Hi everyone! I'm seeking some guidance on my career in IT, as I've been feeling quite overwhelmed and stuck for a while. I used to work in a company for years where I dealt with outdated software and hardware, and every time I made suggestions for improvements, they were turned down. I finally made a change and joined a new company where I'm part of a small helpdesk team. My colleague and I mostly handle tasks like managing users in EntraID and 365, fixing laptops, and troubleshooting printers. While we're told to use a lengthy PowerShell script for most tasks, I feel like my skills aren't growing, and it's really getting me down.
I'm looking for advice on how to level up my skills. I feel like I can only apply for junior helpdesk roles, and I'm considering leaving IT altogether, although I've hesitated. I know I'm good at problem-solving and getting through tough situations, but I'm struggling with confidence and practical skills, like setting up servers or managing networks.
Is Microsoft Learn the best resource to start learning? Are there any courses you recommend for sysadmin basics or skills like setting up routers and managing Azure or 365? Thanks for any help!
5 Answers
Honestly, back in my day, there were no online resources. We had to rely on books and hands-on experience. Nowadays, you're lucky with all the materials available to you. Just keep experimenting with different tools and environments, and don’t be afraid to fail—it's part of the learning process!
Don't underestimate your ability to learn! Many people deal with imposter syndrome. You have to be proactive—create VMs at home and experiment. There are tons of free resources from Microsoft, AWS, and even Google. It’s all about applying what you learn, so don't shy away from experimenting with networking or servers at home.
Exactly! Even when I felt lost, I started a homelab that helped me get familiar with tools and practices I couldn't use at work. It's all about tinkering and teaching yourself; that's where the real growth happens.
I agree, a homelab can be a game changer! It allows you to deepen your knowledge without the pressure of a work environment. Just dive in and start figuring things out on your own.
You probably know more than you think! Remember, being a generalist has its perks. It gives you a broad range of skills to build from. Don't hesitate to apply for roles slightly beyond your comfort zone; you might surprise yourself! Keep learning and remember to seek out more challenging tasks at work.
Exactly! I felt the same way when I started, but leaning into new challenges pushed me into roles I never thought I could handle.
I totally get where you’re coming from! It can feel like you're going nowhere, especially in such a competitive market. Having a specific goal in mind, like moving into cybersecurity, can really help you focus your progression. Aim for certs that align with your goals, and don’t forget about hands-on experience!
Start building a home lab! You don’t need a fancy setup; even an old computer can help you run through installations and configurations. Microsoft offers free trials for many of their tools, and you can set up a domain and mess around with everything. Change is tough, but embrace it to learn and grow!
Definitely, it’s a great way to practice! Plus, don’t forget about the free Microsoft 365 tenant you can set up. It's perfect for experimenting and learning at your own pace.
That’s true! Trial and error really shaped my career, too. Just dive in, embrace mistakes, and keep pushing forward. The resources now are amazing compared to what we had.