I'm in my mid-20s with a B.S. in IT, and I've spent 3.5 years as a Level 2 technician at a Managed Service Provider (MSP) in Florida. I'm feeling mentally and financially drained due to the high volume of support tickets and low pay, currently at $23 an hour. My skills include Microsoft 365 administration for over 50 tenants, troubleshooting Entra ID/Azure AD, handling breach responses, managing DNS and domain work, and scripting with PowerShell. I'm aiming to move out of the MSP environment into a role that offers better compensation and less firefighting. I'm considering positions related to automation, cloud management, and security but I'm open to other opportunities. What job titles should I target that could realistically increase my salary? Is automation a good career path? Are there any quick alternatives to escape my current situation?
1 Answer
One piece of advice is to really focus on the job postings that resonate with what you want to do. They might be written by HR folks who don’t understand the technical side, but pay attention to the certifications and experience they require. If you see a specific cert like Security+, go for it! The more interviews you get, the better your chances. Just be yourself and show enthusiasm during interviews, and you'll be on someone's radar soon enough.
Totally agree! Networking is key too. You need to connect with people in the industry, especially within your existing clients and colleagues. It really helps get your foot in the door.