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Tim Preston

Tim Preston

A Local Community College

"All issues are tools in disguise. You just need to find the way to use them."

Career Roadmap

Tim's work combines: Technology, Education, and Problem Solving

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Day In The Life

Retired: Information Technology Specialist

I maintain computers, networks, security and software on a large complex network.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Information Technology, Computer Sciences

    Santa Rosa Junior College

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Retired: Information Technology Specialist:

Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology, Computer Sciences

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    Family business helped me build an understanding of supply and demand, inventory and sales.

  • 2.

    Multiple jobs helped me find financial independence and personal responsibility.

  • 3.

    Changing careers allowed me to try different fields of interest and expand my horizons.

  • 4.

    When I had a health issue and had to shift my plans completely, I learned to evaluate my situation to find the best next steps.

  • 5.

    Re-education can provide a great opportunity to stretch and learn new things.

  • 6.

    Finally in my ideal career, I worked steadily on my abilities and began focusing on investing for my future and retirement.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Parents:

    Technology is going to be a passing thing. You should focus on the family business or a career more grounded in the past. Your aptitude isn't compatible with your desired goals.

  • How I responded:

    It was difficult for me to stand up for myself. I struggled to work at the career my parents wanted for me. But in the end, I was drawn to the career I wanted and began studying it as a hobby until I had the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities. My health had stopped me from my previous career path and when I went back to school later in life, I found my hobby/experiences were way ahead of others in my classes. I became an aide in the computer lab and was quickly offered more opportunities.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I have had ADHD since I was young, including a TBI in the first grade. Both of these made education and focus difficult. Luckily I had a good therapist tell me once that all issues are tools in disguise. You just need to find the way to use them.