Take the new position! For multiple reasons: - More money w/ benefits and still being 100% remote is a major pro. - More vendors to make you a more well-rounded engineer. - Being heavy on Linux is going to provide you more of an edge since you want to go into Network Security, which are primarily using Linux or Linux-based programs/applications. - Changes to your environment will be growth to yourself and your skills. Having proven experience in multiple companies and locations will provide you with a bigger competitive edge if this role doesn't try and retain you which could even provide more benefits and better pay. Speaking from my own experience, getting hired for roles that are willing to accept you even with little experience in some of their other major sections of the job is huge since Networking is growing and evolving to be more DevOps work integrated, this will only be a positive to your professional development and journey! Hoping you continue to thrive through your grind to the top!

Palo Alto was formed by a group of Juniper alumni, last I’d seen they kept most of the Junos structure intact. I know this is super late but oh well :p

thanks for the update. i'm taking on my first work from home job, starting this monday. to the next step!

Congratulations!! This will increase your knowledge base since you’ll be working with different vendors, and as you stated, will look great on your resume. It also will help to built your network, which can help you secure a position in security if you need/want to make moves when this contract is done

Pray about it and listen closely to the answer given … you got this! 🥂

Take it the new job CHILE!!! At the end of this project, you'll have more experience working w/ different vendors and more money. This will prep you for your next Network Security role even if it doesn't appear to be "on the paper".

Do it!! It can’t hurt to work with different vendors. Go for it

I'm sick so that's why I sound like this all congested...😅

Sounds like it's a decent freshen up and new skills. I'd think of it being paid (well) to skill up and then you can demand for the next role. Plus when you do your day working videos you do sometimes look like you're over it hah

I think you should take the job due to the ability to work with different vendors and better your Linux skills. I'm on the server/analyst side of the house and Linux is huge especially if you want to get into Cloud technologies.

It's really good, I'm looking similar roles. I got a network engineer role recently. I also went from full time to contract.

A) income is not overrated B) if they didn’t think you could do it, they wouldn’t have offered C) principles are standard, vendor-specific quirks can be learned D) EVERY vendor you mentioned has a huge security aspect to it for you to learn and grow. E) it’s easier to get a new job when you have one F) EVERY tech company is DESPERATE for tech talent. This will build your brand.

GOod luck!

Working with all the different equipment/vendors is whats gonna make you a better network security person. It really makes you learn everything from a fundamental perspective. I started my career 10 years ago only doing basic networking on Cisco gear but now have experience with companies from startups to conglomerates working with all the different platforms/engineering realms (systems, security, software, networks, devops, cloud) including open source switches running Linux and automation using Ansible. It would have never happened unless I took the leap and left my comfort zone. Make sure to understand the workload and expectations, some teams are more intense than others 😵‍💫 good luck!!

Pray about it first. Then go with our gut. You won't be sorry if you take it. Juniper is very easy to administer and they have great support. The more vendors you have experience with, the higher your value whenever you get back into the market. Most importantly, it sounds like they know your value and are paying you as such. Good luck with your decision.

Next time when excepting a contract ask if you can do 1099, or C2C corp to corp, So that taxes will not be taken out of your Gross and you can write off travel, milage, ect

Take it!

DO IT!!!

I'm sure you've already done this but I always like to look at employee reviews on Glassdoor to help my job decision process. To know how much former & current employees enjoy the job, management, etc.. But if you do take the job, they'll be lucky to have to you and I'm sure you'll do great!

All I know is get the money. Personally 9/10 if the money right I’m there every night! My new networking role isn’t different from my last but it’s more. As long as they have extensions that’s good money but IT is still so underserved. You’ll be good either way.

Seeing that you want to pivot into security I would do it. My understanding is that you need Linux skills for security. Also you're familiar with the work just not the vendors. That said it shouldn't be too much of a learning curve.

I know money isn't everything, but since they'll give you top dollar like you asked, I say roll with it. I hope your new colleagues are just as hardworking and kind!

I’m certainly late to the party. I would accept just as majority of the folks in here have said. If there’s a chance to balance this with my full time gig, I’ll do both of them together which is even more pay, you get more skills under your belt. The only thing that might be an issue is meeting collisions but there are ways around these things. I know these because I was in a similar situation and did both gigs together.

take the money

If it doesn’t align with you goals then I wouldn’t take it (unless the pay difference was so big I could put my path on hold). The way this offer came out of no where so will the one you REALLY want that aligns mission wise and financially.

If job security is not an issue you can get it a shot. Me personally I would be a little too nervous lol. I never lived that contract life.

I know I'm late but ask them will there be an opportunity to re-sign for a contract extension.

If I were in your position, I think I would take it. Also, I'm confident that they would extend your contract.

I got out the Army and switched from networking to cybersecurity. Regret it and want to get back to networking but I'm kind of being type cast if you will. However, it did expose me to more Linux and Juniper when I had to validate their configurations were hardened. So, if I switched back to networking I feel like I could bring more to the table. I would still not accept a contract role during this point in time. It is a very uncertain time in terms of the economy and I would not take anything but a full time role now.

Of course it's higher pay, it's a contracting role with a finite end term (with a "possibility" of an extention). I personally wouldnt recommend leaving your full time direct hire role. After the end of the year, if you're contract isn't extended, you're back at square one. I personally don't like contract work as you never truly feel like you're part of the work culture. You also miss out on pretty much all of the company perks and youre at the mercy of whatever your contracting managed services company is able to offer you. I have found that the "best" benefits that a contracting company is able to offer, usually pales in comparison to the "best" benefits that a large fortune 500 company is able to offer you as a direct hire. They're just so much more extensive and cover so much more. Just my two cents but obviously do what's best for you and your family.

Hello, Please is there a possibility that we can have a zoom to talk about a professional problem that concerns me. Please let me know.

Personally I would do it cause it's a better pay rate and better benefits and all that good stuff. I was in that position once but I had to take the job cause I had no other option. But I guess that makes me literally the worst person to try and answer this lol.

1. More 💸💸 2. Telework 3. New challenges 4. Profit, take it

If you did take the contract role how much warning would they give you as far as 'yes we're bringing you on full time' or 'no we're not bringing you on'

Ok so I have a different view from this , my experience is security / networking / and system admin. First how good is the company that actually has the contract ? This would be top priority for me since they are who would roll me over or if they would roll me over. I’ve actually taken a fast contract position with good pay and rolled over within 45 days because they loved me but the company was horrible. Also they hired you because you are a great candidate with a good profile and even more potential. Although they are offering more things to impact your resume and experience I assure you there are more companies out there that will feel exactly the same about you. Next is how much is the pay increase. Depending on how many pto days your losing and the cost of benefits it may not be all that much. However in the current economy more cash flow is king right now. Also idk if your current position is 100% remote but that does factor into cost benefit as well. Good luck ! Whatever you decide from what I can tell about you so far you will be fine.

Did you take the careerist Boot Camp?

If it were me, I would take a 'lay of the land' for me i.e. am i happy in my current role with the people, work and money? In the end as a worker we should look at ourselves as contractors or mercenaries, we do a job in exchange for money so in the end it's about does the job benefit me? Happiness and satisfaction first. In regards to the not being familiar with the technologies, go with the old saying "Fake it til you make it.". You're smart as all hell, you'll pick up linux and the palo's quick. If i can anyone can, and it's what I do now. In the end, make the best decision for you and your pursuit of happiness (TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN!!!!!!).

I would take the networking role due to the soon to be seen increased demand for network engineers.. security is oversaturated rn

Do you list your KZfaq channel on your resume or application? I’m asking because I’m thinking of making a KZfaq

What's up!!! Hope u'r doing & feelin' good! I say step out on faith and take the job! Even though it's contract, it may be an opportunity for permanent when u go in there and show your shit and give them what they want, then show them what they didn't even know they needed. And yes, it may not be a security role, but get a security cert and show them you're serious about security and then you may be able to make your own role within the company when it's all said and done. The money sounds good too! Anyways, I'm happy to hear about your opportunity! I have a saying, "Let's all Win!" so let's all do that! I wish u the best and be well, be safe and Peace & Blessings!

Hey i would like to know the contracting company name

No

Hi, I am new to your channel. To be honest you’re sharing useful contents, thank you for your time. I hope you will help me. I want to be a network engineer. Now I am applying IT administration, network analyst these types jobs. I am struggling to land one networking job. I have completed master of IT. Some interviews I am getting but when they asking the technical questions and troubleshooting questions, I am struggling to explain. Could you help with that? How can I gain practical troubleshooting and technical skills.

Do you want to dedicate the time to learn Linux is the real question. I'm sure you will pick up Juniper soon enough. Also wary of doing contract job without contract-to-hire guarantee

Pros for sure out weigh the Cons

I'd like to think of every position as a new learning experience. I'd say go with it, ViewerOnly95's response is absolutely perfect.