It's Not Too Late: My Journey from Hospitality to I.T

Hi! My name is Rudy, and I was in hospitality for the better part of almost 20 years. I've worked at some of the most well-recognized properties in Washington D.C, San Diego, and Las Vegas. I thought that hospitality was my end all, be all, and I was REALLY GOOD at what I did.

I thrived on chaos, I did well in high-pressure situations, problem-solved quickly and effectively. Created countless training manuals, standardized operations procedures, beverage menus, steps of service, studied hours on end on wine, spirits, beer, and I LOVED it...I enjoyed learning all upcoming trends, new methods of making wine, crafting cocktails, anything related to making myself better as an operations manager in hospitality.

In 2013 I hit the point of where I wanted to be in my career, Regional Operations Manager for a company here in Las Vegas, had 13 locations, close to 100 employees, being able to motivate and empower my team. I said to myself, "I" did it!!

Exactly a year later that all came to an end, I was laid off!!

I was unemployed, and scared shitless as I've never been in that position before, I didn't know what to do. I reached out to people who I thought were friends for help on getting a job, all I got was crickets. I had to pay the bills, worked random jobs as a manager in a gaming bar making $40K a year, I couldn't stand being micromanaged, working 6 days a week, 10-12 hour days, ended up self-sabotaging myself which in turn got me fired.

During my time as a server at a renowned burger spot in town, I came face to face with the harsh reality of how they treated their staff. It was a real eye-opener for me. I've always stood firmly against bullies, no matter who they are or where they come from. Seeing people treated as if their worth was insignificant didn't sit right with me. It just wasn't my style

Helped a friend open a breakfast spot in Downtown Las Vegas, got it opened and realized that I'm going to go back to keeping it simple and start bartending again.

I really enjoyed being back behind the bar, not having to worry about managing a team, explaining financials, hitting forecast. All I had to worry about was creating a great experience for a guest, talking about wine, what would pair well with their courses throughout their dining experience, I wanted to learn more about the modern bartending scene. Got my union local 165 craft card, memorized 152 cocktail recipes, the glassware it came in and garnish, knowing the different regions of new world vs old world wine, beer, spirits, creating cocktail menus...it was fun again!!!

As the years went on, as did my age, my body got to a point where it couldn't handle being on my feet for 8+ hours, dealing with the new Vegas after the pandemic. It got to me mentally, I was unhappy going into work, always working weekends, not being able to spend time with my partner in crime and two rescue dogs.

Hospitality especially in Las Vegas is not what it used to be, and at that point I decided to make a change.

(When I hear people say "I don't have time" it's a bullshit excuse!! how do you eat an elephant? one bite at a time. Even if it's just 10,20,30 mins throughout the day, it's something better than zero. I was working two jobs, and going to school full time...don't tell me it can't be done, because it CAN be done!!!)

I randomly came across an ad for Cyber-Security Certification at a local university, make 80-100k a year, job placement etc. The instructors were great, and support staff were helpful. during my time taking that course I was hooked, I tried learning everything I could about computers, networking, windows, Linux, ethical hacking, digital forensics how to build a LAN, sub-netting. This was cool, and I LOVED IT, at the same time I was terrified, I'm starting something new in my 40's, having to start over again, having ZERO clue how this industry worked.

But this was the change I needed, I love being challenged, I love figuring things out, my GOAL WAS TO MAKE IT IN THIS INDUSTRY.

I didn't realize how competivite the job market was, I put over 300+ applications and got ZERO responses, NADA, ZILCH...However it didn't deter me from not giving up as much as I wanted too.

Then one day, when I was taking my Security+ exam at a (which I failed miserably very hard exam) tech school by the name of P.I.T.A, the Professional Institute of Technology they were welcoming, inviting, offered great resources, and just all around good people. They directed me in the right direction to get state funding as I was unemployed. I'm attended these I.T classes as a full-time student studying everything there is to know about Networking+, Security+, and A+.

I'm done with my NET+ course took the exam and got a 680 out of 720 to pass, very close. Currently in my Security+ course, passed my A+ Core One and preparing for my Core Two.

I wish I got into I.T sooner, I enjoy the troubleshooting side of things, learning as much as I can about how a computer, networking, applications work. My journey isn't done yet, as I'm still new to this, I now have a passion for this industry, studying as much as I can, learning everything there is about I.T, networking with people that are currently working in I.T to gain advice, knowledge, anything that will help me evolve to be a better technician.

Just like I did when I was in hospitality, I'm doing the same thing for I.T....LEARNING EVERYTHING!!!!!

Throughout this journey I've learned that it's not too late to make a career change, pursuing happiness, making a goal for yourself is what makes it fun, and I'm having a fucking blast.

Sure, career changes are scary...but also being in a job you hate is just as scary. I have my father's words that are tattooed on my forearm which says "Si vive una volta, vivi con gioia nel cuore" which means "You have one life to live, live with joy in your heart"

Let's be very clear, I'm not trying to me a motivational messiah, or becoming the next influencer. I want to help people make a change for themselves, and if my story can help just one person make a change..mission accomplished!!

If you're contemplating a career change or facing uncertainties of your own, know that you're not alone. I'm here to share my experiences, offer guidance, and help light a fire under your ass. After all, life is too short to settle for anything less than what sets your soul on fire.

Best of luck,

Rudy

Arnold Schwarzenegger - "Don't listen to the naysayers, fuck them...what do they know"