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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 mistakes helped me learn (not hold me back)
• The mindset shift that made troubleshooting easier
• How imposter syndrome actually means you’re leveling up
• Why staying in learning mode is your real superpower
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.



🛒 My Amazon Store:
Books + gear to level up in tech:
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📬 The Log Files Newsletter:
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👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 

💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
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🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻


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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

💡 One thing I’ve learned? Sometimes the thing they try to block you from is the very thing that’s gonna help you stand out.



🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 

💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
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Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


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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 Help Desk & IT Support
•Desktop Support roles and the hands-on skills that matter
•Networking certs that get you noticed (CCNA, Network+)
•Entry-level Cybersecurity certifications (Security+, ISC2 CC)
•Cloud certs for beginners (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
•How to choose your first cert and role — based on YOUR goals

ISC2 CC Certification:https://www.isc2.org/landing/1mcc



🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 

💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week! See you next time!


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
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Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected]

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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 find clients (Upwork, FieldNation, and more)
 • When and how to transition into a full-blown MSP for recurring income
 • Book rec: Managed Services in a Month by Karl Palachuk (link below)
⸻
📚 Resources Mentioned:
 • Managed Services in a Month by Karl Palachuk: https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike
 • Freelance platforms to explore: Upwork, FieldNation, Fiverr


🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 

💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week! See you next time!


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected]

Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here 

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💻 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
•Which one helps you earn more
•How each OS shows up in different roles and industries
•Pay comparisons between entry-level and senior roles

👀 If you’re asking:
•“Do I really need to learn Linux?”
•“Is Windows still relevant?”
•“Which one makes me more valuable?”

This one’s for you.

🧠 Bottom line:
Windows gets you in the door — Linux helps you run the place.

👇 Drop a comment:
Which OS do you know better — and how has it helped in your IT journey?

#Linux #WindowsAdmin #ITCareers #DevOps #CloudEngineering #DebtFreeinIT
⸻

🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 

💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week! See you next time!


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected]

Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here 

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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 Compliance & GRC

💡 These aren’t soft skills — they’re superpowers.

Drop a comment:
What’s ONE skill you already have that could help you in tech?

#ITCareers #Networking #Cybersecurity #CCNA #SecurityPlus #DebtFreeinIT

⸻

🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 

💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week! See you next time!


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected]

Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here 

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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 made sense for me.

#ITCareers #Networking #Cybersecurity #CCNA #SecurityPlus #DebtFreeinIT

⸻

🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 

💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week! See you next time!


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected]

Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here 

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🎯 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)

⸻

🧠 Network Emulators (Multi-Vendor):
🔹 GNS3 (Free)
🔹 EVE-NG (Free & Paid)
🔹 Plus: My thoughts on real Cisco gear for home labs

⸻

🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 

💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week! See you next time!


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected]

Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here 

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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 & skills used on the job

Whether you’re new to IT or switching careers, the CCNA is still one of the best certs to open doors. And no, you don’t have to know everything — your skills grow with your experience!

⸻

🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#NetworkEngineer #LearnPython #CloudSkills #ITCareer #DebtFreeInIT


💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week! See you next time!


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected]

Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here 

https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl

Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)

IG: @debtfreeinit
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Linkedin: Michael Bowden 


 #HelpDesk #DataCenterTechnician #ITCareers #DebtFreeinIT #TechJobs #itcertifications

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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
— Security Architecture
— Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
— Security Engineering & Cryptography
— Operations & Resilience

📝 Exam Overview
— 90 questions max
— Performance-based + multiple choice
— 165 minutes
— $509 (valid for 3 years)
💸 Save on the exam here https://www.comptia.org/blog/voucher-discount

⸻

🛒 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://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⸻

#NetworkEngineer #LearnPython #CloudSkills #ITCareer #DebtFreeInIT


💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!

🌐 Connect with me:
📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT
🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes every week! See you next time!


Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT


*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission


*****************************************
Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike
******************************************
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected]

Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here 

https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl

Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)

IG: @debtfreeinit
TikTok: @debtfreeinit
Linkedin: Michael Bowden 


 #HelpDesk #DataCenterTechnician #ITCareers #DebtFreeinIT #TechJobs #itcertifications

Support the show