤ please and thank you 🙏🏾

[@JJFlores197]

I'd start by dropping the emojis. That's annoying. Do you currently have any IT or computer knowledge? If not, I would start with the IT Fundamentals+ cert (ITF+) its a cert for people who are brand new to the IT industry and/or not sure if the IT field is a good choice for them. After the ITF+, go with the A+ certification. This is for learning about troubleshooting and repairing computers (hardware and software) and general business IT concepts. After that, go for the Net+. This certification goes deeper into networking. Along the way, you should learn about Linux systems. Most of the cybersec tools are exclusively on Linux and usually command line based. After that, you can look into CEH (certified ethical hacker) or other cyber security courses.

[@bobbyggezs2898]

Its a good Eye opener on possible careers. But I will warn you, you can easily be dropped or trapped in the career for years.

[@ksnyder1984]

Started helpdesk in 2021 as a 36 year old, based on my experience do not skip helpdesk and expect a lot of socializing. I did not realize the amount of customer service skills needed.

[@suburbanmoscow9067]

What made you got that job, if I may ask? Is it like a multi or rather a local company? I know the job market is different in the US, just interested in your opinion what was your selling point. All the best, greetings from Europe

[@Itcareerquestions]

That’s awesome. Good luck to you! Customer service skills are clutch.

[@kickthejamz]

This is me now, 36 just starting help desk I've come along way on the technical side but I still have to work on the customer service. I'm taking a pay cut from working in a factory but IT has been my goal and I am excited for the future growth opportunities.

[@ksnyder1984]

@@suburbanmoscow9067 I had been attending a university since 2018 and working a full time warehouse job. In early 2021 a friend of mine gave me a good lead on a position at his work place. Took some coaxing, but I was able to land the position. I feel like I was pretty lucky and it was just good timing. Maybe in your interviews focus on the excitement of learning as you go, and that you have great customer service skills.

[@suburbanmoscow9067]

@@ksnyder1984 Thanks Kyle, good luck with your career :) And I hope you find it more exciting than what you did previously!

[@PragmaticPsychiatry]

I saw an entry level help desk job that paid $17 an hour and wanted 5 years of experience, is that good?

[@JJFlores197]

Pretty terrible in my opinion.

[@juanmanuelmiret5287]

i live in argentina, i wish i earn 18 dollars per hour, do you think i can get a remote job in usa? my english level is decent, my support it level is decent also, i'd like to get a job so i can learn new things, i would even work for 8 dollars per hour just to get the experience

[@towIie]

Very difficult to find employers willing to hire out of the USA but it is possible

[@Adrastus_]

I recently quit my part time helpdesk job at the university I go to. Once I graduate, I am going to skip helpdesk, simply no way I am going back. It is degrading to go back just to be making $15 an hour for a FULL TIME job! I am hoping my CompTIA trifecta and eventual CCNA will guarantee me this.

[@Adrastus_]

and just to mention in case anyone sees this and for some reason gets curious, my own roadmap is network engineer or system administrator, to cloud engineer

[@JJFlores197]

Certs don't guarantee anything, but they can certainly help. A lot has to do with your local job market and the jobs and their requirements. In the mean time, learn as much as you can about IT and find something that interests you and focus on that.

[@adamrusso3871]

Scoring a government IT job is a golden opportunity if you’re trying to break into IT. Many start at GS-5 and where I am, they promote you each year to GS-12. I applied for a networking job with the IRS today that wants basic troubleshooting experience and will pay $40k. In five years, that same job will likely pay nearly $100k just based on grade and cola increases. And if you did really well in college, you can qualify based on your education instead of your experience.

[@oscar61200]

I'd like to know more about this. I have no degree. Would they take someone like that or maybe with just A+ certification?

[@adamrusso3871]

@@oscar61200 you don’t NEED a degree, but having one makes getting a government job a lot easier.

[@xavierjones6852]

@@oscar61200just actually scored a gov service desk role. I only have a sec+ cert and a heavy customer service experience. My last job used IT foundations but it wasn’t actually IT so that may have helped but I think they want someone with cx experience and a willingness to learn along with maybe a cert or school and you should be good. The job market sucks rn but I feel like if I can do it then anyone can just have to keep it pushing through the rejection

[@inachu]

For 3 years before I ever got a job I spent time on all forums in the 90's that dealt with DOS/windows/unix/linux Then I got a job at a helpdesk where average ticket closure rate around 100-120 a month. My ticket closure rate was over 400 tickets a month. ---------------- Tracking IT helpdesk from the early days IT helpdesk in the 80's entry level was 60k a year and on average after 2 years you would then earn 80k. This is no longer the case. Companies have gotten cheap

[@doug138fkazi2n9]

i worked 900 tickets last month at a MSP 😮

[@inachu]

@@doug138fkazi2n9 lol must have been very easy.

[@turtleswithbombs]

Damn, Zach! You lost a lot of weight! Looking good!

[@franciscosalazar7221]

Run cmd….

[@Supafreshh15]

bro acts like people have the opportunity to even get a help desk job, most of us nowadays have A+ and never get an interview

[@TNATNA100]

I live in Israel in Israel without experience in hd or computer technician In most companies it is not possible to get a job at a higher level in IT So it is quite mandatory, more than certificates System / information security / call center manager / network manager etc Usually they ask for previous experience There are only a few jobs that will be accepted without experience just based on a certificate And I believe that is the case in many countries

[@pastorofmuppets9346]

Thats one of my bigger issues with IT. It starts out as customer service. Kind of a problem for a guy like me whos pretty mood swingy and might send anyone to hell and back without hesitation on bad days

[@takethepillingodwetrust1510]

Tried anger management classes yet?

[@pastorofmuppets9346]

@@takethepillingodwetrust1510 i just cant handle idiots on bad days

[@prevaloir5362]

@@pastorofmuppets9346 The applications side is your way to go

[@ARH0101]

Lower salaries…the lowest salary shown is more than I make as a cop lmao.

[@lifeinsaltlakecity4001]

Get out bro. You're undervalued, under paid and the politics inside and outside of the dept can throw you under the bus. A good friend was SLCPD, a cop buddy of his moved into cyber security and turned him onto it. It changed his life. He turned me onto it and I'm going full bore. He was in it pre-pandemic, then his company offered him a transfer to San Fran or a nice severance. He took the severance and went fishing for 3 years. He decided to get back into it this year, and was just hired a month ago with a well known defense contractor. And there's the sweet deal - if you can get a security clearance - very likely as you're a police officer, you'll make *substantially* more. Go for it.

[@radimasto6379]

omg just get to the point

[@ChiekoGamers]

I never knew anyone in real life that didn't start from Helpdesk or L1 Support. All of the Network Engineers I knew started from Helpdesk

[@JimboJones2022]

it's a trap!!

[@topelite666]

The job market is dismal. You CANT skip the help desk. Getting into the helpdesk is not breaking into the IT field. with 4 years of experience and a mountain of certs, i can't even escape the helpdesk role.

[@Rsalmond83]

You can skip it with minimal certs. It’s easy to go from 40k to 170k. Linked-In is your best friend.

[@JJFlores197]

I was able to get my first IT tech job at a local dried fruit company with my A+ and some community college coursework in IT. This was just under 5 years ago.

[@cassuso4902]

You won't get hired without help desk.

[@TechTimeUly]

imo it's a necessary evil

[@JoeHellethemayor]

I'm proof that you don't need a help desk. Just some drive, and 30 years of computer experience.

[@TheGreenYoutuber]

I don’t understand why everyone wants to skip helpdesk

[@JJFlores197]

Some people want the higher pay from the start. Others don't want to deal with the end-users or the least amount as possible.

[@brosquito7483]

It breaks my hearth whenever older people start working at IT Helpdesk, oblivious of what they are getting into then leave 2 weeks later.

[@doug138fkazi2n9]

MSPs are the most rewarding but also have a steep learning curve 😮

[@katec9893]

Can you explain why, is it due to demanding customers and therefore stress? I've worked in call centre, admin and reception jobs. Was wondering about a career change into IT, heard about helpdesk but I'm wondering if it's like my old reception and call centre jobs but with more technical knowledge of computers required.

[@brosquito7483]

@@katec9893 I work as a network administrator. My department consists of me, sys admins, db admins, helpdesk and management. My honest opinion, helpdesk consists of mostly 18-19 yo's who need either the CV experience to move forward, or the outcasts that have no ambition, no future plans, that are just glad to have a job ( aka lazy people ). In the past 3 years, we had at helpdesk 9=10 peeps over the age of 40-45 who never touched a PC before or had little experience ( In one case, there was this almost 50yo guy who was shocked of how many functions the trackpad had, lmaowtf ). Anyway, mostly what they have to do is to write emails to suppliers to restock consumables for printers, manage the ticketing platform and allocate the tickets where they must go (db requests must go to db, sys admin tasks must go to sys admn and so on ), help users who come to us with whatever is wrong with their laptops, printers, phones. Sometimes, helpdesk must get creative in order to fix an issue, something out of the ordenary, something that elders seem to either lack or too affraid to do something that they were not asked to do. Another guy who was fired after a dumb incident, was in his mid 40's and he kept forgetting where he placed stuff, remembering tasks or misplacing equipment, generally very bad, and unstable memory. He was spared until one day, we needed a few phones to enroll and give them to the users, boomer calls management to tell them we have no more phones and we should buy 50-60..... He forgot that 2 days earlier he palced boxes full of phones in the storage room, so we had a surplus of almost 100 phones which we couldnt return. He was fired shortly after. Anyways, my point is, some technical skills are required, which they seem to lack. And when they discover they lack those skills, they either hide it till they make it, or they resign, which is something I personally appreciate it more than trying to be sneaky and making things from bad to worst.