Off-hour IT from home? Better long-term to just get more certs?
Hey all, first time posting here. I'm currently in my first IT job on a CIRT focusing on network infrastructure devices. I'm planning on looking for another job in the next year, so I'm doing everything I can to max out my resume before then.
Current certs: Net+, Sec+, currently in a CCNA bootcamp, have plans for CEH and some SANS forensics in the next two months.
Would it be feasible to get some sort of IT security job that I could work (ideally from home) in off hours when I'm not at my full-time job? Do you think it would be better for my resume to just focus on getting lots of certs in my downtime?
Posted Jan 28, 2016, 6:13 PM UTC
12
It depends. Experience is what gets you hired. Certs are nice (I love them), but they are generally the icing on the cake that may help you edge out someone else with similar experience.
If you can get roughly the same on-the-job learning opportunities (work experience, not certs) at both places, AND the night place is ok with you studying on company time, sure- go for it.
That night job might pale in comparison, however, to the real-world experience you might gain at a daytime job. If the daytime offers better OJT, I would do that and just hit the studying hard at night.
I think this is what I'll end up doing. While more experience and another paycheck would be nice, it probably wouldn't be good if I'm not as attentive at my daytime job because I'm tired. Thanks for the advice.