Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

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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 into this role
The certs that matter: Palo Alto, CCNP Security, Fortinet NSE
The real salary climb: $76K entry → $282K senior
The exact job titles to search for today
⸻

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Real tips to break into IT.
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⸻

#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


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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
How to turn one ticket into an audition for your dream team
Why attitude quietly separates who gets promoted
The right way to ask for a shadow day
How to use downtime to stack certifications

Who it's for: New help desk techs, career changers in their first IT role, and anyone tired of watching coworkers get promoted first.

⸻

🛒 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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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 were already building the foundation for my first IT role — I just didn't know it yet.

In this episode:

My story: from retail to IT
Why soft skills beat technical skills in hiring
The Job Translation Map: everyday jobs → IT roles
How to make the jump with one cert and a network

⸻

🛒 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
******************************************
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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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 make a confident decision and get moving.

IN THIS EPISODE:

What the CompTIA Trifecta actually is
Which cert makes sense depending on the path you want to take
Why networking and security go hand in hand
Community college vs. self-study — which one is right for you

⸻

🛒 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
******************************************
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

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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 (including where beginners should focus first)
📜 The entry-level and mid-level certifications showing up on companies' must-have lists — including CompTIA A+, Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and more
🤖 Emerging IT roles you need to know about — like Agentic AI Engineer, AIOps Engineer, and LLM Engineer
💰 The exact skills companies are paying a premium for right now — AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, and more
🔑 Why contract and staffing roles (like those placed through Robert Half) could actually fast-track your IT experience faster than a traditional job
🎯 How to use reports like this to make smarter decisions about your certifications and career path

https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/salary-guide

⸻

🛒 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
******************************************
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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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

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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 experienced engineers, your team plays a huge role in your development.

In this episode, I break down:
•Why your team is your fastest learning tool
•How mentorship naturally happens on the job
•The difference between a good team and a bad team
•Why you shouldn’t just chase the job… but the environment

If you’re trying to break into IT or level up your career, this is something you need to understand early.


⸻

🛒 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
******************************************
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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IG: @debtfreeinit
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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 belong in IT—you just might be starting in the wrong part of it.

In this episode, I break down:
•Why IT can feel tough early on for introverts
•My personal experience starting out in help desk
•The real reason introverts struggle in entry-level roles
•How IT changes once you move into higher-level positions
•Why roles in networking, servers, and security are more introvert-friendly
•The trade-offs as you move up (meetings, teamwork, communication)

If you’ve ever felt drained working help desk or questioned if IT is right for you, this episode will give you a new perspective.


⸻

🛒 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
******************************************
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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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 humbled me 😅), why wireless was the toughest part for me, and why this update might make the exam more aligned with real-world networking roles.

If you’re thinking about pursuing the CCNP or you’re currently studying, this is something you need to know.

⸻

What We Cover
 • What the CCNP ENCOR exam actually is
 • The different CCNP specialization paths (ENARSI, SD-WAN, Automation, etc.)
 • Why wireless was removed from the exam
 • My experience taking (and struggling with) the CCNP
 • Why I might go back and take it again


⸻

🛒 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
******************************************
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

Timestamps:
00:00 - 01:25 - Intro
01:26 - 04:50 - What is the CCNP Certification
04:51 - 11:47 - My CCNP Experience
12:08 - 15:40 - Retaking the CCNP

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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 helped me:

• Learn how IT departments actually operate
• Understand what each team is responsible for
• Handle pressure during incidents
• Build relationships with other engineers
• Develop a broader set of technical skills

If you’re currently in an entry-level IT role, this episode will help you see why that experience is valuable for your long-term career.

⸻

🛒 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
******************************************
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

Timestamps:
00:00 - 01:58 -Intro
02:00 - 05:32 -You Learn How an Organization Actually Operates
05:34 - 09:52 -You Learn What Every Team Actually Does
10:15 - 13:10  -It Taught Me How to Work Under Pressure
13:13 - 16:18  -Building Relationships (Networking)
16:20 - 18:20  -Skillset building

Support the show

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 even know about this path
•The real salary outlook for Epic-certified professionals
•How to break into healthcare IT and position yourself for sponsorship

Epic certifications are different from traditional certs like Cisco or AWS. You must be sponsored by a hospital that uses Epic Systems, and once you’re in, it can lead to stable, high-paying roles in healthcare IT.

If you’re looking for a recession-resistant, enterprise-level IT career path that most people overlook — this is one you need to understand

⸻

🛒 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
******************************************
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

Timestamps:
00:00 - 01:10 - Intro
01:11 - 02:13 - What is Epic
02:14 - 09:15 - Why most professionals don't know about Epic 
09:38 - 13:10  - How Epic Certifications work
13:11 - 15:04  - Average Salary
15:05 - 17:03 - How to target Epic certifications 

Support the show