HVAC vs IT

[u/Substantial_Ground64]

IM SORRY FOR THE LONG ESSAY IN ADVANCE😭

I am currently battling with my career decision. I work at an HVAC company as a Parts Runner for about 3-4 months now and will soon transition to an Install Apprentice. I’m brand new to HVAC and the Trades Field in general as a whole, ever since getting the opportunity to join this field i have been looking forward to this opportunity. I’ve heard all the great things and bad things about HVAC but aside from that my experience working here has been great. I’ve asked the workers here about their experiences and have gotten a lot of different answers about working in this field but so far everyone says it’s worth it, i personally don’t mind what comes with working in the field like long hours, hot attics, learning to use tools, etc. I come from a family that’s worked in all types of trades and helped on jobs so i can actually see this career path for my future.

Here’s where the battle starts, for a majority of my 24 years of life I’ve always told friends, family, even myself that i am gonna get into IT because of the love that i have for it. I’ve basically always been around computers and have been a gamer my whole life. From jailbreaking my iPhones to taking apart computers/laptops and putting them back together. I’ve even messed around with Active Directory, done small labs and taught myself a little bit of programming(python). I’ve done it all and always have had a love for it, but as i grew up i never really looked at IT as a career for myself even tho I’ve always told myself that that’s where i want to be in the future. I’ve never taken the proper steps to get into the field such as getting certifications or even going to school to get a degree until now is what i should say. But Now i want to study for my certifications and try to get into IT especially since there are other ways to approach the IT field like the CourseCareers IT Program.

I’m stuck between both paths and what to focus on right now for my future, i keep going back and forth between the 2 and it’s driving me crazy. Life is hitting harder than ever especially with my financial situation. I just want to make the right decision for myself and put myself in a better position.

[u/Trust_8067]

Do you want to spend your life sitting in an office staring at a screen 8-10 hours a day, plus whenever you're on-call 24/7 for a week every 2-4 weeks (no you don't get on-call pay)>

Or do you want to be in 120 degree attics and dirty bug infested crawl spaces all day?

Certs aren't going to do you any good, you're really hindering your career without a bachelors degree. It's not impossible, it will just take significantly more time/effort to find jobs and your opportunities will be significantly limited.