CS Degree, What to do?

[Carste]

So I got my computer science degree a little over a year ago. After graduation, I grabbed an awesome job at a local pizza shop for about 6 months. Then I got a job at a place that many would consider a dream job. Most of the people I talk to here absolutely love to work here. This place has job security, benefits, great pay, all the things one looks for in a career. What do I do and what have the people working here been doing for the past 20+ years? Code maintenance for CIS software.

I am not happy here. Well to be fair, miserable would be more fitting than "not happy". I dread waking up in the morning, I dread the drive to and from work, I dread pushing the button to turn on my computer, and I dread listening to the people around me talk about how much they love this place. I know some of the morons that frequent this forum will reply with something to the effect of: "It's a career, no one's happy with what they do in life. Get over it". Well, I'm willing to fight to be one of the few people that actually enjoys life. I don't want to be here for the next 25 years, get my cube decorated the day I turn 50, then commit suicide wondering what the fuck I did with those 25 years.

Now, some of the more intelligent people that read on this forum will likely respond with something to the effect of "What do you like to do?". This is the obvious question to help decide what careers I should be looking into. I've sat thinking about the answer to this question, and the only things I come up with end up leading to a variation of what I'm doing now: Code maintenance on shit software with people I don't really care for.

Now that I'm done giving my life story, what are other people doing as far as careers are concerned? Do you (assuming this question is applicable to you) enjoy the comp sci career you are in? Personally I feel my life has become Office Space if you were to take out anything remotely funny or illegal, make it an 8 hr long movie, and play it 5 times a week.

 

[Tristam Green]

So I got my computer science degree a little over a year ago. After graduation, I grabbed an awesome job at a local pizza shop for about 6 months. Then I got a job at a place that many would consider a dream job. Most of the people I talk to here absolutely love to work here. This place has job security, benefits, great pay, all the things one looks for in a career. What do I do and what have the people working here been doing for the past 20+ years? Code maintenance for CIS software.

I am not happy here. Well to be fair, miserable would be more fitting than "not happy". I dread waking up in the morning, I dread the drive to and from work, I dread pushing the button to turn on my computer, and I dread listening to the people around me talk about how much they love this place. I know some of the morons that frequent this forum will reply with something to the effect of: "It's a career, no one's happy with what they do in life. Get over it". Well, I'm willing to fight to be one of the few people that actually enjoys life. I don't want to be here for the next 25 years, get my cube decorated the day I turn 50, then commit suicide wondering what the fuck I did with those 25 years.

Now, some of the more intelligent people that read on this forum will likely respond with something to the effect of "What do you like to do?". This is the obvious question to help decide what careers I should be looking into. I've sat thinking about the answer to this question, and the only things I come up with end up leading to a variation of what I'm doing now: Code maintenance on shit software with people I don't really care for.

Now that I'm done giving my life story, what are other people doing as far as careers are concerned? Do you (assuming this question is applicable to you) enjoy the comp sci career you are in? Personally I feel my life has become Office Space if you were to take out anything remotely funny or illegal, make it an 8 hr long movie, and play it 5 times a week.

I swear to you, if anyone told me something like

"It's a career, no one's happy with what they do in life. Get over it".

I'd tell that person to go fuck him/herself on the spot.

Nobody should have to settle.

As for myself, I found that my interests in computer science/technology evolved after I got my degree. Before I received my degree, I was dead-set that I was going to be a hot-shit network administrator, and while I love doing that, I find that I despise it in a corporate environment. I did programming classes and slightly enjoyed it, but felt I'd hate it as a career.

About halfway through my final year of college I took the job I'm working in now, in Desktop Support. It's only a 20-hour/week job, but I get to do two things I love at the same time: Work on computers and work with people.

I am not anywhere suited for Remote Helpdesk Support, insofar as I am apt to get irritated with people over distance than I am face-to-face. On-site Desktop or Deskside Support is exactly what I find I enjoy.

I tried leaving the job I'm at around September of last year to work for a fairly large local (to the state) bank to do Help Desk and Network Administration. I lasted a week. A WEEK. I hated the job, I hated the pretentious people, and I felt exactly as you feel now -- loathing each day, and looking for ways to get out. I was lucky enough that my former boss took me back (I never burn bridges at old jobs), and I've been back here ever since and loving each day of it.

That said, I do wish it'd turn into a full-time job, and all that its going to take to get that rolling is for me to grow a pair and approach the CIO about turning my position into an expanded role with full-time benefits.

I sincerely hope this helps at all, but at the bare minimum know that I understand exactly what you mean.

 

[Zephayra]

I personally believe that people should enjoy what they're doing because, well yes, that's what we end up doing for the next 20-30+ years of our lives. However, I don't expect every day or every situation of my career to be enjoyable...especially in the work I do.

I personally went to University and got a science degree in Physical Anthropology/Archaeology but ended up pursing a diploma in a technical college. There are days I'm excited about going to work, and then there are weeks I dread driving in. I think its pretty normal, but not being miserable everyday.

One question though: Do you enjoy your work at all, or is everything about it you hate? You said you like programming, but you hate it there. Is it the people? The company? Maybe its the company you don't like, and you should think about a similar job else where?

 

[jamal]

So I got my computer science degree a little over a year ago. After graduation, I grabbed an awesome job at a local pizza shop for about 6 months. Then I got a job at a place that many would consider a dream job. Most of the people I talk to here absolutely love to work here. This place has job security, benefits, great pay, all the things one looks for in a career. What do I do and what have the people working here been doing for the past 20+ years? Code maintenance for CIS software.

I am not happy here. Well to be fair, miserable would be more fitting than "not happy". I dread waking up in the morning, I dread the drive to and from work, I dread pushing the button to turn on my computer, and I dread listening to the people around me talk about how much they love this place. I know some of the morons that frequent this forum will reply with something to the effect of: "It's a career, no one's happy with what they do in life. Get over it". Well, I'm willing to fight to be one of the few people that actually enjoys life. I don't want to be here for the next 25 years, get my cube decorated the day I turn 50, then commit suicide wondering what the fuck I did with those 25 years.

Now, some of the more intelligent people that read on this forum will likely respond with something to the effect of "What do you like to do?". This is the obvious question to help decide what careers I should be looking into. I've sat thinking about the answer to this question, and the only things I come up with end up leading to a variation of what I'm doing now: Code maintenance on shit software with people I don't really care for.

Now that I'm done giving my life story, what are other people doing as far as careers are concerned? Do you (assuming this question is applicable to you) enjoy the comp sci career you are in? Personally I feel my life has become Office Space if you were to take out anything remotely funny or illegal, make it an 8 hr long movie, and play it 5 times a week.

Knowing your personality a little from our interactions, I'd look for getting into a consulting type of service for ERP implementations. Travel is stressful, but it is also a ton of fun while you're young. The best part of consulting is, if you don't like the company you're working with, you just have to make it through the implementation before you're on to your next.

Not only will this give you experience in your field, but also will give you a wide array of business knowledge. I have a couple of companies I could refer you to if you'd be interested. You know where to find me

 

[Tristam Green]

Carste - I didn't mention I do consultation work on the side. It's lucrative, and I can charge less than the "geeks on call" companies do for repairwork, but I also do network configuration, server setup, business analysis and the like. I do that in my time off from work, so it ends up balancing out when I can get a consult job.

 

[Carste]

Thanks for the replies.

That said, I do wish it'd turn into a full-time job, and all that its going to take to get that rolling is for me to grow a pair and approach the CIO about turning my position into an expanded role with full-time benefits.

The only thing I can say to this is, what have you got to lose? Worst case scenario is you're told "no" and you remain part-time at a company you like. Maybe I should look into motivational speaking....

After reading your last post about how you're a consultant as well, I could see how this might be difficult if you're wanting to do both. Good luck to you though.

One question though: Do you enjoy your work at all, or is everything about it you hate? You said you like programming, but you hate it there. Is it the people? The company? Maybe its the company you don't like, and you should think about a similar job else where?

I like programming, but I prefer getting a feeling of satisfaction from what I do. If there's a place where I can feel good about the software maintenance, feel like I've made a difference, then that would be perfect. I don't feel I've done anything worthwhile debugging a program that sends people bills. I used maint. as an example because right now I feel maint. is the worst possible position to have. I would also say it's the people, don't get me wrong there are shitty people no matter where you go, but there's is not one person here to whom I've had the urge to say "Let's grab a beer, smoke some cigarettes, and play pool at the bar down the street" (Oh and they DESPISE people who even look like they might have smelled a cigarette).

Knowing your personality a little from our interactions, I'd look for getting into a consulting type of service for ERP implementations. Travel is stressful, but it is also a ton of fun while you're young. The best part of consulting is, if you don't like the company you're working with, you just have to make it through the implementation before you're on to your next.

Not only will this give you experience in your field, but also will give you a wide array of business knowledge. I have a couple of companies I could refer you to if you'd be interested. You know where to find me

I might do some research with this and talk to you in-game when we're just sitting around in wg listening to meeze and nai talk about how gimp that lvl 75 purple belt af mnk is....

 

[jamal]

I might do some research with this and talk to you in-game when we're just sitting around in wg listening to meeze and nai talk about how gimp that lvl 75 purple belt af mnk is....

lol, sure thing.

 

[Princemercury]

I'm going to speak in sketch, really don't feel like formulating complete sentences.

There are 2 major fields in IT...

1. IT.

2. Development.

I choose the first.

I was in the same BS/MS program and I dropped out because the school kept revamping the curriculum every year. I will go back, I'm only 9 credits away from MS. When I feel like it.

Sucked it up and self studied for high level certifications.

CCNP/MCSE, CCNA Specialties/MCITP, MCA/CCIE are some of the acceptable minimums today; and will substitute or double the value of your degree.

I assume you don't like development? It's just from what I gather...

I got out of school a little under 2 years ago. My career path has been lucky. But right now I'm a TO for one of the largest investment companies in the US.

I love the job, the organization of it, the 5 min drive to work, the clean crisp smell of the place, the lightning, every morning I look forward going to work.

Would I be here if I finished my degree? Probably not.

My recommendation for you is... if you don't like development but still like Information Technology, step up a level and move on (To me a CS Major is on the same level as a MCP / A+ / TS: VB candidate) (Stepping up meaning ascending to a design / architectural level). A 1-2 month sacrifice is well worth what you can learn.

Question: Do you like IT or Development? (Since your original post only mentioned you dreaded your current job).

If you don't like either... well... back to the cliche' question, what are you interested in? ^^. What motivates you? What are you most enthusiastic about?

Let us know!!

 

[crookedmidget]

...I'd look for getting into a consulting type of service for ERP implementations. Travel is stressful, but it is also a ton of fun while you're young. The best part of consulting is, if you don't like the company you're working with, you just have to make it through the implementation before you're on to your next.

Not only will this give you experience in your field, but also will give you a wide array of business knowledge. ...

This is actually good advice. I went this route and had lots of fun with it. Going places, meeting people and getting in different environments are all ways to find out what you ARE and what you AREN'T looking for. In your time, you'll find some really cool people, or some task that excites you and you can search for a job using that criteria when you want to settle down.

Consulting isn't for everyone, but I'd say if you're miserable in your current position, what do you have to lose?

 

[Romper]

I can't believe no one has posted an Office Space picture yet....

>_> <_<

 

[Makelith]

Do what you love and love what you do. If you enjoy what you do for a living, you will never work a day in your life. My dad said that was the reason he had to quit working to get his PhD. We had to move out of our house and in to an apartment, and i was really upset that he would be so selfish. Now of course i understand why he had to do what he did, and the joy i see him get out out of what he does now more than makes up for all the time lost.

Never settle. You'll be far more upset with yourself if you do.

 

[mysticalone]

GET OUT. each day will not get better. you not only will make urself more miserable but the people u surround as well if not already.

it took me 20 years to decide what i wanted to do and at 37 i have accomplished that goal. better late than never and i can say if i die tomorrow i have succeeded.

set goals and if you find its not satisfactory set NEW ones. eventually you will find something you can be content and happy with.

"ask mikey, he likes it!"

 

[Sanoske]

I'm still working through school, albeit not in anything computer related, but the career challenge is the same deal. I took a year off, transferred schools, and am getting close to a degree I will never use, (Anthropology) even though my intended field is something along the lines of photojournalism.

Having such a rocky college career, means I've had an enormous amount of pressure to make decisions, and give my life a sense of finality at the age of 21. I'll be finished within the next few years, and while I can't say I'm overjoyed with my position at the moment, I'm content to expand my horizons and know that when I graduate it will be on my own terms.

Do what you need to do. I made a promise to myself long ago that I would never stay at a job simply because it was "good money", etc. If you wake up in the morning and outright dread your day, I don't see any point in it. Because then your going to be affected even after you leave work.

I am a firm believer that if you really want it, you can find a balance between a job with good benefits, and something that will give you a sense of pride and contention (if not always joy... we all know work can suck no matter what you do). So while I can't give you any actual specifics in what to do like some of the others, I can tell you that you need to do what will make you look forward to getting up in the morning. Don't settle simply because everyone else decides they can "deal".

 

[Sharpe]

Never settle. You'll be far more upset with yourself if you do.

This. I'd rather earn less and be happy with my job than earn more and hate it. I plan on being a teacher and if I do that in the UK it's not really great pay for the workload. A lot of people here think a teachers day is done when the school closes for the day but knowing quite a few teachers they are still working at 9/10pm. Can I think of any other job i'd rather do? Nope. I'd rather spend nearly all day doing marking/class preparation than a 9-5 in an office block for some faceless company/government department.

You've got a whole working life ahead of you. Being unhappy for the whole of it isn't worth it.

 

[Princemercury]

All this idealistic / realistic crap is plain bs.

With the economy today, if you have a job, be happy and suck it up.

Don't "get out", "quit" or anything stupid like that. If the pay is decent, stay and pay your bills.

Being unhappy is worth it. It's a resume builder. It makes your skin tougher for the future.

If you have no bills to pay, well then follow the recommendations in this thread, I'll look forward to your Reality Sinks In thread in a few days about how you can't find a job.

 

[Arctyrael]

I would hope a CS degree that isn't IT centric would be better than an equivalent to A+ cert. and VB Princemercury. Though, I do know what you mean since it seems like 90% of CS students glide through it for the paycheck and not because it is a passion.

Anyways, to the OP as my software engineering professor put it so bluntly and is a very common picture comic -- burn no bridges on your way to the top. The toes you step on today may be attached to the ass you kiss tomorrow. If your boss ask's why you are leaving, be respectful but direct -- you're following your desires to improve and thank him/her. There is no reason to stay in a dead end job, and maintenance programming is as dead end as I believe the field gets.

PrinceM has a point, don't be rash in this and don't talk about it outside yourself and close friends. You don't want to broadcast you're looking for a new job, but you should always be looking to better yourself.