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School Daze: Should You Go to WGU?

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, and most importantly — whether it's the right fit for YOU. WGU isn't your traditional university. There...

Recent Video Episodes

School Daze: Should You Go to WGU?
June 18, 2026

School Daze: Should You Go to WGU?

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, and most importantly — whether it's the right fit for YOU.WGU isn't your traditional university. There's no campus, no set
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Network Engineer vs Network Administrator: What’s the Difference
June 4, 2026

Network Engineer vs Network Administrator: What’s the Difference

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 take you from help desk to network engineering.We’ll cover:✅ Why job titles vary from company to company✅ What a
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Ranking the Most Popular IT Certifications (2026)
May 28, 2026

Ranking the Most Popular IT Certifications (2026)

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 Professional Certificate• CompTIA A+We’ll also talk about why some certifications open more doors than others, common mis
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You're Going to Hate Your First Job in IT: Don't Quit
May 27, 2026

You're Going to Hate Your First Job in IT: Don't Quit

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 strategically valuable role you'll ever have. Here's why.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://the
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How to Break Into Network Security: Certs + Roles
May 25, 2026

How to Break Into Network Security: Certs + Roles

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 and the exact job titles to search for once you're ready to apply. Whether you already have your CCNA or you're just starting to explore the security side, this is the roadmap.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + g
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7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out
May 24, 2026

7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out

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 learned the hard way. Some from mentors. Some from watching other people learn the lesson first.Full episode is live — search "Debt Free In IT w/ Mike" on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or S
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Recent Blog Posts

Why Starting at the Bottom Helped My IT Career
March 6, 2026

Why Starting at the Bottom Helped My IT Career

Many people enter the IT industry expecting to jump straight into high-level roles. You get a certification.Maybe you earn a degree.Then you expect to become a network engineer, cloud engineer, or cybersecurity analyst immediately.&nb…
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How to Set Your Goals for 2025
Jan. 5, 2025

How to Set Your Goals for 2025

How to Set Your Goals for 2025Start the Year Off RightIt's been almost 5 years, since I bought my first planner and wrote out my goals for the year. Me doing this didn't mean that, now everything I wrote down I would achieve.What…
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ATLiens: Feeling Lonely in Remote Work - Navigating Mental Health in an Alien Environment
Aug. 31, 2024

ATLiens: Feeling Lonely in Remote Work - Navigating Mental Health in an Alien Environment

Working remote, especially in a fully remote setting, can sometimes create what I like to call "the alien effect."Imagine this: you're at home, your co-workers are at home, and if nothing significant is happening in your environment, there might b…
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