In 2023, I decided to take my remote job and go to Paris.

I know France from the movies and shows I've seen (Amelie for one is top).

The Paris Airport had cafes with croissants, and I thought, "Oooh... very Parisian."

Strolling through neighborhoods, my eyes rested on old European architecture.
I was amazed people lived inside these buildings.

It was such a contrast to the modern apartments I was used to in the US.

Then as I spent more time there, my exotic taste matured.

Paris became more than old European buildings.
More than it's croissants.
More than a movie.

Paris taught me it's own nuance.

Coming into IT, we think IT is all about IT.

But over time, we also see the reasons for IT.
To fill a business need.
To save time and money.
To save reputation.

Like Paris, it is nuanced.

IT is more than tech.
IT is also about the business.

In this nuance you learn, IT careers closer to the bottom line equals greater pay and job security.

A good practice is to think in metrics that solve time saved, money saved, or reputation saved.

For instance, let's say you're an admin with an SSO project.
Here's how you can gather metrics that matter:

1. Quantify help tickets from password resets.
2. Implement SSO to solve business solution.
3. Quantify reduction in help desk tickets due to SSO solving password resets.

(I share seamless Single-Sign On setup in the IAM Portfolio Cohort as well).

Or if you want the fullness of both, tech and business, then consider presales engineering, or solution architect roles.

IT solving business problems is how you stay ahead of AI replacing your career.

You can't stay stuck in thinking an IT career is all about the tech.

The tech only matters to the degree it's a business solution.

Yours truly,
CyberAndChill
​
PS Full link to the IAM Cohort, with monthly 1-1 access to me starting in January:
​https://www.skool.com/cyberandchill​