Howdy, I'm looking for some help because I would like to switch careers in to IT. I've already started studying for my a+ and I'm scheduled to take the first part of the exam Jan 2nd. I took an a+ course back in highschool 20 years ago, but I've been doing landscaping and irrigation, but I don't see myself doing this up until I'm ready to retire. I've built pcs before, but other than that I don't have any experience. Any and all advice it welcome, including any ideas that might lead me to a niche I can do in the IT world.

highest level of education is my BS. The problem I have is that all of it interests me. I was thinking of getting network+ and security+ also.

Any chance you could email me to answer some specific questions about an AWS path? My email is in my profile.

Honestly, I am probably not the best guy for AWS questions. My company is an Azure shop and Cloud isn't my specialty. I have both intro certs, as they're easy and basically mirror one another...other than what everything is named. Started working on some of the more technical Azure security certs but dropped them for other avenues that are more relevant to my position.

I'm sure someone on here is an AWS wiz though that can help.

No worries. I wouldnt mind discussing security stuff though. I know it is not much, but I finished the Google Cybersecurity Cert to just see if I would like it and am curious on the next path to pursue and study for. I am taking an AWS course on udemy and am to take that test in Feb.

Sure, added email to my profile. Feel free to ask me whatever.

Got it. Will send email tonight

Buy the book "Code Complete" and read it cover to cover (or at least as much as you can tolerate, it's pretty dry).
https://www.amazon.com/Code-Complete-Practical-Handbook-Construction/dp/0735619670

Configure up your Mac/PC with Python, PowerShell, PERL, bash
Buy the O'Reilly PERL book and there's a smaller one called Learning PERL.
https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/programming-perl-4th/9781449321451/
https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/learning-perl-6th/9781449311063/

Get a hold of some dummy data sets and start writing scripts.
You'll find that there are a lot of government agencies that have publicly available databases in comma delimited or sometimes even MSSQL formats. I like to use data from the US EPA for some of my dummy data sets.

There are all kinds of free resources out there to teach yourself how to code.

Next, learn how to master REST API.
You'll find that lots of places use REST API calls - even Google Suite, Twitter/X, etc.

If you really want to make lots of money, get into being a DBA.
If you want to make the most money, Security is the way to go.
Networking is always a good one but frankly, I find it kind of limiting versus some of the application stuff.

Right now, if you can do automation for for things like Salesforce, NetSuite, etc., there are lots of opportunities.

If you don't want to go all that hard, you can do something like Tableau and make pretty dashboards integration with data from a data warehouse like Snowflake. That's what's killing me right now is that all my management gives a crap about is interactive dashboards and I'm struggling to get it done with Tableau because I can't ever get enough free time to learn it.

Stay the hell away from desktop support. You'll never be able to advance very far and it's very difficult to get out of. End users will kill you with their trivial requests.

If you do want to become a serious programmer, you'll also need to learn about methodologies like Scrum.
Please also watch all 6 seasons of Silicon Valley. (although that world in the Bay Area doesn't exist anymore)

Good luck!

I have been swamped at work but will email you soon as I can.

Hollywood, thanks for the info. I have a BS and MS in GIS, but have managed refineries and power plants most my career at the Director level, but I have 4 years until my facility is shut down due to coal going to the wayside in the US, so I am learning a new skill outside my current industry. I appreciate the info.