Monday, Monday....

[poltr1]

I'm back at one of my favorite wireless spots, the Boston Stoker. I couldn't get online at the Sips Cafe or the local Beef O'Brady's last week. But I can get online here. That means I won't have to remove and reinstall the software, as one IT tech suggested.

I also picked up this month's Technology First, the free bimonthly publication from the Greater Dayton IT Alliance. There are a couple of training opportunities mentioned inside. And so, today's question is: Should I retrain, or should I consider myself obsolete and over-the-hill because I don't have what companies are looking for?

This would also be a good opportunity for me to apply to jobs online, but my email is on my base machine, and there are a few email messages that have the links to the jobs I might be qualified for.

Comments

[fuzzyvanman.livejournal.com]

IMO, retraining has one primary advantage: it changes the sign on the slope of the curve.

Now again in English :)

The way it stands now, the longer you go without work (in the IT field) the harder it becomes to get work. (two reasons for this: Prospective employers wonder why it's been so long, and you seem more desperate). In short you appear to be on the downslope.

However, with retraining, you appear to an employer to be on the upslope. You recognized that some of your skills were out of date, and (most importantly) you are doing something about that. It might also help your self confidence in your skills. Lets not forget the possibility of professional networking opportunities through the training program.

For the record, this is what I'm doing in school right now.

[poltr1]

I am looking at Sinclair Community College for the retraining. The biggest problem is how I'm going to pay for the training. The Plastic is no longer an option for me.

[fuzzyvanman.livejournal.com]

Java Enterprise Development Certificate shows as 23 credits * $42.45 (Mongomery Co. Fees) = $976 + books

A part time job should be able to earn that.

They show it as three quarters, but you might be able to do it in two.

You might also put in a FAFSA and see if you qualify for financial aid. It doesn't hurt to try.

Go in and talk with an advisor (financial aid and academic). That's free too.

Registration for the college is only $20. You might be able to get some courses for the certificate done as a web class. At those tuition rates, it seems possible for you.

From experience though, don't expect to learn a great deal. The pace will be tediously slow. Look at it as a resume builder. Make connections that will get you a job later.

My $0.02

[poltr1]

A part time job should be able to earn that.

But I can't even *get* a part time job! Kroger won't even hire me!

[patoadam]

Retrain. I agree with everything fuzzyvanman said.