What’s the difference between a Network Administrator and a Network Engineer? If you’re trying to get into networking, you’ve probably seen both job titles and wondered which one is right for you. In this episode, I break down the key differences between the two roles, the responsibilities you’ll typically see,…
In today’s episode, I’m ranking some of the most common certifications people use to transition into tech. I’m putting each certification into a tier based on its return on investment, industry recognition, marketability, and how useful I think it is for someone trying to break into IT. We’ll discuss: •…
Your first IT job is probably going to suck. Don't quit. You see the TikToks about 6-figure remote tech jobs and think that's day one. It's not. Most people start at help desk, NOC, call center, or operations — and they hate it. But that "bad" first job is the…
Most people think cyber security = SOC analyst, GRC, or info sec. But there's another side of the house that pays just as well (sometimes better) and almost nobody talks about it — network security. In this video, I break down the certifications you need to break into network security…
7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out You will make mistakes. Nobody's perfect. You'll probably hate your first IT job. Certifications don't guarantee jobs. Document EVERYTHING. Never burn bridges. Chasing money ≠ finding the right company. Specialization is how you level up. Some I…
You will make mistakes. Nobody's perfect. You'll probably hate your first IT job. Certifications don't guarantee jobs. Document EVERYTHING. Never burn bridges. Chasing money ≠ finding the right company. Specialization is how you level up. Some I learned the hard way. Some from mentors. Some from watching other people learn…
You will make mistakes. Nobody's perfect. You'll probably hate your first IT job. Certifications don't guarantee jobs. Document EVERYTHING. Never burn bridges. Chasing money ≠ finding the right company. Specialization is how you level up. Some I learned the hard way. Some from mentors. Some from watching other people learn…
In today’s episode of Debt Free in IT, I’m giving you my 7 Laws of the IT Industry — lessons I’ve learned throughout my years working in tech. Some of these lessons I learned the hard way, some from mentors and coworkers, and some just from watching other people make…
The $120K cybersecurity job nobody's talking about: Network Security Engineer. CCNA gets you most of the way. One more cert (Palo Alto, CCNP Security, or Fortinet NSE) and you're in. Full breakdown on this week's Debt Free in IT w/ Mike. 📺 Full episode: https://youtu.be/qFM4xV_AQbA 📬 Newsletter (The Log Files):…
The $120K cybersecurity job nobody's talking about: Network Security Engineer. CCNA gets you most of the way. One more cert (Palo Alto, CCNP Security, or Fortinet NSE) and you're in. Full breakdown on this week's Debt Free in IT w/ Mike. 📺 Full episode: https://youtu.be/qFM4xV_AQbA 📬 Newsletter (The Log Files):…
The $120K cybersecurity job nobody's talking about: Network Security Engineer. CCNA gets you most of the way. One more cert (Palo Alto, CCNP Security, or Fortinet NSE) and you're in. Full breakdown on this week's Debt Free in IT w/ Mike. 📺 Full episode: https://youtu.be/qFM4xV_AQbA 📬 Newsletter (The Log Files):…
Everyone talks about GRC, CISA, and Security+ — but nobody mentions the Network Security Engineer role that quietly pays $120K–$150K. If you want a path into cybersecurity with real demand and serious salary upside, this is the lane most people overlook. What You'll Learn: What a Network Security Engineer actually…
There's a quiet trick the best help desk techs use to get noticed by the team they want to join — without ever applying. I've used it. I've watched others use it. And no one really talks about it. What you'll learn: How to turn a single closed ticket into…
Stuck on the help desk? 6 habits that get you noticed and promoted. Full episode on YouTube — @debtfreeinitwmike #HelpDesk #ITCareer #BreakIntoIT #ITSupport #CompTIA #TechJobs #ITJobs #EntryLevelIT #CareerChange #DebtFreeInit
Stuck on the help desk? 6 habits that get you noticed and promoted. Full episode on YouTube — @debtfreeinitwmike #HelpDesk #ITCareer #BreakIntoIT #ITSupport #CompTIA #TechJobs #ITJobs #EntryLevelIT #CareerChange #DebtFreeInit
Wake the wrong person up at 2 AM and your manager hears about it the next morning. This is the help desk mistake that quietly tanks careers — and the 2-week fix that prevents it. What you'll learn: The 2-week mapping exercise every help desk tech should do Day 1…
Stuck on the help desk? 6 habits that get you noticed and promoted. Full episode on YouTube — @debtfreeinitwmike #HelpDesk #ITCareer #BreakIntoIT #ITSupport #CompTIA #TechJobs #ITJobs #EntryLevelIT #CareerChange #DebtFreeInit
Stuck on the help desk? 6 habits that get you noticed and promoted. Full episode on YouTube — @debtfreeinitwmike #HelpDesk #ITCareer #BreakIntoIT #ITSupport #CompTIA #TechJobs #ITJobs #EntryLevelIT #CareerChange #DebtFreeInit
Stuck on the help desk and wondering how to stand out and move up? These 6 help desk tips come from watching the best techs I know climb the ladder — different paths, same habits. Use them to get noticed and earn your shot at the team you actually want.…
Think IT is out of reach because you don't have a tech background? You're closer than you think. In this episode, I break down how the everyday jobs you've already worked — retail, customer service, healthcare, trades — are quietly preparing you for a career in IT. Before IT, I…
This episode came straight from a listener question. They're currently a truck driver looking to transition into IT — and they wanted to know whether to start with A+, Network+, or Security+, and if they even need all three. Honestly? It's one of the most common questions I get. So…
Your coworkers could be the reason you're not growing in IT — and you might not even know it. In this clip, we get into the real benefits of being on a good team and the red flags of a bad one. From teammates who genuinely help you level up…
If you're trying to break into IT or level up your career, the 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide tells you exactly what companies are hiring for, what skills they're paying more for, and where the real opportunities are right now — and in this video, I'm breaking it all down…
Most people think leveling up in IT is about certifications… But it’s really about your team. The right team will grow you. The wrong team will keep you stuck. Next time you’re making a move… ask yourself: “Who am I learning from?” 🎙️ New episode out now Leveling Up in…
