Which certs at this point to accumulate?

Cat5

I have a CCNA and am currently working for a large ISP, making just under $50k/yr. However, I need to make more than I'm making because I have a family to support. So, I'm looking at getting other certs. I have a choice - to broaden my skill base, or go deeper with what I'm already doing. Both have their advantages, but I only have the time to go one way or the other.

One strong consideration is to get a CCNA-Security and Checkpoint Firewall cert. They would get me things that I see a lot of employers asking for; I could even add a CCNA-Wireless to boot. I wouldn't be a one-trick pony anymore with my solo CCNA.

OR - I could march ahead, get my CCNA-Security then get my CCNP-Security, which would take about a year.

OR - I could get an MCSA (or its equivalent), which would give me server knowledge AND networking knowledge. I see lots of network/systems administrator positions out there. All of which to say that one of these paths should, I hope, get me a better paying job.

Has anyone else chosen one of these paths, and if so how did it go for you?

markulous

What path makes you happy? Don't chase money, chase what you enjoy doing.

kohr-ah

Don't chase money.

Lots of us on here have families and taking a 75k job and being miserable as h*** will take an effect on that family. Being extremely good at what you do brings money.

That being said what do you have an interest in. Having your CCNA and going MCSA you will become a joat. Specializing will get you more money as you excel at something and once you do then branch out.

Personally if you want out of networking do MCSA. Want to do further in networking do CCNP then look at subsidiaries like Wireless, Security , etc.

srabiee

I agree, go with the path that you enjoy the most and are the most interested in. The money will come with time, effort, and regularly seeking new opportunities. (a lot of times, if you want to move up you gotta move out, i.e. change jobs fairly often. Sad by true.)