The IT Degree: A Career Reset That Actually Works
An IT degree can be the smartest move for anyone stuck in a job they no longer love.
That was exactly my story.
After nearly a decade working in hospitality, I realized I was chasing tips more than passion.
The industry had changed, and so had I.
I wasn’t looking for just another job—I wanted a real career.
One that paid well, offered stability, and still challenged me intellectually.
That’s when I discovered the world of IT.
From Customer Service to Coding: My Unexpected Journey
Switching to tech wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment decision.
I started by talking to a friend who worked in cybersecurity.
He told me he made more working remotely than I did hustling 60 hours a week on my feet.
That conversation lit the fuse.
I researched career paths, read forums, and joined Reddit threads filled with people just like me—burnt out, looking for change.
And time and again, one thing kept popping up: an IT degree was the foundation for all of it.
Here’s where I found a great program that matched my goals: IT degree
Why IT Is Perfect for Career Changers
You Don’t Need to Start From Scratch
The best part?
Tech values skills—not just resumes.
If you’re already analytical, organized, or good at problem-solving, you’re halfway there.
In my case, years of handling guest issues trained me in real-time troubleshooting.
Turns out, that’s a transferable skill.
Flexible Learning Options
Many IT programs are built for working adults.
Evening classes.
Hybrid formats.
Self-paced coursework.
It makes transitioning easier without quitting your day job—at least not right away.
High Demand, Real Results
Everywhere you look, companies are hiring IT pros.
From helpdesk roles to network admins, the job board listings don’t stop.
And salaries?
Let’s just say they beat most entry-level roles by a mile.
Even during a tech downturn, IT support and infrastructure roles are stable.
That kind of reliability means something when you’ve got a mortgage or a family to support.
The First Six Months: What It’s Really Like
I won’t lie—the first few months of the program tested me.
Learning networking concepts felt like learning a new language.
But then came hands-on labs.
Suddenly, IP addresses and subnet masks started making sense.
I wasn’t just memorizing—I was doing.
That shift in learning style made all the difference.
And because I was in a cohort of other career changers, we all leaned on each other.
It was like having a built-in support system.
How the Program Changed My Outlook
More Than Just Tech Skills
I expected to learn about computers.
What I didn’t expect was to rebuild my confidence.
Each small win—a passed quiz, a successful simulation—reminded me I wasn’t “too old” to learn something new.
It helped me realize that imposter syndrome fades when you put in the reps.
Professional Development Built In
Resume workshops.
Mock interviews.
Cert prep.
All of it was baked into the program.
So when it came time to apply for jobs, I didn’t feel lost.
I had a portfolio and a plan.
What I’d Tell Anyone on the Fence
You don’t have to be a math genius or coding whiz to start.
But you do have to be curious.
Willing to put in the effort.
And most importantly, ready to bet on yourself.
Because an IT degree isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a bridge.
A bridge from burnout to balance.
From paycheck-to-paycheck to possibilities.
Life After Graduation: A Glimpse Into My New Normal
From Student to Systems Analyst
Three weeks after finishing my program, I landed a full-time role as a systems analyst.
I still remember the interview.
They asked if I had real-world experience troubleshooting issues.
I laughed.
“Ten years in hotels,” I said, “I’ve solved problems you don’t want to know about.”
We both laughed.
I got the job.
The Payoff
No more weekend shifts.
No more aching feet.
Now I work from a desk (sometimes from home), with a team that actually respects my input.
The hours are steady, and the work is mentally engaging.
For the first time, I see a real path forward.
A way to grow.
Certify.
Even specialize.
Cloud, cybersecurity, systems admin—there are so many doors open now.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to pivot careers isn’t easy.
But for anyone even remotely curious about tech, an IT degree can be the launchpad you need.
You’re not too late.
You’re not too old.
And you’re not alone.
Whether you’re coming from food service, retail, teaching, or something else entirely—there’s room for you in IT.
All you need to do is take that first step.