Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

Send us Fan Mail Last week, I attended Cisco Live in San Diego, and in this episode, I’m breaking down my experience — from the sessions and networking to the real value (and cost) of one of the biggest tech conferences in the world. ⸻ 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why I attended Cisco Live  • What the experience was like – from breakout sessions to the World of Solutions expo • My favor...

Send us Fan Mail 🚨 Big changes are coming to Cisco’s certification program in 2026 — and if you’re in IT or thinking about getting certified, you need to hear this. In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about Cisco’s updated cert tracks, including: 🔹 DevNet is now the Automation Track (CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE Automation) 🔹 New Cybersecurity titles: CCNA & CCNP Cybersecurity...

Send us Fan Mail Sometimes the biggest thing in your way… is you. In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 key mindset shifts that helped me grow in my IT career — from overthinking and fear of failure to finally embracing the learning process. If you’re trying to level up in tech, this is the kind of clarity you need. ⸻ 🧠 What You’ll Learn: • Why you’re not expected to know everything in IT • How mi...

Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode is all about Gatekeeping in IT — the folks who hold on to knowledge, block access to tools, and don’t want to see you grow… because deep down, they’re afraid you’ll pass them up. 🎙 I break down: •Real examples of what IT gatekeeping looks like •Why people gatekeep (fear, ego, insecurity) •And most importantly, how to break through it — with strategy and confidence...

Send us Fan Mail Are you looking to break into tech but not sure where to start? In this episode, I walk you through 5 IT career paths that are perfect for career changers — and the best entry-level certifications for each one. Whether you’re coming from retail, healthcare, or just tired of your 9 to 5, this video gives you a roadmap to get hired in IT. ⸻ 🧠 What You’ll Learn: •The best certs for...

Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode comes straight from a listener question: “Do you have any advice on becoming a freelance network engineer — and is it possible within a year?” 🧠 What You’ll Learn:  • How to decide if this will be a side hustle or a business  • Why starting an LLC might help you stay focused  • How to figure out what services to offer and what to charge  • The platforms I’d use to...

Send us Fan Mail 💻 Windows vs. Linux: Which Skills Pay More in IT? Most of us know Windows — it’s familiar, user-friendly, and still dominant in most IT shops. But Linux? That’s where the real money starts to show up — especially in cloud, DevOps, and cybersecurity. 🎯 In this episode, I break down: •The real pros of knowing Windows vs. Linux as an admin •Which one helps you get hired faster •Whi...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re 40+, you’re not starting over — you’re transferring over. In this video, I break down real-world skills you already have and match them to real tech roles that need them. 🧠 Problem Solving → IT Support, Networking, Cybersecurity 📅 Organization & Planning → Project Management 🗣️ Customer Service & Communication → Help Desk 📊 Financial Management → Cybersecurity...

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about starting a career in IT? Not sure if you should go the networking route… or jump into cybersecurity? In this episode, I break down what each role really looks like — and help you figure out which one matches your goals, lifestyle, and interests. 🛠 Daily tasks 🧭 Career paths 💼 Work styles 🌍 Remote potential 👀 My take? I’ll share what I started with and why it mad...

Send us Fan Mail 🎯 Want Hands-On IT Practice? Studying for your CCNA? Breaking into cybersecurity or the cloud? Today’s video breaks down the best online labs, emulators, and real gear to sharpen your technical skills — even if you’re just starting. ⸻ 🔧 Cisco Labs You’ll Learn About: ✅ Cisco Packet Tracer (Free) ✅ Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) ✅ Cisco DevNet Sandbox (Free) ✅ Boson NetSim (Paid)...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re grinding for your CCNA or wondering what kind of jobs you can land after certification — this one’s for you. Inspired by a post from Cisco Genius on YouTube, I break down 6 real jobs you can get with your CCNA — from Network Analyst to Pre-Sales Engineer. I’ll walk you through: ✅ What each job typically does ✅ Where you might work ✅ Average salary 💰 ✅ Tools & sk...

Send us Fan Mail CompTIA just rebranded CASP+ to SecurityX, and in today’s episode, I break down what changed, why it matters, and whether this cert is right for you. 👨🏾‍💻 What Is SecurityX? — For pros with 10+ years IT + 5 years hands-on security — Built for senior roles: Security Architect, Engineer, SOC Manager — Follows Security+ in the cert path (not for beginners) 🧠 Skills You’ll Learn —...

Send us Fan Mail If your CCNA or any Cisco Associate-level certification is expiring soon, this video is for you! 🎯 In this episode, I break down Cisco’s Rev Up to Recert: AI Solutions on Cisco Infrastructure Essentials (DCAIE)—a free learning path on Cisco U. that gives you 34 Continuing Education (CE) credits—more than enough to recertify your CCNA without retesting or spending another $300+....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I answer a popular listener question: “What’s more important for a new network engineer—learning Python or understanding Cloud?” We break down the difference between traditional vs. modern network engineer roles, explore the benefits of learning Python for automation, and discuss why cloud skills are essential in today’s hybrid networking environments. ✅ Whether...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we're diving into the key highlights from the Dice Tech Salary Report for 2024! This report reveals critical insights every tech professional needs to know, including the average salaries, hottest skills, and major industry trends like AI and machine learning. We’ll explore: The average tech salary for 2024: Top 5 states with the highest tech salaries  The most impactf...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I break down the SAL1 (Security Analyst Level 1) Certification by TryHackMe! If you’re looking to get into cybersecurity and want a hands-on, practical certification, this one might be for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Who the SAL1 certification is for ✅ How it compares to CySA+, BTL1, and CDSA ✅ Topics covered in the exam ✅ Exam structure and cost...

Send us Fan Mail 🚀 The IT industry is changing! More professionals are ditching traditional 9-to-5 jobs for freelancing, consulting, and contract work. But is freelancing really the future, or is full-time employment still the best move? In this video, we’re comparing Freelancing vs. Full-Time IT Jobs—breaking down earnings, flexibility, career growth, and more! 💡 Freelance Platforms Mentioned:...

Send us Fan Mail You put in the work, passed your CCNA, and now you’re wondering what’s next. The job search can feel overwhelming, especially with no experience, but don’t worry—I got you! In this video, I’ll break down everything you need to land your first IT job, even if you’re starting from scratch. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Video: ✅ Where to Find Entry-Level Networking Jobs (Best job boa...

Send us Fan Mail Is networking really dead? In today’s episode, I break down why so many people are avoiding network engineering, the common misconceptions about the field, and why this actually creates a huge opportunity for those willing to evolve. 🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The cons of being a network engineer (office vs. remote work, high stress, and hands-on responsibilities) ✅...

Send us Fan Mail  Thinking about transitioning into tech at 40+? Wondering if it's too late to start a career in IT? Let me tell you straight up—it’s not too late. In fact, you actually have an unfair advantage over younger job seekers, and I’m breaking down exactly why in this episode. 💡 The best time to start in IT was yesterday—the next best time is today. Watch until the end to learn: ✅...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re trying to break into IT in 2025, this video is for you! Today, I’m breaking down the must-have entry-level IT skills to help you land your first job. Whether you’re aiming for help desk, IT support, or operations, these are the skills you need to know!  Skills Mentioned in the Video: 🔹 Technical: Networking Basics (IP, DNS, DHCP), Operating Systems (Windows, MacOS, Linu...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we tackle a popular listener question: "Can I study CCNA and Network+ together?" Spoiler alert: I advise against it, and here’s why. 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Overview of Certifications: What are CCNA (Cisco) and Network+ (CompTIA), and how do they differ? Why You Shouldn’t Study Both at Once: How studying for both certifications can c...

Send us Fan Mail That Thing: Help Desk vs. Data Center Technician – Which IT Role Fits You?" Trying to decide between a career as a Help Desk Technician or a Data Center Technician? In this episode, we break it all down to help you figure out  📌 What’s Inside This Video: Day-to-Day Work: Explore the differences in responsibilities and work environments for Help Desk and Data Center Technicia...

Send us Fan Mail Juniper Certifications vs. Cisco Certifications: Which Is Right for You? Today’s video comes from a viewer comment asking about the value of Juniper certifications. We’re diving into: What makes Juniper Networks unique in the networking space. A breakdown of Juniper's certification tracks and how they compare to Cisco's. The pros and cons of pursuing Juniper certificatio...

Send us Fan Mail 🎯 My 2025 Goals: Reflecting, Growing, and Hustling Harder 🎯 As 2024 comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my progress this year and set my sights on some big goals for 2025. From crushing personal milestones to stepping up my professional game and leveling up my podcast, this year is all about focus, consistency, and growth. ✨ What I Cover in This Video: ✔️ Reflec...