What is the better side of the field?

Opinions/suggestions wanted,

Which side of the computer game would you recommend someone go into, programming or repair/custom machine bldg etc.  And what training or degree will really open the job doors?

From my experience here I find that the programmers are the ones that earn better pay instead of the repair/custom machine building.  If you're pretty good at programming and if you have some computer graphics (not necessary though) that should help in opening some doors.  On top of applying your programming skills for game development, you can apply them to other applications as well.  So that definitely works in your favor.

what about the networking side of things as opposed to multimedia / website development ?
this choice haunts me and im running out of time before i have to choose - help!

The networking side of things is definitely a very lucrative position to be in.  However, there's a big difference with those that are just starting out in this field to those that are just starting out in the multimedia/website dev. department.  Most of the people I know that are in the web dev. field are pretty much contractors that can charge whatever they want...provided their employers agree to it.  I guess that's the up side to the whole web dev. side.

If you're really good at networking then it shouldn't be too hard to get what you're asking for.  I have a couple of buddies that started from $65K to $85K right out of college.  Unfortunately, I don't think us techies can get that kind of money right away today since the econonmy hasn't been doing too well.

Now, if you can manage to do both of these things together then you would definitely be a hot item in the market.

[Omega]

I don't know the statistics offhand, but I know that being a network administrator, even for a moderate-sized company, can be extremely lucrative, as well as not being all that demanding.  Just pull in a network certification, from Microsoft or Cisco, or something (I'm not really sure what's considered the "preferred" certification), and find some company in need of a network or IT guru, and you're all set.  I know a fairly easy starting point for networking is getting a CCNA diploma (Cisco Certified Network Associate, i think).

Of the first two choices, I'd say you're probably more stable in a programming position, but repair or system building could be more flexable, and possibly more interesting, depending on what you're desires are.

Networking is much more stable and steady than web development.  In fact, companies are beginning to turn towards the simpler web designs and programs as it has been researched and proven that statistically simple and quick downloaded sites  sell more products and services than those which are fancy or FLASH, etc.

Also, programming ability will always be needed (as will repair, but repair does not pay as much!)

Well from what Ive seen and experienced, programmers get paid alot more than a network admin does however you are much more expendable as a programmer.  Theres alot of programmers out there but as far as people that have theyre MCSE (networking) the jobs pay good and theyre more stable.  Alot of companies will hire alot of programmers at once paying each a large sum of money and then when that particular task is complete they drop ya.  In networking theyre are so many areas to go into.  Networking is a very general topic and I suggest getting MCSE certs and CISCO certs like the CCIE (very hard, extremely high pay).  For Programmers the big thing now is XML and VB.

If I put my self through 2years of community college and get my MCSE and/or Cisco certifercate. Would I be able to land a job right out of school. And would the pay be acceptable? Im Currently in school and i have taken a programming class and figure that I wont like it. Networking though sounds like it would be me. I know how much those mcse and Cisco test cost. But if those are accomplished and worth the payoff. Well where Do I sign.

please tell me what you think or know the pay would be with this schooling and certifercates?

thanks,

Another thing to consider:

If you pursue programming, you'll probably be sitting in a chair all day.

If you pursue networking, you could have a variety of tasks, such as bending and lifting some days and sitting on other days.

Am I right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Programming is not a hands on thing, like fixing a computer internally (Hard drives, memory, etc). If you like programming you must like typing and sitting, eating, drinking coffee, or whatever you like doing while sitting down. Basically, it is a kind of a table job. In contrast, networking is configuring routers, switches, and connecting wires around the network. Fun stuff! Configuring cisco devices are not as bad because you don't have to remember many commands as programming.