Things at work went south today. Way south. My boss basically told me that, barring a minor miracle, I now only have a job through July 1, 2008.

So now I'm looking at whether or not I want to continue with systems programming or not. For those unfamiliar with what "systems programming" is I'm talking about business systems (accounting, reporting, etc. very boring stuff).

I still like the idea of applications programming. I'm always hearing people gripe about the software they use and catching myself thinking of ways to improve it and the databases behind it. I love the puzzle aspect that programming provides me.

I'm just not sure if I want to keep doing software programming anymore. I think I'm burnt out. I know I'm burnt out on where I work.

Anyway I'm seriously considering going back to school and getting a bachelor in web design/development and/or graphic design.

My 2 HUGE questions are.

1. What kind of income is realistic for someone "new" to the graphic design industry. Same for web design & development. I know full well that things like this are dependent on my geographic location. I also know that it depends on how hard I work at it. I'm burnt out not dumb. I guess I'm just trying to find a realistic average or mean for salary. Bottom line is I need to determine if I can make similar money to what I make now (~$70K/yr in the Midwest).

2. What are good schools for said career path? Anyone know if there's one that does online classes?

Any advice or feedback from those in the know?

Man this whole thing is giving me a headache. I have a pension that I can get if I resign. But if I wait until let go/fired I don't get it (complicated issue that one). So I don't know if I should quit and live off the pension while going to back to school or if I should wait to get canned and live on unemployment while I go to school.

I'm afraid to show up on Monday.

i do that

all I can say is ..... ... sorry

Tofu,

Have you looked into state civil service? Here in NY the pay is lower than the private sector, but the benefits are good. My agency is always looking for programmers, technicians, and analysts for that reason. They don't even require civil service examinations here anymore--just a review of qualifications and an interview. COBOL, Oracle, VB.net and VB6 are prized skills. Wisconsin may be different, but it can't hurt to check it out if you're worried about job security. Some state and county agencies will send you to school to expand your skill set. Who knows? You could get hired as an ASP programmer or a network technician and end up going to school to become a web designer at taxpayer expense.

Worth looking into, IMHO.

--twk

Thanks for the hug dot! I'm gonna need a few of those over the next few months.

Twk, it's a coincidence that you say check with gov't work. For the last 9+ years I've worked for the local county government. Actually Feb 2 will be my 10 year anniversary.

Our county board doesn't readily approve training. They're afraid that if they pay to train us further then we'll just take the training elsewhere after it's paid for. So they'll pay for some training and definitely no certifications and no accredited tuition. Being a father of two teens I don't have the money left over to pay for my own classes. Now it's biting me in the ass.

I'm probably going to send resumes to the surrounding counties and bigger cities/towns but I don't hold much hope in that arena. The state is in a cash crunch and that's filtered down to the county and municipal governments too. Part of that is why I'm headed for the pavement in 7 months (unless I make myself indispensable in that time).

Plus I'm just not sure that I want to keep doing what I've been doing. The whole system (working with the state) is a mess. The state government is all screwed up. I'm sick of HIPAA and insurance and Medicare and Medicaid/medical assistance and mental health services and human services.



Thanks for the suggestions though.

BUT...remember--you did work for a governmental agency and all your benefits and retirement time would carry over into any other governmental job.
If i were you I would consider talking to the computer department for your area school district. i say this because that's what my ex ended up doing.... the money for school ..well, for those possitions after several years is much higher than you would possibly believe.
Last I knew of my ex she was at 150k.
but again--any gov job will count your accrued retirement time and in
my humblest opinion..what you do has a future..webdesign and graphic also imho are iffy, iffy, insecure, and ifffinestlantly iffy.
I'd look on the county, city, and school district website for job openings,
and I wouldn't consider leaving a gov job at all... we've just fallen into a very insecure economy... play safe..play smart...do graphics and web design on the side.

thaz a reall tuff break man but hang in there like a good weave.....

(Dont beleive Im gunna say this)
I agree with Mr Shade...so the grapix stuf on the side make a little extra money to but fun stuff with... Thta what Im doing mate and its workin out ok so far

Shit.

I know about being sick of the work. I'll soon have 25 years with NY state govt. The only thing more poorly managed than state govt is the Feds. But there are other states and you have a fair amount of time to find another gig. If you're willing to move, find a red state with low taxes and an abhorrence for socialist bs. Do what you have to do to take care of your family.

I wish you the best of luck.

before you start, you should have a fat savings-account to come through the first 1 or 3 years. this gives you a certain secure, and your creativity will not be blown for stress with getting money. I started my business in May, and today I am glad to be able to pay my insurance. but maybe its different where you live, and different in webdesign, cause I do graphicdesign for print-production mainly. hope, you will do well!

After a somewhat stressful night (and lots of prayer) I think I'm coming to terms with things. I'm still a bit scared but now it's turning toward excitement as well. I'm starting to look forward to doing something new. Plus I've always known that my current place was pretty much a dead-end. The only thing up from me is the IT Director and I just don't want that job (at least not there).

Thanks for the advice Joe. I didn't even think about the school district. I will definitely look into that. After all the schools will always need computers right?

I still think I'm going to go back to school though. I need to get that BS. Right now I only have an Associate and that's likely to keep some doors closed for me.

So I think I'll go to school for graphic design and web development and for electives take some software engineering courses. This way I have the BS, the 10 years of experience and current skills.

I'll probably do more with my side business of computer service too. I don't advertise at all and I still have a somewhat steady flow just from word-of-mouth. SO if I put out that Yellow Pages ad I've been avoiding I think that could really pick-up. Plus I'll start offering web development and custom programming as well. Go well-rounded.

I appreciate all the thoughts, advice, well-wishes, prayers and general good vibes from everyone. Keep it coming? I'll need it for a while.

It's an unfortunate situation but a blessing in disguise.

If you're dedicating time and money to upgrade your education (a fantastic idea), I would recommend a lot of courses before the web and graphic design route. It's ok for a 20 year old but not someone who needs to support a family right now.

You won't be making anywhere near 70k in an entry level design job, if you're lucky enough to land one, considering the competition out there.

And as for your own web/graphic business. These days, everyone and their grandmother has their own design business. You'll be competing with 14 year olds who will not only design better web pages, but also undercut your prices.

You have very valuable skills. Upgrade them or take carpentry or aircraft mechanics. Anything but web design if you want to keep paying your mortgage.

I have to add my 2 cents here. You can do anything you want to do as long as you have the conviction and will to do it. All the naysayers in the world will try to tell you why you can't and discourage you out of the box. It helps to have some natural talent but if you want to do something DO IT.. lol that old Nike ad... JUST DO IT! don't let anybody stop you. I am sure there are tons of stories out there about people that were told over and over how they CAN'T, SHOULDN'T, too old, too young, too this or that that finally made it despite the naysayers... keep the faith in your own self always

And that's why, when your son drops out of high school to pursue a musical career with his band, RazorClaw, you'll bring up the examples of all the dropouts who made it big "despite the naysayers".
JUST DO IT!

You'll be right C,
You've obviously got plenty of skills that can earn you a living. Like others have said....it's probably a blessing in disguise! You'll most likely look back and say "why didn't I do this sooner?" Daunting...yes, but also exciting too. The opportunity to do your own thing, be your own boss, and enjoy working again. Wish I had the guts to give my crap job away!
Chin up bud,
Brad.