Should you get Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Net+, or A+? 🤔 In this clip, I break down which certification is best depending on your IT career goals — helpdesk, general IT, or networking. Plus, I share why the CCNA shows up in more job postings and how it can actually get…
🚨 New Episode Alert: “The Reset Button: Are You Ready for an IT Career Change?” 🚨 Stuck in a tech rut? Ready to pivot but not sure how? In this episode of DebtFreeinIT w/ Mike, we explore: • What signals it’s time to hit reset in your IT career •…
Stuck in a tech rut? Ready to pivot but not sure how? In this episode of DebtFreeinIT w/ Mike, we explore: What signals it’s time to hit reset in your IT career The fears and challenges that hold you back Steps to plan a successful transition Real talk on pivoting…
Feeling stuck in your career? No growth, no money, no future? It might be time to hit The Reset Button. In this episode, I break down why people change careers and what it really takes to make the move — whether you’re coming into IT from another industry or pivoting…
Which certification should you start with — CompTIA A+, Network+, or Cisco CCNA? 🤔 In this episode, I break down the differences, the career paths they open, and which one actually gets you noticed by employers. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Video: • The real difference between A+, Net+,…
Your first five years in IT can make or break your career. In this video, I’m sharing my personal roadmap — the lessons I learned, the mistakes I made, and the moves that helped me grow from entry-level to networking. Whether you’re just starting out or already a couple of…
⏳ My CCNA was about to expire… and I had to act fast. In this video, I break down exactly how I renewed my Cisco certification before the deadline — the method I used, the resources that helped the most, and tips you can follow to avoid last-minute panic. Here’s…
Too Old for IT? Here’s the Truth. I’ve never once seen anyone get turned down for an IT job because of their age. IT isn’t manual labor — it’s mostly problem-solving, skills, and mindset. Whether you’re 23 or 53, if you can deliver, you belong in tech. ▶️ Full episode:…
Thinking about starting a career in IT at 40, 50, or even 53? In this video, I break down why age is NOT a barrier in tech — skills and problem-solving are what really count. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ Why networking is still the foundation of IT ✅ How…
Age is not a barrier in tech — skills are. In this video, I break down why networking is still one of the best foundations you can start with, and how the CCST can help you build confidence before moving into bigger certifications. This video also answers a common question:…
Wireless might feel like a lost art form — nobody says “I want to be a wireless engineer” — but every campus, hospital, and stadium depends on Wi-Fi. And now Cisco is reviving wireless with a brand-new certification track launching March 2026. In this episode, I break down: ✅ Where…
💻 In IT, confidence is everything. But let’s be real—there are times when you feel behind, like everyone else knows more than you, and you start questioning if you even belong. I’ve been there too. In this episode of Debt Free in IT, I break down 5 practical ways to…
💻 In IT, every move you make is an investment—whether it’s studying for certs, building new skills, or the years you give to a company. But not all investments pay off the same. In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 ways to maximize your ROI as an IT professional so…
Most of us like to stay in our comfort zones — it feels safe, predictable, and easy. But looking back on my IT career, the biggest growth came when I stepped out of mine. In this episode, I break down the three career moves that pushed me the hardest, why…
Helpdesk isn’t a dead end. It’s your launchpad. In this video: ✅ Key skills you take with you ✅ Top jobs to target after helpdesk ✅ Certs to help you make the jump ✅ How to move up faster Whether you want networking, sysadmin, apps, or security — this is…
Why learn Linux? Let’s break it down. 🐧 Linux is everywhere in IT — especially in big orgs and cloud infrastructure. If you’re aiming higher in tech, you’ll need to know your way around it. 💻 Command line is king More control. More automation. Once you learn it, you move…
Most of us? 🪟 We grew up on Windows. Use it at work. Troubleshoot it daily on the help desk. But here’s the real question: Is Windows all you need in IT? Enter 🐧 Linux — I call it the caviar of operating systems. Not everyone’s into it… But if…
If you’re just getting started in IT, 👉 Windows is your golden ticket. Most help desk and support roles? 100% Windows environments. But here’s the shift… 🚀 Want cloud or DevOps money? You’ll need Linux. Most high-level roles in those spaces run on it. 🧩 Bottom line: ➡️ Windows =…
Linux is running the cloud — and running up the check. A quick salary check: 🐧 Linux Admin – $83K 🪟 Windows Admin – $79K ☁️ Linux Cloud Engineer – $120K to $150K+ Why the gap? Cloud is mostly Linux. If you can speak that language, you get paid like…
In this episode, I answer a common question I get all the time—what are the best video resources to study for the CCNA? Having earned my CCNA three times over the course of my IT journey, I break down: ✅ My personal study experience ✅ Free and paid CCNA training…
Are you stuck overthinking your next move in tech? Wondering if you should go to school, self-study, or which cert to start with? In this episode of Debt Free in IT, I’m giving you the realest advice I’ve ever received—and now I’m passing it on to you: 👉 JUST START.…
In this video, I share what it was really like attending Cisco Live 2025 — from the atmosphere to the hands-on labs, certification sessions, and powerful networking moments. 🧠 Here’s what I cover: • The World of Solutions vendor area • Breakout rooms & hands-on walk-up labs • My favorite…
In this video, I break down Wireshark—the powerful network protocol analyzer—and why it’s a must-have tool for IT pros, from troubleshooting slow networks to identifying security threats. Then I dive into the Wireshark Certified Analyst (WCA) certification: ✔️ Who it’s for ✔️ What the exam covers ✔️ What it costs…
Most people think you need to know everything to succeed in IT — but that’s one of the biggest myths holding people back. In this clip, I share a personal story from when I was working third shift and constantly worried about not having all the answers. Fast forward to…
