Ask Slashdot: How Do I Change Tech Careers At 30?

First time accepted submitter possiblybored writes "I'm 30, and I am a technology teacher and the school's technology coordinator. I like my job, but I have been having thoughts about switching careers and focusing more on technology in the private sector. I like Microsoft products and would head in that direction, probably. Is it too late for me to think about this? What is the best way to get started on this path? I'm not so much interested in programming (though I'd like to learn a language some day) as much as I am intrigued by topics like setting up e-mail servers, reading about cloud stuff like Office 365, and looking at information on collaborative technology. I'm a good teacher and excel at explaining things as well. Any advice the community could offer would be greatly appreciated!"

Comments

Training and/or Documentation

[ryen]

With your limited skillset without programming or intermediate sysadmin, but given your background in teaching and familiarity with concepts i'd say you'd be a good fit for training and/or documentation within a tech company. Training can include on-boarding new hires and getting them familiar with internal systems, or even training customers on using the software. I've worked with many people in these roles at companies i've been with. Documentation also might be a good route: writing manuals, online specs, and online training stuff. Theres lots of people doing this at the larger software shops.

Re:Troll

[possiblybored]

Good afternoon, Though I don't want to get into the specifics of my job, I do not teach computer science. I am also not employed in Oklahoma, for the record. :-) I'm more than willing to spend my off time learning skills, and was merely trying to find out what the best entry point would be. I enjoy writing and would be interested in technical writing. Thanks for sharing.

Re:Apply to jobs

[Mordok-DestroyerOfWo]

I ran for Congress two years ago at age 29. I won the Democratic primary for my district and ran on a technocratic platform. I'd advise anybody with an IQ over 100 to stay the hell away from politics. It is soul-crushing, the people you meet are loathesome, and since the wide-spread adoption of gerrymandering most elections are foregone conclusions anyway. I lost the election with 40% of the vote, went back to being a full-time server admin and couldn't be happier.