🚀 Introduction: My IT Journey Through Time

Hello, friend! I'm so glad you've joined me in hearing about my journey in the world of IT. It’s been a fascinating adventure filled with challenges, learning, and much growth. Every story has its beginnings, and mine started in 1999.

🖥️ The Humble Beginnings of My IT Career

When I first started in IT, the world was quite different. Dial-up was the dominant method for accessing the internet. The familiar sound of a modem connecting is something I’ll never forget. Web pages were simple, often just text and a few images, and downloading a single song could take over an hour. If someone picked up the phone in the other room, the internet connection would drop, and I’d have to start all over again. It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come.

My journey in IT began with an opportunity to work as an intern at an international airport in Upstate New York. That internship eventually turned into a full-time job. My boss there, a wonderful man named Dwayne, was incredibly patient with my learning. He took the time to teach me many of the foundational skills I still use today. Dwayne’s guidance and support were instrumental in shaping my early career, and I’m forever grateful for the lessons he imparted.

The network I was working on was powered by Windows NT Server 4 and Exchange 5.5. Many of our computers were custom-built by us, and a significant number of the desktops were running Windows 95. This setup might seem ancient by today’s standards, but back then, it was state-of-the-art. Working with this technology gave me a solid understanding of networking and system administration. It was fascinating to see how all the pieces fit together to keep the airport running smoothly.

Over time, this configuration grew and evolved, but at that moment, this was our reality. Many of you may be too young to remember Windows NT or Windows 95, and that’s perfectly fine. These systems laid the groundwork for the sophisticated technology we use today, and working with them taught me invaluable lessons that still resonate in my work.

📚 Learning IT Basics and Early Experiences

In those early days, I spent a lot of time learning the basics. There were no YouTube tutorials or online courses like we have today. Much of my learning came from thick manuals and trial and error. I remember the excitement of finally getting something to work after hours of tinkering. Each small victory felt monumental.

Part of my journey involved some mad-scientist experiments with older machines in the bone yard. These were the forgotten and discarded computers, considered obsolete by most. But to me, they were treasures waiting to be brought back to life. I’d spend hours scavenging parts, reassembling systems, and testing configurations. There was something magical about turning a pile of seemingly useless components into a functioning machine.

These hands-on experiences taught me a great deal about hardware and software. I learned how to diagnose and fix issues, how different components interacted, and how to optimize performance. It wasn’t always smooth sailing—there were plenty of failures and frustrations along the way. But each setback was a learning opportunity, and each success fueled my passion for IT even more.

One memorable project involved repurposing an old server to create a home network. I meticulously configured it to share files, manage printing, and even host a simple website. This project gave me a taste of real-world IT challenges and the satisfaction of overcoming them. It also sparked my interest in networking and system administration, areas that would become central to my career.

These early experiences were invaluable. They gave me the confidence to tackle more complex problems and instilled in me a sense of curiosity and resilience. Looking back, I realize that those days of tinkering and experimenting laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved in my career.

🌱 Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth in IT

Working in IT hasn't always been easy. There were times when I felt frustrated and even angry. The pressures and constant challenges of the job can be overwhelming. I remember dealing with anger issues and struggling to find my place. It wasn't until I started focusing on my personal growth and understanding the importance of kindness and patience, both with myself and others, that I began to see a positive change.

Growing up, I had my share of difficulties. Many of my anger issues resulting from those issues were self-medicated with drinking. It was a way to cope, but it didn’t solve the underlying problems. Instead, it created new ones. I want you to know that it’s okay to struggle. We all carry things with us—pain, frustration, fears—but it’s how we deal with them that defines our journey.

There came a point when I realized that if I wanted to truly succeed and be happy, I needed to confront these issues head-on. I sought help and started focusing on healthier ways to manage my emotions. This wasn’t an overnight transformation; it was a gradual process that required patience and persistence. But slowly, I began to see changes. Cutting back on my drinking was less difficult than getting a handle on deep anger issues, but I consider my recovery in both areas to be a lifelong journey.

I learned the value of kindness, not just towards others, but also towards myself. I realized that it’s okay to make mistakes and that each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Patience became my ally, helping me to stay calm and focused even in the face of challenges.

In my professional life, this shift in mindset had a profound impact. I started to approach problems with a clearer mind and a more positive attitude. I began to build stronger relationships with my friends and colleagues, offering support and encouragement instead of criticism (I was a very critical person). This change didn’t just make me a better IT professional; it made me a better person.

By sharing this part of my journey, I hope to let you know that if you are struggling with similar issues, you’re not alone. It’s okay to have difficult times, and it’s important to reach out for help when you need it. Personal growth is a continuous process, and every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

Remember, it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to seek help. What matters is that we keep moving forward, learning from our experiences, and growing along the way. Let’s navigate this journey together, supporting each other every step of the way.

🔄 Transitioning to Modern IT Technologies

As the years went by, technology evolved rapidly. We moved from dial-up to broadband, and the internet became faster and more accessible. My work transitioned from simpler tasks to more complex systems and networks. The rise of social media, cloud computing, and mobile technology opened up new avenues and challenges.

Around this time in my career, I made the leap to working for myself. It was an exciting but challenging period. The market was going through deep transitions, and I experienced firsthand the "feast or famine" nature of freelance work. Some months were incredibly rewarding, while others were a struggle to make ends meet.

The 2008 market crash added another layer of difficulty. Many businesses were tightening their belts, and IT projects were often the first to be put on hold. It was a rough time, and the uncertainty was stressful. But it was also a period of immense growth. I had to adapt quickly, learn new skills, and find innovative ways to provide value to my clients.

During this time, my focus was on fixing computers for customers, ensuring file servers and printers were working, and providing other essential IT support services. I took pride in solving problems that helped people get their work done smoothly. Despite the economic challenges, I saw the potential of emerging technologies to improve efficiency and productivity.

I made a lot of mistakes during this feast or famine period, some of which were pretty expensive. There were moments when I thought my career might be over. But each mistake was a learning experience, teaching me valuable lessons that I carried forward. It wasn't easy, but I made it through those tough times and survived.

These experiences taught me resilience and adaptability. I learned to navigate the ups and downs of the market, manage my time and resources effectively, and continually seek out new learning opportunities. Working for myself also gave me a deeper understanding of the practical side of IT work, which has been invaluable in my career.

The transition to modern IT technologies was not just about keeping up with the latest trends; it was about understanding how these technologies could solve everyday problems and make life easier for everyone. It was a challenging period, but it laid the foundation for the next phase of my career.

🤖 Adopting Automation and AI in IT

Today, we live in a time where automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the world of IT. I am always amazed by the new things we can do with these technologies. Recently, I used an AI chatbot to help me fix a script and even create the logo for this newsletter. These tools are very powerful and help us do things we couldn't do before.

During this part of my career, I also did a lot of work in DevOps. This means I worked on combining development and operations to make things run smoother. I was doing DevOps before it had a name! Automation was a big part of this work because it helped us manage systems and make sure everything worked well.

AI is going to change a lot of things, but it will also help us with everyday tasks and let people do their best work. AI can take care of boring, repetitive tasks, so we have more time for creative and important work. It can also find solutions to problems much faster than we can. This means we can be more productive and come up with new ideas.

As we use these new technologies, it's important to stay curious and keep learning. Automation and AI are tools that can make our work better and help us solve problems. They aren't just about replacing human work but helping us do more and do it better.

The future of IT is very exciting, and I’m happy to be part of it. As we keep exploring and developing these technologies, I’m sure they will help us build a better, more efficient world.

🌍 The Importance of Inclusivity in IT Careers

This field attracts people from all walks of life—high school students eager to start their careers, people looking for a second career, and many with different backgrounds and abilities. Everyone has a place here. It’s important to recognize and celebrate our differences and to create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Inclusivity means ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed, no matter who they are. People come to IT from many paths, bringing unique experiences that foster new ideas and perspectives. This field can be great for people with different abilities, whether someone uses a wheelchair and excels in software development or someone who is visually impaired and specializes in cybersecurity policy. Our workplaces must be accessible and supportive for all.

Historically, IT has been a male-dominated field, but that is changing. More women, non-binary individuals, and people of various sexual identities are entering IT and bringing valuable skills and viewpoints. People from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds also add to the richness and creativity of IT, leading to better problem-solving and innovation.

Inclusivity isn't just about fairness—it's about making IT stronger and more creative. When people from different backgrounds work together, they come up with ideas and solutions that might not happen in a more similar group. By embracing inclusivity, we create a dynamic IT community where everyone has something valuable to contribute. Together, we can achieve amazing things and ensure our IT world is one where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of gender, sexual identity, culture, or ability.

It is because of the inclusive nature of IT that I was able to find a home in this career, even if it was a more conservative workplace when I first got started - it was generally accepted that if you are kind of a nerd, this was the career for you.

🔭 Looking Ahead in My IT Career

I am 20 or so years into my career, and there's still so much to learn and explore. The field of IT is ever-changing, and that’s what makes it so exciting. There’s room for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills. My hope is to share my knowledge and experiences with you, to help you navigate this fascinating world.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize how important it is for me to pass the torch to the next generation of IT professionals. I’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience, but it’s time for fresh ideas and new perspectives to take the lead. By sharing what I’ve learned, I hope to empower you to build on this foundation and drive the industry forward.

Sometimes, I feel like I might be getting in the way of progress. The world of IT is moving at an incredible pace, and it's essential for the next generation to step in and shape the future. My goal is to support and mentor you, helping you avoid the mistakes I made and encouraging you to innovate and explore new possibilities. By passing the torch, I hope to give newcomers the chance they deserve to shine and make their mark in this dynamic field.

🛤️ Conclusion: An Invitation to Join the IT Journey

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I’m thrilled to have you here, taking your first steps in IT. Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Every expert was once a beginner, and every mistake is a learning opportunity. It’s also okay to feel frustrated and even angry sometimes. What matters is how we handle those feelings and continue to grow. Let's explore this world together, one friendly step at a time.