Popular technology skills

[kungfujd]

I work in commercial banking and have 8 years left until FI.  My skills would do not lend themselves to a part time/remote gig in an FI lifestyle which is what I am seeking.

For fun and income, I would be interested in acquiring an IT related skill(programming, writing code, website development) as I have had a general curiosity in the field but not sure a) what I would find interesting b) a skill that would be in demand c) can be done remotely d) good fit for an introverted personality type.

My company has a tuition reimbursement program so was going to leverage that.  I know there are many mustachians who are in the IT field and would be curious to get some feedback. I know it really depends on what I am interested in as that is the only way to achieve happiness in a field. That being said, what would you do if you were me?

[deborah]

I was in IT before I retired, but I had a side hassle in embroidery for years before and after I retired. It was helping people to digitise (use a program) machine embroideries for their own sewing machines. It was very different from my work, but used skills I had built up over the years at work, as well as skills that were totally different, and that were common to my hobbies. I feel this was a really good combination for me. I don't do it any more mainly because I needed more flexibility than teaching classes gave me.

If I was you I would look at the skills you enjoy that you have developed at work. Then look at the things you enjoy outside work, and the skills you have developed there, and work out if there is some sort of meld that could be developed into a hustle. Work skills are paid at a reasonable rate. Things that you pick up (like IT) are an unknown for others, so they are less likely to reward you satisfactorily for them, and you would be back at junior rates. Skills that you have already developed (either at work or elsewhere) should demand higher rates. Your company's tuition program may be most effective if it is giving you a qualification for skills you already have, or are developing, as you should be able to complete the qualification more quickly and with less effort.

[kungfujd]

thank you for the insite.  Sage advice

[2Cent]

I agree with deborah that you shouldn't start a business around selling IT skills that you don't even have yet. But I would recommend using IT to leverage your other skills.  Maybe a website or app to help people with some banking related issues. It could be as simple as making a website that calculates some advice based on a persons' or business' situation.

I would focus on website/web applications as that is the most future proof skill and are easy to market. Don't try to learn everything from the ground up. Just focus on what you need for your envisioned business and really learn that well. I suggest picking a framework that does most of what you want and learn to adapt examples to your situation.

[coolistdude]

I currently work in IT and am introverted (I pretend not to be at work). Interfacing with customers is very important. I've seen many very technologically smart people rub others the wrong way and it stunts their ability to progress. IT is very broad. I'd recommend figuring out what you like doing. Do you like networking, device deployment, auditing/record keeping of devices, server maintenance, building DB/functions, creating automation, project management, troubleshooting/repairing, people, innovating, teaching, or other things I've forgotten to mention? General small office setup/troubleshooting is easy to start. All you have to do is fix a printer or computer for someone and they will remember you until the end of time. Do it once at work and people will call for you instead of IT.

IT is a growing field, but has issues. For example, a company may spend a million dollars on infrastructure, and expect a $15/hr college grad with minimum training to manage it. Often, managers perceive techs as nerds knowing dark magic, but all at the same basic level so why pay one more than the other?

If I were you, I'd start asking IT friends/coworkers intelligent questions.

Don't say: I want a media server for work. How do I build one?
Say: I'm considering buying the latest Raspberry Pi with a compatible WiFi adapter and setting it up as a slideshow. Does this guide (a guide that you Googled) look good to you? Am I able to FTP or use FileZilla on the work network to upload additional photos? (let's assume that was okay by your employer)

Don't say: Our website sucks.
Say: I noticed parts of our website are not working in Chrome since they are Flash/Java based. I can re-enable it, but what if our customers don't?

Don't say: My printer sucks.
Say: My printer has often shown up as offline on my computer. Since it is connected by USB, and restarting the device or Printer Spool (CUPS if Unix based) does not seem to help, I tried re-adding the printer and using a newer driver. That didn't help either so I bypassed my USB extender and that seemed to resolve the issue. I just wanted to give you a heads up that our USB extenders may cause this issue in the future.

Don't say: What's an octet? What's an IPv4?
Say: Nothing. You've already googled it and are taking a short course on subnetting (if that is relevant to you).

My old boss used to tell me that I needed to be dumb enough to not know when something couldn't be done, and smart enough to know how to Google. Yes, knowing exactly what words to use when Google is very helpful. Capture your interest and perseverance and it won't even feel like work. Most IT folks in my profession get plugged in by being a tech with basic knowledge and working their way up from there. Maybe you can do the same as a contractor?

Hope that helps. Sorry for the wall of text.