Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

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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… but they run on:

• Networks
• Servers
• Cybersecurity teams
• Help desk departments
• Enterprise infrastructure

In this video, I count down my Top 7 industries hiring IT professionals — starting at #7 and working down to my #1 pick.

⸻

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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]!

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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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*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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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)
• Hands-on, practical training
• Portfolio and project building
• Career services and networking
• Structured learning environment

⚠️ The honest downsides people don’t always talk about
• High cost with no job guarantee
• Marketing that makes tech seem easier than it is
• You can learn similar material online for cheaper
• Not built for everyone (requires discipline and grind)

At the end of the day — everything works.
It just depends on you.

If you’re thinking about switching careers, getting into IT, or deciding between a bootcamp, college, or self-study — this episode will help you make a smarter decision.

⸻

🛒 My Amazon Store:
Books + gear to level up in tech:
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📬 The Log Files Newsletter:
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:
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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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*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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******************************************
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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 Contract Roles

We cover:

• Higher earning potential (and the tax/benefits caveat)
• Faster skill accumulation across multiple infrastructures
• Flexibility and networking opportunities
• Income instability and benefit trade-offs
• Job uncertainty and contract risk
• Long-term depth vs breadth in your career

If you’re in help desk, trying to pivot into cloud or cybersecurity, or just evaluating your next move in IT — this episode will help you think strategically about whether contract work fits your season.

⸻

🛒 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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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 CCNP, this episode is for you.

I cover the most common post-CCNA mistakes, including unrealistic salary expectations, applying for the wrong jobs, stopping the job search too soon, overlooking support and MSP roles, and why stacking higher certs without experience can actually hurt you — plus exactly what you should focus on instead to get in the door and build real networking 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

⸻

#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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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 unrealistic expectations, burnout, pay myths, intimidating job descriptions, and imposter syndrome — plus what you can do to avoid making these mistakes and stay on track.
⸻

🛒 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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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 start. I talk a lot of junk about call centers and being on the phones, but I also think those early experiences can prepare you for other roles as you progress in your career.

In today’s episode, I talk about:
 • How I got into the call center and what it was really like
 • Why it was the first job I ever quit
 • The different types of call centers and phone-based roles
 • Some advantages and disadvantages of being on the phones
 • And how to transition off the phones into better opportunities

If you’re currently in a call center or working a phone-heavy role, this episode is 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 

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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 learn in 2026 — skills that can help you stay relevant and position yourself for long-term growth in tech. I cover five core skills, plus a few honorable mentions that still play a major role in IT.

⸻

🔹 Skills Covered in This Episode

🤖 AI (Artificial Intelligence)
•Building AI vs using AI
•Productivity, automation, and problem-solving

💰 Sales & Communication
•Transferable sales skills
•Tech sales and relationship-building

☁️ Cloud Fundamentals
•AWS & Azure basics
•Understanding hybrid environments

⚙️ Automation & Scripting
•PowerShell, Python, automation tools
•Efficiency and leverage

🐧 Linux Fundamentals
•Linux as the foundation for cloud, containers, and security

⸻

🛒 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:
📸 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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******************************************
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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 planning completely changed how I approached my career, fitness, and finances — and it helped me realize something important:

👉 Stacking too many goals slows progress.

In this episode, I reflect on:
 • What worked (and didn’t work) with my 2025 goals
 • Why trying to do too much at once held me back
 • The lessons I’m carrying into 2026

Then I walk through my three focused goals for 2026, covering:
 • Career: Locking in on one certification (RHCSA)
 • Personal: Getting down to 200 lbs through consistency
 • Financial: Making intentional progress paying down debt

This episode is about clarity, discipline, and choosing one lane at a time — not perfection.


🛒 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


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

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This episode is my 2025 podcast review.

Every year, this is one of my favorite episodes to record because it gives me a chance to go behind the scenes and talk honestly about the ins and outs of the podcast — the wins, the growth, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way.

In this episode, I break down:
•What the podcast has become
•How the platform grew across YouTube, audio, and my newsletter
•The real challenges I faced staying consistent
•Lessons that apply beyond podcasting
•And my vision going into 2026

If you’re building a platform, trying to break into IT, or working toward your next goal, there’s something in this episode 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 

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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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Preparing for an IT certification takes time, money, and consistency—and sometimes, even after doing everything right, you can still fall short by just a few points.

If you’ve ever studied hard for a certification exam, only to fail and then feel the added pressure of having to pay for a retake, you’re not alone. That pressure can be even heavier when the certification is tied to your job or career advancement.

To help solve this problem, Cisco introduced Exam Safeguard—a built-in backup plan that gives candidates a second chance without the added financial stress.

In this video, I break down:
•What Cisco Exam Safeguard is
•Which Cisco exams it applies to
•And 5 key benefits of using Exam Safeguard, including how it reduces anxiety, saves money, and helps you approach exam day with confidence

Cisco Exam Safeguard is available for the CCNA, Cybersecurity Associate, and select professional-level core exams, and it can be a smart option for first-time test takers and career changers.

If you’re working toward a Cisco certification and want to make smarter decisions with your time and money, this video is 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 

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IG: @debtfreeinit
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Support the show