Considering A Life Change: Computer Tech?

Hello All!

I've been a lurker here for many years and I thought I'd run this past the folks here and get some feedback.

I'm running a side business that I do part-time and I don't want to give that up. Although, I'm aware at this point that I may need to look into filling the rest of my time with another side-career to help pay the bills and take the financial stress off of my first business (IE: it's a labor of love and I don't want to give it up, yet it may not make the money I need in the future).

So, I've considered getting into something that I could see myself doing years down the road. After a bit of thinking I realized that one thing I've always loved to do is tinker with computers. It's something I got into in high school on a personal basis at home, and it's just something I never put down.

As of today, I know that school is not an option. I don't have the patience or mentality for a four or even a two year degree. However, getting some type of certification as a Computer Tech could get me off and running sometime in the near future (over the next year ideally). I have above average knowledge and can usually Google any issues I'm unable to resolve on my own. For the more technical stuff is when I turn to the folks here at the forums.

I'd like to hear the thoughts of those who work in the industry. I'm only looking to do this on a part-time basis. What would you suggest as far as training and certification to get me started? What specialty do you recommend? Last but not least, as a source of income, are you happy with this field? I see that my local computer store charges an arm and a leg for things that I do on my own computer on a regular basis for nothing.

I'm eager to hear your thoughts.

 

One thing you could do is market your services for computer repair and virus removal to friends, co-workers, church members, etc.

For every computer literate person, it seems like there are at least 20 who are clueless. I did moonlighting on PC repair for years prior to opening my own shop about a year ago.

Put bluntly, Geek Squad, Office Depot, etc. rip people off on virus removal and repairs. On a PC with a severe virus infection, I've seen them charge as much as $300 to back up a small amount of data then clean the PC (never mind at least two of the data backups I've seen had not been scanned and still had viruses in them).

Do what you know, but don't get in over your head. For example, on a notebook PC screen replacement, I find it easier to subcontract the work to a local shop who warranties the new screens for 90 days - not as much profit as doing it myself, but much less risk.

Be careful on taking on business clients if you're doing this around a work schedule. If you do, be very clear that you do not do "9-1-1" service calls immediately after the client calls you.

Depending on where you live (and how much you want to spend), you may want to put a classified ad in the local paper and/or put up a basic web site. Professionaly printed flyers or signs posted on grocery store bulletin boards also work. Don't use Craigslist - in Houston it's so full of idiots and scammers I wouldn't trust anyone who advertises PC repair there.

Good luck - hope this helps.

 

Depending on what you know, you might look into some classes at a Vo Tech school. The A+ cert class here was 2 semesters, not the most informative class, but I learned a few things. They also offer some networking classes as well, not as involved as CCNA, were one or two semesters as well.

I do a little for a couple of businesses here and do work mostly for friends as I don't like dealing with the general public. :-D But not a bad way to pick up some extra $. Gman had some good advice also.

 

No complaints here. Field I like and get paid for. Win Win

 

>> I'd like to hear the thoughts of those who work in the industry. I'm only looking to do this on a part-time basis. What would you suggest as far as training and certification to get me started? What specialty do you recommend? Last but not least, as a source of income, are you happy with this field? I see that my local computer store charges an arm and a leg for things that I do on my own computer on a regular basis for nothing. I'm eager to hear your thoughts. <<

A few years ago I had basically the exact same idea as you do and that is, finding something that was somehow 'computer related' but most importantly would become an additional 'part time' occupation that would not only 'keep me busy' in my spare time, but also bring in some income. I also didn't want to invest in all that money and time it would take to go back to full-time school for a degree. With the modern prominence of computers and internet usage, lots of folks want to take whatever experience they may have; onto the next level and apply it to an IT-related career, whether that be part-time or full-time.

If this is your goal, computer certifications will definitely provide a measurable account of a specific set of skills and/or product knowledge. As a wishful and aspiring IT professional, you can start building upon those tech skills that you already possess; by finding out more regarding the basics of computer hardware and software. I mean like you said; you realized that one thing you’ve always loved to do is tinker with computers; and why not make a few bucks off of those skills...

Anyway, my time was precious so the very first thing I decided to do; was to meet with a councilor first and then enroll in a couple night courses (at a local college) that were both software-related and then after that; a few more tech courses which were more hardware related, etc. as in installing hard drives, memory, motherboards, power supply, etc. for different types, brands, etc of computers. While I was taking one of these courses in hardware restoration and repair; one of my teachers told me that a great 'spare-time' occupation (that very often paid fairly well) was buying and then fixing up either later or older model computers and then reselling them on e-bay.

He was right and the greatest thing about doing this was the fact that at that time one of my neighbors also ran a part-time small business out of her garage where she and her husband will come to your house; pick up whatever you are selling (on eBay, etc) and then gently, securely and carefully package up the items in boxes and then ship it off, all for a small fee. After that and more recently; I also started going to sites like the local craigslist.org as well as some other computer-related 'auction' sites because sometimes it is far easier to pick up or drop off something in right in the local area. Additionally, I have found that often times the prices of some of the computers and spare parts available are WAY cheaper than eBay - and no shipping charges too, which is always good thing!

Side Notes: I also really like the fact that I am not 'on-the-clock' and especially the fact that I'm never on any deadline (i.e. fixing-up a computer that someone is actually waiting around for and therefore misses terribly in its absence). Finally, if you decide to go for 'full-blown' computer certification, my councilor and teachers often told me that there are literally TONS of part-time jobs available out there; even in this bad economy.

Good Luck! -- COMP​

 

I've been continuing my research and trying to test the waters as to what my possible first steps should be. I am left with these questions:

1) It seems like the easiest first step is A+ Certification. It's cheap and seems to be fairly easily to obtain (provided you know what your doing) and is the bare minimum of what other Techs would consider an entry level skill set. I've also seen others with Microsoft Certification, which seems to be another big plus. However, I'm not interested in getting into the technical side of Microsoft products (like SQL, Server, etc) but more of the overall operations of the operating systems like XP, Vista, W7. Are there certs in these specific areas?

2) As far as getting work afterwards, it seems that most people are suggesting just working on my own and trying to get enough clients to keep me busy. As much as I like the idea of being my own boss, the idea of not having a steady job with a steady income (just on a part-time basis) kind of puts me right back in the same spot I'm in now. Where should I be looking for a part-time, yet reliable, tech position?

3) Number three is just something I thought about while writing this post. Audio/Video is my life. Should I possibly consider getting training/certification in a few of the programs I specialize in? If so, the only outlet I could see using a certification in for say After Effects would be teaching courses in it...which I sort of like the idea of.

 

I studied to become, and became a Micro-computer Specialist. And while my memory problems from a car wreck hinder me from getting my A+ certification, I wouldn't trade my education in computers for hardly anything! So if you are considering to further your education with a concentration in computers, I say you should GO FOR IT! It will do you no harm at all, and you might find like I did, that this is a really cool field of study. Oh and by the way, I may see you in class, because I'm still planning on getting that certification one way or the other myself!

 

Can anyone tell me if the CompTIA CTT+ is something that will get me where I need to be in this field or is this not the same as typical computer tech certification?

 

I would think Net+ and A+ would be more suitable. Followed up with MCP.