Been meaning to get out of (professional) poker for a while. Finally took the initiative to stop outright 3 months ago. Feels great! But now I need moneys. OHNOES!

I have a bachelor's in math, from Cal, too many moons ago.

I like tech but it's changed a lot and I really don't know what's a hot field (in terms of hiring, pay, etc).

I've always been inclined more toward being "the tech guy" in a non tech company (System Admin type work), but again, really don't know what that field is like now. I imagine it's saturated with a bunch of applicants, but idk. If it's over-saturated and they only pay $15/hr, then times have changed since when I almost went this route 15 years ago.

Basically, anything tech related is cool with me, though. What I'm looking for is to get into something ASAP with as little time/money spent on schooling as possible. Would be nice if it's a decent paying job too. If that means a couple years at a local JC, or even a private institution, that'd be ok. I'd much rather get into something sooner, but 2 years, if need be, wouldn't be too bad.

Recommendations?

And if you could give me some advice on what will be needed to educate myself further, that'd be appreciated.

Thanks in advanced!

Networking is a very big field. You can learn it by yourself at home and get CISCO certificates.

What's the typical pay, currently, for Network Admins? For entry level? For 5+ years experience?

Would you recommend getting official certificate and if so where do you suggest? Local JC? Online?

Thanks again!

I don't have any idea how much they pay in the USA, but I know that entry level rounds about 107K Swiss currency per year.
Regarding CISCO, you can scheduele online or at a local certified center, but either way you'll do it in person,not over the web.

Entry level pay in mid America is maybe $40 an hour or so? That's the rumors I've heard.

Thanks for all the help. So do I understand it correctly that I cannot gain the necessary education for Network/System Admin over the web, i.e. I must go to an actual (in person) school? It would make sense that this is the way given the nature of the work.

Also what is the current job market like, particularly for entry level Network/System Admins in the US, specifically in California?

Thanks again

One skill any network admin needs is the ability to google. You should try that.

Become an expert Googler and then worry if Google were to be taken away.

Goal should be to become expert without Google over time.

Checkout CBTNuggets for decent but not free online training. I just started using it. Video tutorials but tells you where to get free tools for practice at home (sometimes).

In my experience here in the US I really don't think home study will be good enough for Cisco work. Not to get hired anyway. You'll need practical experience and that's difficult to get at home. Checkout GNS3. It will allow you to boot up virtual instances of certain networking OSes and play in your virtual lab. Only problem is you need to get a licensed copy of the OSes you want to fire up.

There are also computer learning centers around the country that will provide certification curriculums and you can take your certification exams as part of the class. Classes won't be cheap though (~$3-$4k for a week long course) and multiple courses to attend to fulfill the recommended certification paths.

Oh and you'll want to become familiar with VMWare technologies (ESXi, vSphere, Veem, etc) and potentially Microsoft's Hyper V or Virtual server technologies for sysadmin work

tyvm i appreciate it sir. btw, are you a (poker) grinder? if so, how do you like it? what games/stakes?

Haha name is a little bit of a misnomer. Real enthusiast just never had the roll to go pro as I never dedicated enough time to playing seriously. Took the safer 9-5 path.

Really want to do work similar work as you describe in thread here. I'll be interested to hear how it turns out for you.