David1425 (2/8/2014)
So I recently decided to make a career change and recently acquired a masters of science in database administration. Now I'm looking for my first job and contemplating bankruptcy because my credit cards are off the charts from going back to school. So my question to everyone is, if I file for bankruptcy how much will this hurt my career as a DBA. I understand that some government jobs require certain security clearance and all DBAs work with data that may include finance information etc. But I have no other issues: any illegal activity, missing payments on CCs/loans, etc. I am truly a honest person and have never been fired from a job in my 40+ years. So how much do you think a bankruptcy will effect my acquiring a job and moving up the DBA ladder? Also to anyone in a hiring position, would you hire a DBA that has a bankruptcy on their credit report?
First and foremost, before considering bankruptcy be sure to look at your current position financially. Are you currently working and able to meet your financial obligations? Second, as you look at moving to a new career field as a DBA, what can you bring with you from your current career? I ask since you didn't mention what you are currently doing.
I have been in the IT field for over 30 years, working as a DBA (production and development) for over 16 years. I recently (a few years ago) had to file for bankruptcy myself when my wife and I divorced. At the time I working at Honeywell and was concerned about my clearance at the time, but after an investigation I kept my clearance. I am currently working for another company and deployed in Afghanistan (actually at home on R & R) and still have my clearance.
If you find it that you have no choice but to file bankruptcy be honest with your potential employers if this should come up. When I was interviewing for a position back here in the states while I was in Afghanistan (long story short, I was going to be coming home in February to being unemployed at one point), the company mentioned that they did a credit check. During the initial phone interview I simply mentioned that I had issues on my credit report that I would like the opportunity to discuss further.
Be sure to talk with an attorney as well. You may want to talk to several before selecting one as well.