I want a job building computers

[abit-sean]

I started out building PCs. Most of the time it was entry level internet boxes and the odd gaming PC. It was long hours and low pay, most of the money I made was from providing IT support to local small business as they found this cheaper than having IT staff.

The main issue I had was credit, not sure how it works in the US but in the UK if you are self employed it very hard to prove income and build a good credit rating. In the end the cons out weighed the pros and I stopped. 

However the main benefit I got was massive amounts of experience in finances, management, customer support etc.. This really helped me to get a job with a major motherboard manufacturer, then from their into other sectors and I now earn really good salary. 

 I still do builds for people but mainly for my own enjoyment and at very little cost. 

 

I have to point out that when I first started the PC market was completely different. There was no second hand market, laptops were expensive with no wifi, all my PCs came with a modem and pre-built PCs were terrible beige things. World slightly different now and even my 10 year old is building PCs.

[Bad5ector]

@AaralliI've always wanted to go into business for myself, doing just that. But after doing it for close to 7 years for someone else in my 20s, I don't know if I could handle it. If there was one thing I took away from that experience is, "buyer's are liars and customers are crooks". Essentially, for me, having to deal with people just ruins the whole thing in the end.

[cmndr]

This COULD have worked 30 years ago. A computer was a big ticket item. Adjusted for inflation you'd sell them for around $5,000-$10,000 a pop. If you were good you could make around $1000-3000 each sale, maybe more

Here and now, people can buy an adequate computer from HP or Dell for several hundred. The profit opportunity is literally 100x smaller.

Here's some things to keep in the back of your mind
1. Warranty/support is hard
2. Margins are relatively small. On $500-1500 worth of gear you might - bear in mind that MicroCenter (there's on in OC) will build a computer at a reasonable price. There's probably also things like NZXT BLD to consider.
3. There's likely better opportunities in support.

 

The closest thing, where there actually is some value and money to be had, would be IT. Even this is becoming somewhat commoditized since SDWAN is becoming a thing, applications are increasingly locked behind a "store" and it's increasingly the case where one script can update an entire corporate fleet of systems... automation is real.

[mdecima]

On 1/27/2022 at 9:11 AM, Aaralli said:

I don't know where or how, but I would love to get a job somewhere building computers of any sort for anyone. I love it so much, I've built over a hundred for people in the last three or four years. I don't know where to look or what companies are even near me, though. Small places aren't hiring though. If ANYONE knows anything, can you give some tips? I am in the area around San Diego, California

 

Pimp your CV and/or make a video presentation with your skill, why are you passionate about building computers and keep an eye to these links for any oportunity in your area.

 

Apply to those appealing to you.

 

Cross Fingers.

 

Profit!

 

https://www.originpc.com/company/careers/

https://careers.ibuypower.com/

https://nzxt.com/careers/available-positions

https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/company/jobs.aspx

https://xidax.applicantpro.com/jobs/

 

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Remember, most companies have a Jobs/careers sections, don't limit to the ones i'm posting here, search in other channels, like indeed, linkedin, etc.