Help me I need a change in career/industry

Hi guys I have been working in retail as a manager for the last 6 years but I have had enough,I don't really like managing people and I get ****ed of all the time.What would be the best industry that doesnt require a degree as I dont have one to go into.I don't know what I want to do but have to get out of retail management before I kill someone.I was thinking of studying with computeach part time(has anyone done this) IT does sound fun but then again I now nothing about it.

Any of you have experience of changing from retail,what is the best industry that would use my skills.

Thanks in advance guys,need to sort this out asap.

[L3nny]

If you start at the bottom rung on IT ladder you'd probably be on a helpdesk, you don't usually need any qualifications or IT certificates for this. Depending on the helpdesk you work on this can be quite interesting but can also be very boring.

I assume you have good customer service skills as you have worked in retail which can be more important that IT skills as these can usually be picked up quite quickly and you'll be first line support so if you are stuck with something there will always be someone who you can ask for help.

If you get in with a good company they will pay for you to attend courses and that will help you further your career.

The downside is starting pay is quite low (about 16k) and you may have to work unsociable hours (i work nights and weekends and do 12 hour shifts)

Just noticed you are in London so the pay will prob be a bit more, but there will also be more competition for jobs .

If you do take any courses let me know how you get on as I am looking into doing some of these myself.

If it's well paid and secure then you're doing well in this economic climate!! Distance learning is good if you have the dedication and i've tried it before but often find I need someone cracking the whip to make me work!

I have no experience with computeach but I did look into it years ago and they weren't cheap!

Write a list of what you like/dislike about your job and then go from there. Aim to find something with more of the bits you like. If its a big retail place can you not move to a different part and work with different people within the company?

Yeah will do,the prob is I earn good money at the mo so dont want to lose too much(still gotta eat) I was thinking of the customer service side of things might be an option

Originally Posted by Jackie_Black

If it's well paid and secure then you're doing well in this economic climate!! Distance learning is good if you have the dedication and i've tried it before but often find I need someone cracking the whip to make me work!

I have no experience with computeach but I did look into it years ago and they weren't cheap!

Write a list of what you like/dislike about your job and then go from there. Aim to find something with more of the bits you like. If its a big retail place can you not move to a different part and work with different people within the company?

Yeah the only place I could move is to head office but not many jobs to get into,if i move around within the many stores it would still be the same S**t

[timwilky]

Even our help desk staff require ITIL foundation.

We also expect them to do level 1 fixes as well as field service requests, incident management etc.

[L3nny]

If you have experience of managing people you may get a job on a helpdesk and go straight in as a manager which would be better money. If you were looking at that then consider ITIL training. DOn't know much about it myself but the helpdesk managers where I work are all sent on ITIL courses

edit, beat me to it Tim

Dont know much about helpdesks but have delt with my fair share,anyone here work at one whats it like

[L3nny]

I worked on a helpdesk for 7 years.

It's okay but you can often spend a lot of time just sat there waiting for the phone to ring. You need good customer service skills as often the people calling are annoyed to start with. You are also the only ones left in the office when everyone else goes to the pub for the afternoon for a "meeting"

Anything in particular you want to know?

Whats the cash like and the hours I suppose and how to look into it,best company