I currently am part of a 2-man team that's managing a data center for a telecom company I'll leave nameless (your first guess is probably right). I talk to my manager, maybe 1-2 times a week because he is 3 hours away, so no micromanagement (even though he's mad cool anyways).
I know it's probably the same as most professions, but certifications and youth are key. I got into the game late (32 now) after being in the workforce in non-related jobs for 7 years. Luckily my management and light technical knowledge (with my CCENT) was enough to get the job.
When I embarked in the IT field, I was really interested in being a Tier II tech (which would have been about 70k+), but stumbled upon my current position. Got very lucky. Knew someone that opened a door for me and I ran straight through it (qualification tests were hard as hell). Pay is ridiculous. Bulk of the job is monitoring the network, replacing HDD, running fiber, racking servers, etc... There's always some new project that we're working on. Love the fact that I can come into work in jeans and walk around the floor, rather than being stuck on a computer and a headset. Versatility of my schedule is also a great perk. Only downside is that I hate the cold and being on the floor is like being in a freezer.
My advice for someone who is considering the field, just some things to keep note of:
- Should be very analytical
- Willing to learn and adjust to changes in the industry
- Self motivation is key (as for me, working on my CCNA in Data Center)
- Attention to detail
Definitely a great field to enter. I mean, I would rather write screenplays for a living, but that may take tad longer to accomplish.