Here is a relevant observation for today: Getting involved with security is a good thing. Network security is even better. These are hot right now. It seems to help if you have a government security clearance. Provides some protection against offshoring. Another general truth is that you always need to be learning in this field. Stuff changes a lot. New stuff pops up.
I heard a rumor that a business analyst position is the sweet spot. Money is really good. Plus the work is "easy". Well that is what I heard. Not sure I agree. Yeah the money is good; it is a lot higher than help desk work. But I doubt the job is an easy one. In fact, it might be one of the harder ones. Let's just say it is hard to be a good business analyst.
Regarding pay, a help desk position may get you $35k and top out around $50 to maybe $60k per year. Decent. But not great, especially in IT. I was surprised that some guys who were gainfully employed turned down contracting rates as high as $90 per hour. That sounds like a lot of money to me. But maybe you could earn more if you are really good.
