Jobs

Double-down on your strengths

Joe BenfanteLeave a comment

Well, it has been a while since I’ve posted… but I wanted to make a quick update for those of you following along.

Since my last update, I’ve obtained my Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator certification, and started a new job back in July. Oh and I relocated to the D.C. Metro area as well.

Whats the purpose of tonights post? To convey the importance of doubling down on your strengths and severing your weaknesses. I say this because doing so has been the cornerstone of my career. When I was young and naive, my goal was to be the “do-it-all” guy; you know… the jack of all trades type? This is something I say is worth doing early on in your career, while you try and figure out what you’re into.

However, once you have discovered what floats your boat, it’s time to really, and I mean REALLY double down on those interests. Not only because it’s the most efficient use of your time and energy… but also because… IT PAYS BETTER. Yup.. I said it.

it. pays. better.

Being a subject matter expert in a particular field, even if it is niche, will bring you home more bacon. Additionally it will make you happier. You won’t feel like you’re a n00b anymore, and as time goes on — people will come to you in their time of need; Looking for your hard earned expertise! With that said, I’m not saying disengage from your surroundings; On the contrary, it is important that you stay sharp and aware of trends in your industry so that you can apply and adapt that knowledge to your ever evolving skillset.

Thats the thing about your strengths, they stay the same, even as the technology changes — if you like building stuff, if you like coding, if you like breaking stuff and fixing it again — whatever it is… follow that itch!

Until next time~

J

Why Technical Jobs are a labor of love

Joe Benfante1 Comment

When it comes to working in IT Operations or Development (software engineering), you have to learn and relearn CONSTANTLY. Recently in the news I saw how tech jobs rarely require a degree, and it’s for good reason. When you walk over and snatch that diploma out of your proctors hands, you’re already obsolete — or at least figuratively speaking.

The same goes for guys like myself whom are certified. While some of them may never expire, and others have a 3 year shelf life — the fact of the matter is; in the era of the Cloud… it’s obsolete within months. These facts are why I insist that pursuing a job in tech must be journey you love. Getting into tech can’t be driven entirely by pay (I do AGREE pay is certainly a motivating factor), but one must innately be drawn to the field through intrinsic means.

Most of the folks I work with or have previously worked with were big into PC gaming, electronics, building stuff, tinkering with things, etc. If this doesn’t sound like you, then I hate to tell you… you’re going to burn out faster than a match from your favorite pub.

It’s a labor of love. You’ve got to want to learn it not because you’re told or expected to, but because you’re curious and want to get in on it. Anybody can do something for a little while, but its that consistency, that grit that gets the job done. If you don’t love it, it’s not impossible… but it’ll be hard. The people who love it around you will get be getting certified and learning the bleeding edge stuff just because they feel like it, while those who don’t will find it a daunting task.

AZ-100 here I come.