Electronics or IT...Which is the best field to go into?

Question

I might be answering this, but i love working on computers so much. I even had to help the business that I work at. They and everyone else I know. They give me high remarks. I'm also currently looking for new job because pays c**p

Answer 1

IT would be the way to go these days.  A degree in electronics is not as useful as it used to be in the US anyway.

Answer 2

It's really a matter of personal choice.

There are certainly many more job opportunities in IT.

But, IT people are dime-a-dozen these days, too.  So, there is a lot of competition, and as you noted, the pay is... not so great, anymore.  Unless, you have a niche specialty that is hard to find (+ a university degree).

Electronics can be a very interesting field.  But, I'm not talking about consumer electronics like TV's and stereo's.  

I'm talking more about radio-based communications and navigation systems, like two-way radio, satellite communications, Radar detection and navigation, GPS navigation and geodetic mapping systems, Avionics (aircraft electronics)

In today's world, everyone knows computers.  And, regardless of what field you work in, you still need to know computers.  So, a computer and IT background is a great asset.... but it doesn't set you apart from the pack (not any more).  In the end, IT can be more stressful than interesting.

I have worked in electronics for over 25+ years.  

I got my ham radio license at age 13.  I was in USCG as electronics tech.  I traveled from station to station repairing AM,FM,SSB communications radios and radio beacons.  I worked on 30ft boat radios to 180ft bouy tenders and all their comm/nav equipment including Radar and depth-finders.

I've had my 1st Class FCC Radiotelephone license and worked in AM/FM/TV Radio-Television stations as a station engineer (as they call them).

I've worked in electronics manufacturing in the fields of Avionics for Rockwell Collins as a production line technician.  Then later as a Lab Technician and Technologist assisting engineers in the development of new Avionics products.  I worked on DME (distance measuring equipment), VOR/ILS receivers (VHF Omni-Range/Instrument Landing Systems), and Radar.

I worked in manufacturing and repair of NNSS (Navy Navigation Satellite System) and GPS satellite receivers for navigation and geodetic survey systems.

I worked in GPS development as an RF Technologist assisting engineers in the development of their first GPS OEM receivers for Novatel Communications, who is now well known for their high-precision GPS systems.  

I later became a Technical Writer and wrote user manuals for their GPS equipment.

After burning-out as a technical writer, I left the field and went back to the local Technical School and took a fast-track 1yr program in "Systems Support Specialist" for desktop and network support.

I was never happy working in the IT field, and didn't make it as a career (I'm an old dog now anyway).  

I like working with computers and now spend my time researching and learning VoIP.  But, in the end,  if I could go back being an electronics tech.............. that's what I would do, again.