u/KokiriQX

Howdy everyone!

I’m 22 years old and have been working in IT for roughly 5 years (2 1/2 years at high school internship and worked as a tech briefly during my Technical Program). I’ve been working as a contractor with a specific DHS Agency for 3 1/2 years now as a Field Service Engineer.

I’m going to be completely honest I couldn’t be more happy with my current position (outside of more pay). Not many managers would hire and take a chance on an 18 year old for a IT position within the government. I have a perfect life/work balance, a decent paying salary (50k) in AR/OK. (Low cost of living). I’m married and we just bought a house and I really don’t want to stagnate my career.
The only thing is after the previous administration changed our contract was up for grabs and the contract took a significant hit. (Laid off more than half of the Service Desk, only 20 remaining) and promised salary increases became salary decreases. A lot of negativity has been spurred since the contract changes happened in February. I created and admin a team of other FSE’s who take calls to help the SD, prior to the contract changes happened. This team became a priority and FSE’s were forced to become Service Desk Tier 1s to offset the loss of employees at the Service Desk (which has caused a lot of contempt towards me and my management). I handle many different things for my team and respective RM and DRM, including reporting directly to the project managers of our contract for the FSE team I admin.

I really want to advance my career but I’m lost… I am A+ certified, ITF+ certified, and have 5 years in experience. With being in the south, no job opportunities really appear that is worth taking (not even lateral promotions). Which I completely understand the job market is at an all time low. I’ve applied to 100s of remote positions via LinkedIn
with zero responses.

What should I work on from here?

I’m certain I could get a degree with FAFSA, or pursue other certs and be reimbursed by my company, but I just feel lost.

Anything would be greatly appreciated!

Hello everyone!

I’ve been a bit stuck on how I should progress my career. I currently am 22 with 5 years working IT. The last 3 working for DHS in a mid-level position as a contractor. I completed trade school and received a certificate of completion in Computer Information Technology when I was 18. I am also ITF+ certified and A+ certified. I was studying for the Network +, but my mom passed so I wasn’t able to take it. I live in Arkansas/Oklahoma so the job opportunities are minuscule at the best. Any advice would be beneficial!