So, why would I like to work as a technician. Wouldn't I rather like to work as a project manager ?
The chances of me getting a job here in Australia as an ICT PM is rather slim. I am being told that the marked is highly competitive and my lack of local experience is a minus. The only way to get local experience is to get a PM job, but that will probably not happen.

That been said, I actually like to work as a technician. I like to troubleshoot and I am rather good at it - far better than most IT professionals I have worked with.
I like to help people in general and with their IT troubles in particular.
My technical level today will be like a very experienced level 1-2. I used to be level 3 but have not spent much time reading up on the details of the newest versions and products so my architectural level is gone (or rather it has changed to PM level - able to understand but not able to design myself). I have worked with servers, active directory and networking for years and that have not changed much - really.
You can still use commands dating back to OS/2 and DOS. The wrapping is new :-)

... And whenever I need specific information, need to remember or need to solve a "strange issue": "Google is my friend". There is always someone else somewhere in the world who have had this same - or similar - issue. Often they found a solution. By far the most efficient way to solve problems today. Almost too easy :-)

I have been doing a lot of internal IT which is a rather generalised work - You get to do many different things, and You learn new things as You go.
I have also been a "road warrior" working as an IBM specialist in networking and servers (installation, design, trouble shooting, pre sales support). This is more specialised but You get to solve more troubles and meet more people briefly. I did have a few long time customers though.

So what would I like to do as a technician?

Well I imagine it will be internal IT as part of a group of people running an environment. Being level 1 or 2 (+) I would probably do a lot of daily work but may do small projects as well.
I would like to be part of a group for a duration. Working together with people is the main reason for me to work at all.
It could be a road warier type of job also if there would be a home base (I own a car).

I do not hold any current certifications (my OS/2 certifications to the highest level (CNE) is more of historic interest). I do have the experience to enable me to work in the above mentioned areas.
When we converted from OS/2 to Windows servers and work stations we had a course designed to our specific needs and for specialists wanting to "know the differences". That gave us the knowledge needed but no certificates. After that I changed my focus towards project management and did not find enough reasons to take expensive technical certifications. I still continued to work with technique however and I still continued to learn doing that.
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