Hey everyone! I just wanted to see if someone could lend me a hand here. I''m stuck trying to decide what I want to be. I''m tied between wanting to become a programmer and a network administrator. I have done little programming before (VB & a bit of C++) and I am currently involved in a Cisco Networking class at my high school. What is a better job? I mean, I could used to doing either one but I just can''t make up my mind. Butterbomb

I''ve done both, I enjoy programming alot more. I find it more mentally challenging than networking. Other''s may feel differently. Do whichever you enjoy more.

If you can''t work well under tight deadlines, I would pass on the programming. You have got to be able to handle tight deadlines or you won''t make it and the stress may cause you to have a heart attack.

If you have the opportunity, do an internship with both to see which fits you better.

~"What''''s this red button do?"

IMHO, being a programmer is a better choice. Programming provides for many more opportunities. At least in my area, the job market sucks for network admins. A friend of mine who works for recruiter told me that they had people with experience ranging from 3 to 10 years applying for entry level networking jobs.

Going foward withe business programming career, try to learn as many languges as you can. I would seek to excel in C++, WIN32/MFC, Java, and VB. I would also be familiar with the following: SQL, Crystal Reports, XML, HTML, ASP, ADO, COM and DCOM.

But wouldn''t learning all those languages give you a mind lock? I thought learning C++ was bad enough. The only language that I ever understood was QBASIC, seeing as how simple it was. I mean, probably like most others, taught myself QBASIC in a day. But then when I began with my VB class, I lost all of my QBASIC knowledge. I still know a little bit but not much. I have an ''A'' in my Cisco class but sometimes I find myself day dreaming instead of paying attention. As for programming, I begin reading through a tutorials then I catch myself starting to fall asleep. It happens everytime. I just can''t decide.

WikedGamer

I feel the same way. I was working on being a website designer, learning &#106avascript, xml, etc. But I really want to make games, so that''s what I''m going to do. I''m not good enough to get hired by id, Epic, etc., but making my own games would be good enough. I wouldn''t need it to make a living, but just creating games is cool. And if I make a few bucks, that''s just bonus.<br><br>Bottom line is that you gotta do what YOU want to do. I know it''s a cliche'', but it''s true. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> You have to ask yourself "Do I want to do this for the next 30 years?"

What did you expect your answer would be? If you posted this on a forum for network administrators(if there is such a thing), it would be the opposit.