Where next?

[TheAngryDog]

I currently manage 7 members of staff over 3 countries, the support desk and the IT for the company. I am sure there some of us here who have done this, or something like before. Where did you go after that? Is there anything after being a support manager?

I am just looking at my longer term options but not sure how to progress my career.

Thanks in advance.

[The Li-ion King]

TheAngryDog said:

I currently manage 7 members of staff over 3 countries, the support desk and the IT for the company. I am sure there some of us here who have done this, or something like before. Where did you go after that? Is there anything after being a support manager?

I am just looking at my longer term options but not sure how to progress my career.

Thanks in advance.

Service Delivery Manager of a large IT firm? It all depends on how much stress you want, I guess. In some firms, when there's a clear out, managers can be first to go if there's redundancies caused by merger / acquisition.

[NoTreadLeft]

I’ve worked with some excellent DevOps & QA managers who started-out with your sort of background but wanted a more “normal” life.

[95JO]

What're your technical skills? Networking? Storage? SysAdmin? Depending on that, you could go in to one of those roles as a Junior/Mid-level.

Failing that, you could always use your IT management skills to go in to 'IT Service Management' or 'IT Asset Management'.

[TheAngryDog]

The Li-ion King said:

TheAngryDog said:

I currently manage 7 members of staff over 3 countries, the support desk and the IT for the company. I am sure there some of us here who have done this, or something like before. Where did you go after that? Is there anything after being a support manager?

I am just looking at my longer term options but not sure how to progress my career.

Thanks in advance.

Service Delivery Manager of a large IT firm? It all depends on how much stress you want, I guess. In some firms, when there's a clear out, managers can be first to go if there's redundancies caused by merger / acquisition.

Yeah that is a consideration, not sure I fancy being turfed out if that came to be.

NoTreadLeft said:

I’ve worked with some excellent DevOps & QA managers who started-out with your sort of background but wanted a more “normal” life.

I don't get much stress, but I want to progress, which generally means a bit more money lol. It's hard as I've never had to consider this sort of thing before - I do not know what I do not know.

95JO said:

What're your technical skills? Networking? Storage? SysAdmin? Depending on that, you could go in to one of those roles as a Junior/Mid-level.

Failing that, you could always use your IT management skills to go in to 'IT Service Management' or 'IT Asset Management'.

23 years working in IT, from building PC's to infrastructures. Cloud experience, Windows server, etc.

[Ikemi]

I’m in a very similar position, albeit 16 years experience in IT and in the last 12 months, a huge increase in stress.

I’m not sure whether to do the same job in a different sector, specialise in something desirable (e.g. Java, Azure etc), or opt for a completely different career! My mate suggested that I should become car salesman ... ?!

I’m following your thread; I’m still trying to work out the above myself.

[CzechItOut]

In my experience you get far better career prospects in a large company. Of course, to progress you have to play the game. It isn't just about impressing your boss, you also need to build your profile with your boss's boss, head of department and even IT director depending on how senior you want to go.

This isn't as bad as it sounds, because of course, most people can't be assed/don't want to progress. Therefore, if you show a little initiative and put yourself forward for activities outside of your day-to-day job, such as presenting at a town hall, going to India, mentoring newbies etc. you will quickly stand head and shoulders above your peers.

My advice is to find a company that best suits your personality. What I mean by that is if you're always looking at the latest tools, technologies and techniques then you need to find an innovative company to work for. On the other hand, if you're a safe pair of hands and a people person you'll be well suited to a risk adverse organisation.