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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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⸻

#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:
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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 💻


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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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
******************************************
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Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
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Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com


For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com

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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 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

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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

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 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 - 01:58 -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

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Send a text

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 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 - 01:10 - 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

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Send a text

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.

⸻

🛒 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

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IG: @debtfreeinit
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Linkedin: Michael Bowden

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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:
👉 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
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Linkedin: Michael Bowden

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Send us Fan Mail

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 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