Trying to decide a career path

[Zenzenmotto]

At 30, with my Wife now graduated and working, it is now my time to look into going back to school to further my career. I currently have an AS in Computers, no certs and haven't been able to get an IT job (mostly because of no certs and only an AS). I am looking at going to WGU for a BS in Network Admin. The decision I need to make is should I even be trying to get into the IT field at all. About 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my hands. Currently even with help from 2 doctors, we can not get it under control because I work in a call center and type all day long. So the older I get and more typing I do, the worse I will get. My passion has always been in computers ever since I was about 10, I love working with them and I am really good with repairing them and setting up networks.

So the question / decision is, should I even purse the IT field, or find something else? (Right now the only other option is radiology that I am actually interested in.)

[CleeIB]

Hi Zenzenmotto,

You'll want to check on what the state of the art is regarding technology for those with handicaps - things like predictive text, voice recognition, etc. Then you'll want to see how likely you'll have access to such technologies in IT jobs near you.

See if you can talk to local IT industry folk. Your rheumatoid arthritis may not be a factor if the technology is there to compensate for it. Or it might not be much of a factor in IT at all. If so, then go for your certs and pursue your passion. Or at least look for ways to pursue your passion that don't strain your body.

Radiology may also suit you due to its technological aspect. Of course, med school is a long, expensive endeavor not to be taken lightly, but there are also technician-types of positions available in the field.

Explore your options in both IT and radiology. You'll be better able to make a decision as you gather more information. Good luck!