I have observed a recurring pattern among IT professionals, such as programmers, network engineers, and administrators. They land a great job with a good salary, become complacent, and stop keeping up with the latest technologies and industry certifications like CCNA, MCSE. Eventually, they lose their job, either due to layoff or company relocation, and find themselves in a difficult position. Their skills have deteriorated to the point where they are no longer employable.
To avoid this situation, IT professionals must continuously learn and ask themselves three critical questions: Where do you want to be in three years? What are you doing now to achieve this goal? And if you were laid off today, do you have the necessary skills to find a new job quickly? Answering the third question can be challenging, but it is vital to one’s career success.
Some IT professionals refuse to update their certifications, like the MCSE 4.0, despite the change being announced months in advance. Even though they may have been angry, this is akin to career suicide, as it severely limits their opportunities in the job market.
To have a successful long-term IT career, continuous learning and growth are necessary. IT professionals must stay up-to-date with new technologies and industry certifications to stay employable. If you have been in the field for some time, it is essential to assess whether you are prepared for a job loss and take action to address any gaps in your skills.