You are nearing your mid 40s - what are your plans?
Posted by smoothvibe@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 76 comments
I'm almost 45 now and currently working as lead for a small infrastructure and support crew of five. Daily business is quite challenging with many changes and incidents sometimes happening at once. I get the feeling lately that operations might overwhelm me in the future, but can't tell if it is me getting older or if it's the job.
Currently I'm trying to figure out what I'm to do with the rest of my worklife. I'm a generalist and quite confident in networking, system engineering on prem and in azure etc. but somehow I think this won't do it in the future or I won't be able to keep up my personal high level of quality in operations management.
So I'm wondering guys & gals: anyone in a similar situation here? What do you think of your future? Is it possible to stay a generalist with all its glory but also stress even when getting older? Should I pursue another path in IT? I'm kind of fearing the day when I have to specialize on one topic, dunno why, I just like the variety in being a generalist.
Farking_Bastage@reddit
I don't know if it will last forever, but I'm trying to stay right where I'm currently working. It's a great role, I have no complaints about it. That being said, I *really* need to figure out what to do for retirement.
drcygnus@reddit
i want to pivot to farming. or raising wild turkeys. can you imagine having 1000 turkeys and selling them for 250 a pop on a thanksgiving? even if i sold 250 62K a year. not bad for not doing shit. screw it who cares?
nut-sack@reddit
If I can shut up and not get fired for another 5 years ill be ready to retire.
V0lkswagenbus@reddit
Buying rental real estate on the side. Eventually that income will surpass my active income and then I can retire. Look up the BiggerPockets podcast, that’s how I learned everything. All free.
anonymousITCoward@reddit
I just crested 50, my only plans are to try not to have some kind of debilitating breakdown in the next 20 or so years before retirement...
thatfrostyguy@reddit
Dude I'm 28 and that is my plan. I feel you
grantnaps@reddit
20 or so years? You working till 70? Is that the new retirement age? I can feel my chest tightening.
anonymousITCoward@reddit
I thought it was closer to 75, i was being optimistic...
netsysllc@reddit
same
Satoshiman256@reddit
Wow, sounds like my plan 😂
chefnee@reddit
Sounds like a good plan. I second this.
vdh1979@reddit
I ended up lucking out and getting a job a few months ago at a large pharma as a Systems Engineer II. I had taken a break from management and resharpen my tech skills but given my age I think it's time to go back to management.
Meat_1778@reddit
Leach this place for every penny I can. Only move into management if my underlings are slave labor contractors. I don’t give a shite about a full time employees “five year plan”. If that doesn’t work out, go mow lawns.
brownhotdogwater@reddit
I am in your same boat. As I got older I looked around and the guys in thier 50’s were mostly managers. So I went that route.
progenyofeniac@reddit
I’m afraid that’s where I’ll end up too, but I worry it’ll be a case of “failing upward”. I feel like I’m good at technical things while not so good at people things, and I worry that I’ll ultimately fail at managing.
Project management has been on my mind.
Morse_Pacific@reddit
Just turned 40 here, and I'm a Director-that-should-be-a-manager. It doesn't help that I'm still heavily involved in the day-to-day because we're so under-resourced, but I have really struggled with the people management side of things. Project management has appealed to me in the past, but I really enjoy building and doing things and I feel that PM may be too hands-off.
MidninBR@reddit
I’m in the exact same situation. My wife is getting her PMP certificate next month and I might follow her next. I’m a IT manager for a nonprofit with around 200 staff and no staff under me.
progenyofeniac@reddit
I’m still entirely hands-on, aside from the unavoidable meeting madness we all seem to have these days, and I love the hands-on stuff. But I feel like as a strictly hands-on guy I’m going to struggle to both stay up to date and continue to find roles as I get later in my 40’s. Maybe I’m wrong, guess we’ll see.
brownhotdogwater@reddit
Same with me. I am going to work in a PMP cert now. I think that will keep me going. I just don’t care enough to get an MBA. It’s just so much time and money.
IAN4421974@reddit
Not me...I'm 50 along with a few others in my group and we all said nope to management. I think my words were about 10 years before we're "shit I can barely manage myself and you think me being in charge is a good idea ?" at which point my coworkers and boss laughed.
UninvestedCuriosity@reddit
I did it for a few years at the director level but then moved back to team lead because others at that level are insane.
ErikTheEngineer@reddit
I tried management earlier in my career. I'm old enough (50) to have one foot in the golden age of employment (experienced through seeing my dad do his thing) and the crappy current age. Back then, management was a gift of a low-work position for a job well done. You were in the secret untouchable club, your word was law, etc. These days management is a horrible grind...you end up doing work AND politicking, you have to beg and plead people to do what you want, and you're judged on whether your subordinates did their job, not how well you do yours. I foolishly took a management job when offered because I thought it was the next logical step. If you only care about individual performance, and can't delegate because you don't trust anyone who works for you to not destroy your reputation, you can't manage.
Impossible_IT@reddit
I just turned 60 about 3 month ago. Management is not for me. I found out in high school and later at boot camp that leadership is not for me. I’m still in the trenches. Doing what I love doing. I figured maybe another 5 more years until I retire.
smoothvibe@reddit (OP)
That is what I'm seeing too - how are you doing with that?
brownhotdogwater@reddit
Pretty good, am a IT director and liking it. But am staying at small shops so I can be more of a team leader then pure paper pusher.
ronin_cse@reddit
I just turned 40 and I'm getting a business degree and gonna try to shift to management. I'm getting old so who knows how far up the chain I can get but I'm gonna try and find out.
m0henjo@reddit
I'm also mid-40s and am hoping I can survive to retirement without making career-limiting statements or otherwise get myself cancelled.
In seriousness though, the last 6-7 years of my career my main focus has been chasing money so that I can do more fun things on weekends and in retirement. I've been hyper-focused on both learning new things and technical training. I've attained a dozen-ish cert's for my own achievement whoring, acquired a masters degree through an employee education reimbursement program, and am always looking around for what my next financial step up will be.
At the end of the day, i'm being extremely selfish.
Hi_Im_Ken_Adams@reddit
Your number one goal is to avoid having your job be outsourced to India.
funkyfreak2018@reddit
Late 30s here. I'll stay in the field but probably going the consulting/freelance route. I want to be able to work when I want to and where I want to. I've always been in networking but plan to add cloud and automation skills in my toolbox. From what I'm observing, they expect you to know a bit of everything these days to connect the dots in the infrastructure
dsco88@reddit
36 - just keep learning and looking for new challenges. When I stop learning and days become the same thing day-in-day-out, I move on (usually every three years, give or take) 🙃
Gotta stay engaged, complacency is a recipe for laziness and (potential) disaster.
first_lvr@reddit
Try to not get fired, things are rough out there
PaceFar4747@reddit
Bought a motorbike to make the 3 days i have to go into the office more interesting, take the long way home, blast heavy metal and reset for the next day.
drawnbutter@reddit
Well, since I'd have to go backward in time more than I'm willing to admit to be near my mid-40s, I'd buy a shitload of bitcoin because I don't know anything about stocks. I also wouldn't buy that one HP laptop that a hinge broke on 2 days after it was out of warranty and I would have filed for divorce a helluva a lot sooner.
OK, seriously, when you get older you go one of two ways. Either you become more mellow or you become more easily stressed. If you want to remain a generalist then you must learn to relax. Maybe look into seeing a therapist. That, along with bouncing back and forth between programming, devops and sysadmin jobs over the years definitely helped me maintain a tenuous grip on my sanity.
JazzlikeSurround6612@reddit
I've been trying the last few years to force myself to care less, be more chill and relax but it's hard. It's like the opposite of my nature but I know if I don't I'm going to tap out.
drawnbutter@reddit
I understand, but it's not so much a case of not caring less, but more of keeping things in perspective.
Is it really THAT important? Is someone going to die because of it? Is the company going to close?
The answer is almost always a firm NO,
That's what really works for me when I have a frustrating work problem. But it took working with a therapist to go from recognizing what I needed to do, to actually being able to do it.
JazzlikeSurround6612@reddit
That's a really good point / perspective. So many times I've checked or worried about stuff after hours that frankly could wait just because of my obssessive nature.
I see what you mean it's not really caring less because I'd still be happy and available for a major critical issue.
mraweedd@reddit
This change of scenery has really brought me a newfound joy for my profession.
fieroloki@reddit
Die at my desk
idigg69@reddit
Bro
DenverITGuy@reddit
If you enjoy being technical, stay in a technical role. Managerial roles are not for everyone and just because you’re past a certain age, you shouldn’t assume it’s an automatic next step.
I work with a lot of guys in their 50’s+ that are SME’s in their technology. Really smart guys. Also looking to hang around until retirement. Have seen a handful of them leave for other jobs, as well.
I see myself going that path as managerial/administrative roles are not my thing.
ErikTheEngineer@reddit
I'm at 50 this year. I'm working at an interesting job and getting paid pretty well, but I know it's only a matter of time before I'm cut. I think my next move is going to be somewhere more stable if I can find something...because God help anyone trying to find a job after getting fired at 55 or so. It sucks...every other profession values experience and maxes out compensation right around retirement age, but tech early-retires people and leaves them hanging. I only have to make it 9.5 more years to get at my retirement accounts, so that's something (assuming the economy/country doesn't become a smoking hole in the ground.) I have to make it another 17 years to full retirement age, so hopefully I can find some low-key state or local government job that wouldn't be as bad about age discrimination.
techgirl67@reddit
I moved from sys admin to assistant director of IT a few years ago. Still have my hands in a few systems but I manage a small team now. I try to hire smart people and let them do the heavy lifting these days. My goal is to hold on for 7 more years and then retire. Counting down the days.
SecurePackets@reddit
Every morning… drink espresso while looking at the retirement portfolio I built while dealing with all the crap of emergencies that ruined many of my family vacations and personal time.
Thanks to all the bad manager over the years for treating our teams so poorly and motivating me to focus on retirement at such a young age.
Doso777@reddit
Keep stacking away money in the "FU Money" fund so i can rage-quit whenever i want.
Verukins@reddit
48 here.... i specialized is the MS infra stack (so not one product, but also not a generalist - somewhere in the middle).... and its got tougher over the past 10-ish years due to the plummeting quality of MS products and non-existent support.
Been in management before and never want to do that again. I also do quite a bit of security work - but don't want to specialise in that - too boring.
Maybe similar to you, i don't feel like there are any great options. I'm use to being the most senior tech - and therefore doing all the design/implementation work and last line support.... but because there's effectively no-where i can go to get help or support - I'm dis-heartened with technical work.... don't want to be in management, would take a massive pay-cut if switched careers.... so im kinda just counting down the clock
Rare_Inspector2868@reddit
I am entering my 50th Bday soon. I feel that it's too late for certification an all. For some reason I feel time is just running out now.. I want to enjoy the rest of my life, but currently working for a large grocery chain. 74 stores and I am the Sr. Network Engineer. I feel that I can't handle all the project on my own. I design, configure and on top drive to the store to install.
RhapsodyCaprice@reddit
37, leading a team of IT engineers in the infrastructure space. I really enjoy what I do and even after ten or so years at the same place, I'm still learning and growing. Assuming that the leaders I keep learning from stick around, I'll be happy to stay here until retirement.
Leg0z@reddit
I am 45 now. My plan is to try not to die before 65 so I can make sure my kids are into adulthood and don't "need me" need me. I go to a lot of doctors visits just to make sure that happens. Then hopefully I'll find an affordable country to retire in. Maybe Mexico or Cambodia is still affordable then. There's no way in hell I'm spending my last days poor and in the American health system.
As far as my career goes. Maybe I'll go into management maybe I won't. I just hope I don't have to put up with an asshole for 10 years before I retire.
TheBear_25@reddit
Getting out of IT.
And i havent even been in it long at all, . But the way things are going - its great to have it as a strong backup skill which can be utilised elsewhere as it greatly compliments so many other industries but as a stand alone i worry.
As i get older, im looking for stability, if i was in my 20s then it would be different
Mustard_Popsicles@reddit
I actually stuck with IT because it provides stability and growth. Everyone is different, but it just comes down to perspective.
Negative_Comb_9638@reddit
The same. I’m building up reserves to risk, in a near future, something more meaningful.
zakabog@reddit
I feel pretty stable in my job, my role isn't going anywhere, I don't feel threatened by someone fresh out of college stealing my job, I make great money and have amazing benefits for minimal work. I couldn't imagine a better place to be as I approach retirement age.
hemohes222@reddit
I am 42 and started 3 years ago in IT. Loving it so far
IAN4421974@reddit
I am 50, been at my job 21 years l, 18 in my current position. I have a steady workload that is controlled by other departments that keeps it at a very nice pace, plus I work alone on my own shift.
I plan to keep coming to work and to keep working until my body decides otherwise and in that process if my ex wife drops dead first then maybe I'll look at retirement since she won't be able to take any of it from me anymore.
Came home to my house early one night, found her with her new guy and my kids all watching tv in our living room. I didn't shout, didn't argue. Just turned around and walked outside and called my dad. He said take photos of everyone, their vehicles and license plates. Do not make a fuss or argue. Leave and contact a lawyer which is exactly what I did.
I still would have to give her 50 percent of my pension for 13 years in spite of the law in PA telling me otherwise according to the divorce master (judge) in my case. So I will work until I drop dead and my plan is to use Science Care to come scoop me up and dispose of me when the time comes. No funeral, no burial, no cremation. Take the body and science experiments it is.
Tech_Mix_Guru111@reddit
With the young crowd unable to RTFM or complete a task fully, I’d say you’re right where you need to be. Pull back on overly mentoring anyone and ride it out
Major_Canary5685@reddit
I’m only 23 and I’m feeling this as a system admin. Developed generalized anxiety disorder and trying to deal with things naturally cause meds don’t work for me. (Working out, spending more time with family and friends, taking longer breaks, etc)
I can’t imagine feeling this same way at 45, it seems like early retirement would be beneficial taking that it doesn’t seem like it goes away.
DogThatGoesBook@reddit
Keep getting paid, ride my Bianchi, drive my BMW M135, solve interesting problems in
thedigitel@reddit
Retire ASAP is my plan
ZaetaThe_@reddit
Hope I have something terminal-- idk, but that's just me already
Mac_to_the_future@reddit
I turn 40 next month and my plan is to stay in networking, but add some extra skills like security to broaden my skillset; my organization is happy to pay for the training, so I’m taking them up on it.
I’ve seen a lot of friends and colleagues around my age start getting into management, but I’ll paraphrase the conversation between Emil Blonsky and General Ross from Incredible Hulk 2008:
“Mac, how old are you, 45?” “39” “Takes a toll doesn’t it?” “Yes it does.” “So get out of the trenches; you should be a CIO by now with your record.” “No, I’m an engineer and I’ll be one for as long as I can.”
sobeitharry@reddit
Applying my generalist knowledge to cybersecurity. GRC, security manager, auditor, CISO, not sure yet. I'm just loving the area and excited to move into it. Knocking out certs and putting in applications have been my hobby the last few months.
sobeitharry@reddit
Applying my generalist knowledge to cybersecurity. GRC, security manager, auditor, CISO, not sure yet. I'm just loving the area and excited to move into it. Knocking out certs and putting in applications have been my hobby the last few months.
SkyeC123@reddit
I’m a similar age, country IT leader for some big sites, big company.
Could be a lot of stress but I do what I can in the day and move on. My company and team are very supportive so I take my PTO often, and since it’s 6-7 weeks a year, it’s really nice. WFH a few days, on site a couple. Travel a bit. It’s not bad.
I’m thankful to be in a technical role and. It reliant on my body for work. I keep in shape but getting older is getting older.
kitkat-ninja78@reddit
I'm approx your age, a hands-on IT Manager for a small team (all together there is 5 of us) - for a medium to large organisation. But in essence, I am also an IT generalist. Do I think that I can continue this job until I retire? I don't know, probably not, not unless I either specialise or become a pure IT Manager. I can't see myself lugging PC's and servers around, doing cabling, etc in my 50's and 60's. I don't think I can physically keep on doing that. Added to that, the constant development that I undertake every year just to continually upskill is also taking a toll... Anywhere from 300-600 hours of CPD every various kinds every year, whether it's management related, IT/technology related, or sector related - to either keep up to date or to support how my role has evolved over the years (and continues to).
The other option I have is to become a college or university lecturer full time (I'm already an associate lecturer part time), but I see the state of education at the moment, and I'm not sure if that is a viable option - added to that, there would be a pay cut which would also effect my pension (going from having two jobs to one).
I guess the path I'm trying to do is to become a lotto winner...
TC271@reddit
I'm 42 and kinda feel like things are ramping up.
Changed course from a generalist to a network engineer at 39 and haven't looked back. Much more money and far less people to deal with. Can spend days down a rabbithole working with standards based technology I enjoy.
Passed my Juniper and Cisco professional level ceets and now really getting python scripting
Happy where I am (regional ISP) but will see what's up next year.
Gatorcat@reddit
SAVE for your retirements..... If you haven't started yet, get going......
Mae-7@reddit
Move to a field where it is WFH friendly. That is the goal, will even take a pay cut if so.
Plasmanz@reddit
I reached the same point a few years ago after 20 years of being hands on the passion has faded and the stress seemed worse. So now I manage a small team, still hard to let the work go but I trust them to do what's needed and make sure I'm avaliable to provide them support.
Downside though is more meetings now.
sharpied79@reddit
I'm about to turn 46. I left IT three years ago. I had been in IT for nearly 25 years at that point (started at 18), finally working my way up to the role of IT Manager for a medium-sized charity.
My wife started her own business four years ago, designing and building bespoke plywood kitchens for customers. I now assist her running the business, haven't looked back, can't say I miss it that much...
Hopefully, we can keep this business going for a few more years after that? Who knows... Early retirement if I am lucky...
JazzlikeSurround6612@reddit
So you'd recommend getting a lil sugar momma to work for?
FamousAcanthaceae149@reddit
Just turned 40 a few months ago. Im still working a variety with my focus on Azure. Perhaps find an MSP that needs and develops broad skillsets.
Immortal_Elder@reddit
Same boat- The small company I've been with for many years was bought out by a PE firm. The future is uncertain at this point.
RestartRebootRetire@reddit
Wait until you're 50+. I have total grumpy old man syndrome now.
I need heart medication just to deal with increasingly incompetent enterprise support.
Happy I landed a nice SMB job because it's a cruel world to graybeards unless you're some uber specialized wizard.
bobs143@reddit
To keep working. Then eventually retire. Someday.
xabrol@reddit
I am currently 40. I'm a generalist, but am primarily a software engineer and solution architect, so while I do sysadmin stuff, create/manage cloud environments, and on and on from time to time, I'm usually architecting solutions or writing code. I'm a full stack software engineer and dev ops engineer, with a background in sysadmin (desktop admin) and networking (pc repair etc too).
I'm generalist to the core, but lean more into development side of things, I can do darn near anything, including install radios in cars and wire houses.
Over the years I've moved out of more sysadmin work and way more into programming and am currently a Senior Solution Architect and working towards Principal Software Engineer. I was recently offered a Director of Software Engineer somewhere, I don't want to work there, but I might lean into more managerial stuff as I age more.
bjc1960@reddit
55 here. Do your best to "pay yourself first" For me, exercise, mental health, family. No current pets though I want a dog again. Things are nervy at every level ether as an IC, a manager or even at the exec level. I work in private equity, things are good. During the interview they told me, "we have no red tape here." That was not a selling point -it was a warning. : ) Attitude is to "get things done (and done right, not half-ass or unethical).
Your generalist skills are very valuable in the PE space. Mid-cap companies acquiring smaller companies need exactly what you have. My team does everything - never dull and boring. I realize this is not for everyone. It works for us.