The Pros and Cons of Working in the IT Industry
Do you love learning about up-and-coming technology? Do you want a career that focuses on understanding how different tech works? If so, working in the IT industry could be right for you!
Like any industry or job title, working in IT comes with pros and cons. If you are wondering if the pros outweigh the cons, this is the guide for you.
Keep reading to learn more about working in the IT industry.
Pro: The IT Industry Pays Well
When you work in the IT industry, you’ll benefit from an average wage that is above the median annual wage for other occupations. Currently, the average base salary for IT jobs is $83,000 per year.
The following are some information technology (IT) service jobs ranked by highest to lowest salary range:
- Software Engineer
- Project Manager
- Systems Administer
- Software Developer
- Network Engineer
The average job pay rate will depend on the location and applicant experience.
Con: IT Jobs Are Stressful
Working in an IT position comes with a lot of stress especially if you are working a help-desk job. You’ll be dealing with clients that have frustrations with their technology and will put that stress on you.
A lot of IT jobs have strict deadlines that you’ll need to adhere to. Deadlines aren’t unreasonable but you’ll be expected to deliver every time.
Pro: Job Security
The tech industry continues to grow at an accelerated rate because IT jobs are always needed. There are a lot of skill gaps in the industry so organizations don’t always have their demands met.
Earning a certificate in information security can give you better job security and make you harder to replace. You can get a CASP certification among others to make you a better job candidate with more security.
Con: Time Management
Having good time management skills will help your IT career but working in IT comes with unexpected circumstances. You could be called upon at any time of day to help with crashes, security breaches, and other problems.
IT jobs don’t always have the strict 9-5 scheduling you’ll find in other industries. However, this could give you more time to create your schedule when you aren’t needed which is a pro to most.
Pro: Constant Learning
The IT industry and all of the computer jobs that come with it require constant learning. IT is evolving so professionals must keep themselves up to date on the latest developments and trends.
While some view this as an additional step they have to take on top of long hours, others see it as a way to expand their horizons. Some people enjoy picking up new skills and find that a valuable part of the IT industry.
Should You Work in the IT Industry?
Although there are cons to working in the IT industry, the pros outweigh the disadvantages for most. With an IT job, you’ll benefit from great pay, job security, and the ability to learn valuable skills.
Many find that the most important factors that they look for in a career come from the IT industry. If you can get past the few cons, working as an IT professional could be the right move for you.
For more career advice and information on major topics, check out the other posts on our blog.