Forum Discussion
Career Change
hi DarylG1 here is my view. Changing career is absolutely possible and having a genuine interest in technology is a great starting point. A career change into IT doesn't necessarily mean giving up your current job or spending years studying before getting your first opportunity.
With a family to support, the safest approach is usually to transition gradually. Keep your current job (if you are working) while building your IT skills in your spare time, then look for entry-level opportunities once you have some practical experience.
A few things that can help:
Start with the fundamentals: networking, operating systems, security, cloud, and basic troubleshooting.
Pick one area initially rather than trying to learn everything. IT support, networking, cloud, cybersecurity, and software development are all possible paths.
Build some hands-on experience through personal projects, labs, or platforms such as Microsoft Learn.
Consider an entry-level certification relevant to the path you've chosen. Certifications can help demonstrate your commitment, but practical experience is equally important.
Start applying for junior/help-desk/support roles once you have enough confidence with the fundamentals. Don't wait until you feel you know everything IT is a field where learning continues throughout your career.
The good news is that you don't have to figure out the entire career path before taking the first step. Start small, build consistently, and reassess as you learn more about the different areas of IT.
Since you mentioned that you're passionate about computer technology, that curiosity will probably take you further than simply collecting certifications. Good luck with the career change!