u/Xamineh

Hi everyone,

I’m currently 37 and unemployed due to a company restructuring (my entire department was made redundant).

My first ever job, when I was 18, was actually PC hardware repair and network cabling. I moved away from that into other fields over the years, and my most recent experience has been around 8 years in Trust & Safety. To be honest, I’m starting to feel like that field has limited growth potential and I’m looking for a more sustainable career path.

I also have a diploma in Data Analytics (although I never managed to break into a proper data analyst role) and recently completed a diploma in Supply Chain Management. I’ve been trying to transition into supply chain, but I haven’t had much success so far. Entry-level opportunities seem quite limited, and if I’m being honest, I’m not even sure it’s the right fit for me. I only did it because I was trying to find a new direction out of despair lol.

Recently, a friend suggested I look into Data Centre Technician roles. Given my old hardware/networking background, it caught my attention. From what I’ve researched, it seems like there are opportunities to progress into infrastructure, cloud, or other IT operations roles.

I understand that DCT work is more hands-on, physical, and often involves shifts. I’m willing to do that for a period of time, but at 37 I don’t want to enter a role where I’ll still be doing the same thing for the next 5 years.

My questions:

• Am I too old to make this kind of pivot?
• How realistic is it to move from DCT into higher-level roles relatively quickly?
• What are the typical progression paths from DCT?
• Are there roles that someone with my background (operations, data analysis, some old IT experience) could aim for?
• How future-proof is this career considering AI and automation?

I’d appreciate any advice, especially from people who have worked in data centers or made similar career changes.

Further context: I am based in Ireland but highly considering moving to a sunnier place in the near future.