Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

Send us Fan Mail If you're making $15/hr right now and want to know how to get to $40/hr or more in IT — this episode breaks down exactly how I would do it. We cover: ✅ The IT skills and certifications that actually get you to $40/hr ✅ How to study for a cert even if you're starting from zero ✅ How to build a resume with no experience ✅ How to apply strategically so you get in the do...

Send us Fan Mail The networking community has been debating this hard — especially with the new CCNA update dropping in February 2027. After covering the CCNA v2.0 update last episode, I kept seeing the same questions pop up: ❓ Is the CCNA still worth it? ❓ Will it actually get me a job? ❓ Should I even bother in 2026? In this episode, I break down my full argument no hype, just the honest take...

Send us Fan Mail Cisco is updating the 200-301 to version 2.0 — and if you're studying right now, this video is for you. Why it matters: The CCNA is the most recognized entry-level networking cert in the industry. When it changes, you pay attention. What I cover: What actually changed in the exam topics Why the shift to troubleshooting makes you a better engineer Agentic AI — the brand new ad...

Send us Fan Mail Are you stuck at a crossroads in your career — knowing you want to level up but not sure if going back to school is the move? Maybe a job you've been eyeing requires a four-year degree and you're wondering if WGU is the answer. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about Western Governors University — what it is, how it works, what degrees they offer...

Send us Fan Mail 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, the certifications employers look for, and the career path that can ta...

Send us Fan Mail 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: • Cisco CCNA • CompTIA Security+ • CompTIA Network+ • Google IT Support Professi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 mistakes and putting it in my mental rolodex. We talk about: * Why nobody’s perfect and you WILL make mistakes * Wh...

Send us Fan Mail 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 does (firewalls, VPNs, ASAs) Why your CCNA is the cheat code i...

Send us Fan Mail 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. What you'll learn: How to write tickets that managers and senior teams notice A 2-week exercise to master who supports what...

Send us Fan Mail 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 was working retail and customer service (Food King, Advance Auto). Turns out those skills...

Send us Fan Mail 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 in this episode I break it all down — what each cert is, where it can take you, so you can...

Send us Fan Mail 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 for you. In this episode, you'll learn: 🏦 The hottest industries hiring IT talent in 2026...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough in IT… The value of your team. A lot of people focus on certifications, resumes, and landing that next job—but what really determines how fast you grow in IT is the environment you’re in and the people you work with. From late-night calls and real-world troubleshooting to learning directly from experience...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re trying to get into IT but you’re more introverted, this episode is for you. A lot of people start their IT careers in roles like help desk or desktop support and quickly feel drained. The constant conversations, dealing with frustrated users, and having to think on the spot can make you feel like maybe IT isn’t for you. But here’s the truth… It’s not that you don’t belon...

Send us Fan Mail Cisco just made a major change to the CCNP Enterprise certification… and it might actually make me consider taking it again. In this episode, we break down the latest updates to the CCNP ENCOR blueprint, including the removal of wireless topics and what that means for anyone studying for the certification. I also share my personal experience studying for the CCNP (and how it humbl...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk about the power of starting at the bottom in IT and why it can actually make your career easier in the long run. When many of us get certifications or degrees, we expect to jump straight into high-level roles. But most people start in entry-level positions like operations, help desk, or desktop support. Looking back at my own journey, starting at the bottom...

Send us Fan Mail In my last episode about hidden jobs in IT, I ranked healthcare as the #1 industry. During that episode, I mentioned something most people in tech have never heard of… Epic certifications. In this video, I break down: •What Epic is and why it dominates hospital systems •How Epic certifications actually work (and why you can’t just sign up for one) •Why most IT professionals don’t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I break down my Top 7 places to find IT jobs in your city — especially if you don’t live near a big tech hub. A lot of people think you need to work for a flashy tech company to have a real IT career. That’s not true. Some of the most stable, high-paying, and opportunity-filled IT roles are hiding in plain sight. These companies may not look like tech companies… b...

Send us Fan Mail Are bootcamps a scam… or are they a shortcut to breaking into tech faster? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down both sides of the bootcamp debate. Some people say bootcamps changed their life. Others say they wasted their money. So which one is it? In this video, I cover: 🎯 The real benefits of going to a bootcamp • Faster entry into the industry (8–24 weeks vs. years in school)...

Send us Fan Mail Should you take a contract job in IT? In today’s episode, I’m answering a listener question: “I’ve been looking at contract roles… what are your thoughts?” Contract roles can look attractive — especially with higher hourly pay — but like anything in tech, there are trade-offs. In this video, I break down: ✅ 3 Major Advantages of IT Contract Roles ❌ 3 Major Disadvantages of IT Co...

Send us Fan Mail Why do so many people struggle after passing CCNA? In today’s episode, I break down the biggest mistakes people make after earning their CCNA — mistakes that slow down their job search, kill momentum, and lead to unnecessary frustration. If you just passed CCNA, are applying for jobs with no luck, confused about what roles to target, or wondering if you should jump straight to CCN...

Send us Fan Mail 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, this episode is for you. I cover five of the biggest reasons people quit IT too early, including unrealisti...

Send us Fan Mail 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 this helps them push through. The call center is usually where a lot of IT professionals get their...

Send us Fan Mail 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 about tech. If that’s you, you’re in the right place. In today’s episode, we break down the top skills to le...

Send us Fan Mail 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 on writing goals down and being intentional about what I’m working toward. Over the years, journaling and plannin...