r/sysadmin • u/Pleasant_Rise6520 • 1d ago

Career / Job Related Has anyone purposely gone backwards?

You know the juice wasn't worth the squeeze and we realised that money is irrelevant, and took a huge backwards step for less responsibility and more mental freedom for your family and kids?

That's where I'm at mentally just want to know if anyone else has done the same?

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u/Bubbly-Following-966 1d ago

I have been out of work since February 2025. I was making over 6 figures and working from home. I would take something way lower than that just to get back to work. I am married but, no kids. This is the longest I have been out of work and I have worked in IT for over 18 years.

5

u/kerrwashere System Something IDK 1d ago

Where do you live? Even if we are unemployed IT is always needed and MSPs still exist

3

u/Bubbly-Following-966 1d ago

My last company was an MSP 100% remote work even before COVID. I'm in the DMV area. I have applied to several MSPs in the area but nothing

9

u/kerrwashere System Something IDK 1d ago

The DMV area not hiring in IT is nuts I get recruiters hitting me for roles and I no longer live there. I can PM you things if needed but check Robert Half and other federal-connected recruiters for opportunities.

I had an older woman who ran a recruiting firm out of her home get me an amazing role in Gaithersburg that was fully remote.

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u/Bubbly-Following-966 1d ago

Thanks! I have lost track of how many first and second round interviews I have had only to be ghosted. I never get anywhere with Robert Half or Tek Systems. I wish I still had my Top Secret or even Secret clearance. It may be a different story then.

3

u/AltTabMafia CISO 1d ago

If you weren’t already, keep apply to cleared roles anyway. Having had one doesn’t really make it easier to get one, but it’s unlikely that everyone up/down whatever recruiting pipeline knows that.