Job descriptions are one of the biggest reasons people quit tech before they even start. Most roles list 10–15 skills, and people think they need to know everything before applying. In reality, companies write wish lists — not requirements. If you match 50–60% of the role… APPLY. Don’t reject yourself…
Why do so many people quit IT too early? In today’s episode, I break down the real reasons why people give up on their IT journey — sometimes before they even get their first tech job. If you’re transitioning into tech, stuck in help desk, burned out, or feeling discouraged,…
Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in a Call Center | IT Career Advice Thinking about starting your IT career in a call center? Or already working the phones and wondering if it’s worth it? In this video, I break down the real advantages and disadvantages of working in a call…
One underrated benefit of working in a call center? You actually learn how to troubleshoot and communicate better. When you can’t remote in, you’re forced to walk people through problems step by step — and that sharpens your problem-solving skills fast. You also learn patience. Some users aren’t computer-savvy, and…
Working the phones doesn’t always mean chaos. If you can, try to move into an internal IT / enterprise support role — where you’re supporting users who work at the same company as you. The calls are usually better, the conversations are more respectful, and you’re not dealing with random…
It’s tough right now, but don’t quit. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep applying. That next role comes with: • Better pay • A better schedule • And the chance to specialize in what you really want See it through. The…
How I Got Into the Call Center (My First IT Job) In this clip, I talk about how I got my start working in a call center — my first job after graduating and my first real experience being on the phones. I share what the day-to-day was like, the…
Today’s episode comes from a listener question. They asked if I could do a story-time episode about my experience working in a call center and how everything worked out. They mentioned they’ve been in a call center for about a year, want to leave badly, and that hearing stories like…
At this point, every IT job touches the cloud. Whether you’re in networking, cybersecurity, or support, almost all modern infrastructure runs on cloud platforms. And when people talk about the cloud, it usually comes down to two names: AWS and Microsoft Azure. These are the two biggest cloud platforms in…
Back in the day, when something broke, we’d Google it until we found an answer. Now, AI does that — but faster, smarter, and with context. Instead of just searching, you can tell AI: “I have a switch that keeps rebooting. Here’s the error message.” And it helps you: •…
Cloud computing is the backbone of modern IT — and in 2026, almost every tech role will touch the cloud in some way. In this video, I break down: • Why AWS and Azure are still the most important cloud platforms • What “cloud fundamentals” actually mean for real IT…
The second AI skill path isn’t about building AI — it’s about using it. This is where most IT professionals will win. Using AI for: • Writing and fixing documentation • Automating small repetitive tasks • Improving tickets, reports, and workflows • Troubleshooting faster when things break AI is becoming…
AI is the #1 skill to learn for 2026 — but there are two paths. One path is building AI — machine learning, training models, and programming the systems that power everything. These roles pay big because AI is one of the hottest and most in-demand skills in tech right…
Artificial Intelligence is already changing the IT industry — and by 2026, the gap between people who understand AI and those who don’t will be massive. In this video, I break down: • The two paths in AI: building AI vs using AI • How IT professionals can use AI…
Top Tech Skills to Learn in 2026 (AI, Cloud, Linux, Automation & More) Welcome to Debt Free in IT — I’m your host, Mike. This channel is for anyone looking to get into the IT industry, whether you’re making a career change, leveling up your current role, or just curious…
Setting Goals for 2026 | Focus, Discipline & One Lane at a Time In today’s episode, I’m breaking down how I’m approaching goal setting for 2026 — and why this year is all about focus over overload. If you’ve followed my content for a while, you already know I’m big…
This episode is my 2025 podcast review. Every year, this is one of my favorite episodes to record because it gives me a chance to go behind the scenes and talk honestly about the ins and outs of the podcast — the wins, the growth, the challenges, and the lessons…
Preparing for an IT certification takes time, money, and consistency—and sometimes, even after doing everything right, you can still fall short by just a few points. If you’ve ever studied hard for a certification exam, only to fail and then feel the added pressure of having to pay for a…
Today’s episode comes straight from a listener question: They’re 41 years old, thinking about entering the tech field, starting a bootcamp soon, and wanted my honest opinion about beginning an IT career at their age — and what I think about job placement programs. In this episode, I break down…
Today we’re taking a real-world look at IT certifications—what they actually do for your career, why they’re still valuable, and how they can help you break into tech or level up into a better role. Certifications don’t guarantee you a job, but they do give you the fundamentals, the confidence,…
In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the AI certifications you should be looking at. If you’re trying to get into IT, level up your skills, or stay relevant as AI continues to change the tech world, these certs will help you get ahead. I cover beginner certs, cloud AI paths,…
In this clip, I break down the real differences between CompTIA Network+ and Cisco’s CCNA — not just what’s on the exam, but how each one hits in the real world. What we cover: • Vendor-neutral vs vendor-specific certifications • Why CCNA is considered an associate-level, more technical cert •…
In this episode, I answer the top five questions I get about the CCNA certification. If you’re trying to figure out the best path — CCNA, Network+, or CCST — this video will help you choose what’s right for you. ⸻ What I Cover: • Net+ vs CCNA — which…
It’s not luck — it’s habits. 💡 In this episode, I’m breaking down The 5 Habits of Every Successful IT Professional — the mindset and skills that keep you growing, relevant, and respected in the game. 💻 Here’s what you’ll learn: 1️⃣ Continuous Learning — The best IT pros never…
