I'm 42 years old and have spent the last 20 years working as an industrial cleaner and team leader. I've always wanted to get into IT, so about 6-7 months ago, I decided to take the plunge. Since then, I've accomplished quite a bit: I've passed CompTIA Tech+, A+, and Network+, built a home lab, and learned about PowerShell, SQL, Excel, Windows Server, and Linux server environments. I even set up a Microsoft 365 business account and added some phones and VMs.
Despite all this, I'm finding it really hard to land an entry-level job. I've had only one interview for a junior system admin position, which went well, but in the end, they chose someone with 10 years of experience. No matter how many positions I apply for, the lack of experience seems to hold me back. I'm starting to feel discouraged and wonder if I should just stick with what I know, even though I dislike it now. It seems like employers are only looking for candidates with previous experience. Any advice?
5 Answers
It's tough getting into sysadmin roles without prior experience. A lot of folks start out in Help Desk positions to build their skills and get their foot in the door. Look for companies that might hire you for entry-level IT support, and from there, you can work your way up to sysadmin roles where you'll gain relevant experience and be more appealing to employers.
I hear you! The job market is pretty rough right now, especially for entry-level positions. Keep applying for Help Desk roles and network if you can. It might take a while, but getting that first job will help you move to better opportunities.
Being 42 doesn’t mean you’ve aged out! I started as a field service tech when I was older too. Just remember, keeping an open mind about starting at the bottom in IT can ultimately lead you to better positions in the future.
Honestly, six months might not be enough time to learn everything you mentioned to meet enterprise-level expectations. Focus on landing a Help Desk or IT Technician role, as system administration is usually regarded as a step up from those positions.
You have to pay your dues, unfortunately. It’s similar to wanting to headline a concert without having played smaller venues first. Getting started in Help Desk or IT support is likely your best bet to gain that hands-on experience.
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