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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.


⸻

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Books + gear to level up in tech:
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📬 The Log Files Newsletter:
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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 Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!

🌐 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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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 Debtfreeinit@gmail.com

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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 Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!

🌐 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 Debtfreeinit@gmail.com

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

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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 Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!

🌐 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 Debtfreeinit@gmail.com

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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