I am tired of slacking off - I need to start studying again!!

I've hit a bit of a slump or rather.. lack of motivation?

Which is odd for me.. I know there are so many things I want to study/learn.. possibly too many things.

It was not until the end of 2012 when I got my first "real" IT gig as a help desk without having any certifications and very limited work experience. I went in to it knowing I did not want to be one of the guys that just get stuck doing the whole help desk thing for the rest of their lives and the pay was not very great.

So I immediately started picking up the Cisco Networking studies, pouring endless amounts of hours in to them. Helped me move around in the company and eventually land my current position as a Network Operations Engineer within the banking industry as of the end of 2014. (holy cow in less than a month I have been here for two years - that went by fast!)

A few things I have on my mind that I would like to knock out:
- CCNA Data Center
- CCDP
- CCNA Wireless (maybe.. maybe not)
- F5 (I need to build on the foundation, I am not sure how their certification tracks are yet)
- CCIE Written (This will be a long process, obviously)

I really have not done much recently, probably since October 2015 is when I completed my last cert. I kept putting this off, I saw it as: "Oh I am just taking a break for a month or so before moving forward"

That break went a little longer than a month or so.

Are you in a slump?

What keeps you on track mid career? Do you use a study plan and ahere to it?

I've thought about doing a personal blog/website - for my own purposes of just tracking what I do, interesting notes I find or scenarios I come across on the job. However I am not sure where to really start with that one..

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Comments

thomas_

Not getting paid what I want to get paid and knowing that I need more advanced skills than what I currently possess in order to get paid what I want keeps me on track.

I tend to get side-tracked during the cert process. It seems like I'll start studying for a cert and then there will be a big chunk of time where I don't study. I've found that buying a voucher for an exam helps me to eventually take the test even if it is a year later because it's a waste of money not to take the test and let the voucher expire. I also think it's a waste of money to buy a voucher, not study for the test and just wing it. If I buy a voucher I know at some point I will hunker down and knock it out.

9bits

I'm in a slump, too, but I think being currently unemployed is at the core of it. I've been trying to study for my RHCSA, but it's difficult when I know I don't have the money for the exam. And I've always got other things on my mind, like trying to find a job that isn't awful.

DatabaseHead

Thomas you read my mind. I'm currently out of a slump studying for a MS exam pretty hardcore, but usually I'm like forget about it.....

What usually inspires me, is when I start working with a technology that is in demand and has a set of certification curriculum aligned with it. I deal a lot with BI and cube and tabular deployments and MS has a certification track that snaps into that. It makes sense for me to pursue it so I do. I do not however go for certs where I don't have any or little experience. That's my strategy.

Either way enjoy your break and get back to when you can.

@9Bits wish you the best. I'm not sure I could study for an exam either while I was unemployed, I'm not wired that way. I would be looking for jobs and spending all my energy in that space.

UnixGuy

Excellent thread.

I find that focusing on one thing helps. Say you want to do CCIE, then make this your only focus. Obsess about it and start making plans and milestones etc.

But yes it's hard to find the drive to keep going if you don't have a compelling reason(or desire) to do so.

docrice

It could also be burnout. When you're relatively new to IT and you want to include everything into your personal knowledge base, your brain might be overwhelmed. You can't be a specialist in everything.

Being in a slump could also be a lack of underlying excitement. There have been times when I would be sort of interested in a given area, only to become somewhat uninterested. Only until I started seeing things from a new angle did it arouse my curiosity again.

For example, reading the Microsoft Press training books is one thing, but then you pick up Microsoft Internals and seeing how things operate at a deeper level makes you realize there's so much more depth to the ocean beyond the GUI. Then you complement that with books like Hacking Exposed Windows, you might mentally want to start putting the pieces together and it helps drives motivation.

fredrikjj

What are your goals? I want to work at an ISP so I study service provider technologies, but if I didn't have that goal I probably wouldn't study those things.

Fadakartel

fredrikjj wrote: »

What are your goals? I want to work at an ISP so I study service provider technologies, but if I didn't have that goal I probably wouldn't study those things.

Hey fredrikjj do you work in a broadband environment? what kinda stuff are you studying?

fredrikjj

Fadakartel, I study things that are on the typical SP cert (BGP, ISIS/OSPF, MPLS, etc). I mentioned this because I don't see 'Muddles' talking about why he wants to study and get certain certifications. It sounds to me like he studied hard at first because he had the goal of moving beyond help desk roles, something that he managed to achieve when he got his current job. Since then he hasn't studied much, which I think is because he hasn't identified a specific goal that he wants to achieve.

Fadakartel

fredrikjj wrote: »

Fadakartel, I study things that are on the typical SP cert (BGP, ISIS/OSPF, MPLS, etc). I mentioned this because I don't see 'Muddles' talking about why he wants to study and get certain certifications. It sounds to me like he studied hard at first because he had the goal of moving beyond help desk roles, something that he managed to achieve when he got his current job. Since then he hasn't studied much, which I think is because he hasn't identified a specific goal that he wants to achieve.

Yea I was like him once I ran down a lot of unnecessary certs, even though I work in an ISP/Carrier environment. Also what types of SP certs are you pursuing? I know you were looking at CCNP service provider, hows that been going?

Also yea I agree the OP needs to specify his goals, since hes in banking network security would be a good way for him to go.

Simrid

Sounds like a great plan. One thing I have heard is that the CWNP series for wireless certifications is meant to be a more generic and in-depth wireless certification. It maybe worth a look.

With answer to your questions, sometimes I will go a while without studying (predominately in CCNP) and I would just try to find the motivation to go again. My motivation was being able to afford a house which is difficult with house prices in London (UK).

My next step after I take NA:Sec next week is to chill out a bit. I need to start looking after myself, have a bit of fun whilst waiting for NP:Sec to refresh and crack on from there. By no means does that mean I will stop learning through casual reading (recap on routing protocols and MPLS is in check).

Good luck

fredrikjj

Fadakartel, I sent you a PM

Muddles

Thank you all for your replies! Also, wanted to say sorry for the delay responses on my part, just about every day of the week is quite busy for me, haha.

I've been writing everything out and trying to get a schedule prepared - at least a blueprint style. Just to address a few posts here though:

NOTE:: After I started responding below, I am starting to get a lot more things in perspective. I just needed to get everything written out and discussed apparently, lol. I am sorry my writing is all over the place.

??:

@thomas_ - More money is always a great motivator isn't it?

As you mentioned though, I usually would find gaps between my study times to where I usually have to go back and "re-learn" material that I already went through. For me - it kind of comes with the territory.

As for the voucher, that is something I have implemented now and I currently have both exams scheduled for the CCNA - DC. However, my employer provides vouchers/re-reimbursements whenever we need them which is really nice.

@9bits - Yikes, I am pulling for you on that one! What point are you in your current career - that really plays a big part. What I always say is take whatever position you can get a hold of if it is reasonable... you can always move around/jump ship when you feel the time is right. Easier said than done I know!

Everyone's situation is different though, some are able to be able afford to be unemployed for a little time and wait for a dream opportunity but I would rather not risk that myself. It is always easier to look for a new job when you have a job.

@UnixGuy - I definitely would agree with this, as the CCIE is a whole other beast!! While I have started taking some small preps in to that path (purchasing quite a few books/videos/csr1000v lab-equip) - I am not sure just yet how feasible it is right at this moment to dive in.. If I could wait maybe another year or two before I tackle it seriously - at least the lab portion. Then I might have some more time when the youngest starts kindergarten.

@Docrice - That is what I am thinking it is as well, just a small bit of burnout from trying to learn about everything under the sun. Which is what I had originally thought I had to do prior. I had to drop a few things off of my radar such as Server (Microsoft)/Programming/Security (to some extent) as I do not see where those will help me at this exact moment.

I thought I would like to get in to learning wireless more as we are working a ton with 4g communications and Cisco Prime/WLCs on the job - it was very interesting at first but then I found it to be a bit dry so I will be dropping that off for now.

By the way I noticed your website/notes in your signature, that is pretty much what I plan on implementing as well - may I ask what route you took for that?

@fredrikjj and Fadakartel - Appreciate the input, and I definitely should have put my goals and where exactly I stand in the first post! My goals have always started off with the basic need, being able to provide for my family and doing whatever I can to achieve that. I am finally at a point where I have a bit more stability with that.

In the back of my mind really, I ALWAYS have the idea that I must "Never Stop Improving" (totally jacked that slogan from my previouis employer,

) and to move up/around to continue the pay increases.

As I have been writing this I have realized I have a ton of reasons to keep moving forward - to a point where it is honestly kind of dumb that I have not been. I just received a "promotion" about 2 months ago now - by the way I use quotes because the pay increase was quite significant however there was a catch.. it is on night shift 7 PM to 7 AM. Lol.

This brings me to another point, I want to elaborate on that part of it being "dumb" to not do anything these last few months. My current employer alone offers quite a bit of incentives.. which I took advantage of the last year or so prior to the slack of my studying. Basically - they reimburse any training costs such as vouchers or training material. They provide us with week-long classes through GK boot-camps as well. Now keep in mind, this is what helped me tremendously get my CCNP R/S and CCDA. I have also signed up for the CCNA Data Center boot-camp as well.

On the job we handle just about EVERYTHING as far as troubleshooting. It is a NOC environment, and I am now at the point where I get opportunities to troubleshoot the Data Center environment (Nexus 5K/7K), ASA and Checkpoint FWs, F5 load-balancers, DMZ and vendor co-locations environments. I work a lot with domestic and international which is a fun experience.

Oddly enough with all of the things going on with myself - one of the things that I enjoyed the most is helping others.. the irony. I always try to push my peers, friends, and just about everyone to keep moving forward. I have been trying to find someone local - maybe a friend that wants to get in to the field - that I could mentor and teach/learn together. No luck just yet.. maybe one day.

What it all boils down to in the end.. is TIME MANAGEMENT. That is something I really need to work out. I know it can be tough with a family - I am married with two boys (a 9 year old and one that is about to turn 4) while working the night shift Wednesday through Saturday. But, it is something I can definitely work out.

Danielh22185

I totally understand the slumps. I go in spurts and sometimes bounce around studying different things before I realign my bearings. Typically what motivates me is reading about other's accomplishments. I am working out of such a slump now to finally finish my NP once and for all.

Danielh22185

Muddles wrote: »

Thank you all for your replies! Also, wanted to say sorry for the delay responses on my part, just about every day of the week is quite busy for me, haha.

I've been writing everything out and trying to get a schedule prepared - at least a blueprint style. Just to address a few posts here though:

NOTE:: After I started responding below, I am starting to get a lot more things in perspective. I just needed to get everything written out and discussed apparently, lol. I am sorry my writing is all over the place. ??:

@thomas_ - More money is always a great motivator isn't it? As you mentioned though, I usually would find gaps between my study times to where I usually have to go back and "re-learn" material that I already went through. For me - it kind of comes with the territory.

As for the voucher, that is something I have implemented now and I currently have both exams scheduled for the CCNA - DC. However, my employer provides vouchers/re-reimbursements whenever we need them which is really nice.

@9bits - Yikes, I am pulling for you on that one! What point are you in your current career - that really plays a big part. What I always say is take whatever position you can get a hold of if it is reasonable... you can always move around/jump ship when you feel the time is right. Easier said than done I know! Everyone's situation is different though, some are able to be able afford to be unemployed for a little time and wait for a dream opportunity but I would rather not risk that myself. It is always easier to look for a new job when you have a job.

@UnixGuy - I definitely would agree with this, as the CCIE is a whole other beast!! While I have started taking some small preps in to that path (purchasing quite a few books/videos/csr1000v lab-equip) - I am not sure just yet how feasible it is right at this moment to dive in.. If I could wait maybe another year or two before I tackle it seriously - at least the lab portion. Then I might have some more time when the youngest starts kindergarten.

@Docrice - That is what I am thinking it is as well, just a small bit of burnout from trying to learn about everything under the sun. Which is what I had originally thought I had to do prior. I had to drop a few things off of my radar such as Server (Microsoft)/Programming/Security (to some extent) as I do not see where those will help me at this exact moment.

I thought I would like to get in to learning wireless more as we are working a ton with 4g communications and Cisco Prime/WLCs on the job - it was very interesting at first but then I found it to be a bit dry so I will be dropping that off for now.

By the way I noticed your website/notes in your signature, that is pretty much what I plan on implementing as well - may I ask what route you took for that?

@fredrikjj and Fadakartel - Appreciate the input, and I definitely should have put my goals and where exactly I stand in the first post! My goals have always started off with the basic need, being able to provide for my family and doing whatever I can to achieve that. I am finally at a point where I have a bit more stability with that.

In the back of my mind really, I ALWAYS have the idea that I must "Never Stop Improving" (totally jacked that slogan from my previouis employer, ) and to move up/around to continue the pay increases.

As I have been writing this I have realized I have a ton of reasons to keep moving forward - to a point where it is honestly kind of dumb that I have not been. I just received a "promotion" about 2 months ago now - by the way I use quotes because the pay increase was quite significant however there was a catch.. it is on night shift 7 PM to 7 AM. Lol.

This brings me to another point, I want to elaborate on that part of it being "dumb" to not do anything these last few months. My current employer alone offers quite a bit of incentives.. which I took advantage of the last year or so prior to the slack of my studying. Basically - they reimburse any training costs such as vouchers or training material. They provide us with week-long classes through GK boot-camps as well. Now keep in mind, this is what helped me tremendously get my CCNP R/S and CCDA. I have also signed up for the CCNA Data Center boot-camp as well.

On the job we handle just about EVERYTHING as far as troubleshooting. It is a NOC environment, and I am now at the point where I get opportunities to troubleshoot the Data Center environment (Nexus 5K/7K), ASA and Checkpoint FWs, F5 load-balancers, DMZ and vendor co-locations environments. I work a lot with domestic and international which is a fun experience.

Oddly enough with all of the things going on with myself - one of the things that I enjoyed the most is helping others.. the irony. I always try to push my peers, friends, and just about everyone to keep moving forward. I have been trying to find someone local - maybe a friend that wants to get in to the field - that I could mentor and teach/learn together. No luck just yet.. maybe one day.

What it all boils down to in the end.. is TIME MANAGEMENT. That is something I really need to work out. I know it can be tough with a family - I am married with two boys (a 9 year old and one that is about to turn 4) while working the night shift Wednesday through Saturday. But, it is something I can definitely work out.

I TOTALLY get you with the time management things too. I find myself really struggling in that area which has really delayed my progress with studying / technical accomplishments. However what I have found is: creating structure is the key. I find it extremely difficult getting anything done at home with a 2 year old and one on the way with a pregnant wife. So to get anything done I know I need to make the time. So I have recently gotten myself into this mind set and have found the progress is made when they sleep. I am a terrible early riser but am really trying to get myself into this more. I feel sometimes I tend to study more at night when I am tired and I don't absorb the content as easily on a tired mind so am trying a new approach.

Good luck to ya!

scaredoftests

I need to get back to studying for my 70-461 exam. <sigh>

ITBot

Ugh I'm going through all of this as well. Trying to earn my VCP but finding it very it difficult to stay invested in the material. WGU kind of burnt me out for studying plus I have 2 kids and a new born at home. Really tough to balance time for everyone and especially making sure that I spend enough time with my wife. Feels like by the time I do spend time with everyone, its 9 PM and the last thing I want to do is study. This is going to be rough cert for me to earn. Nice to know that plenty of people struggle with this though and manage to get it done!

Slowhand

Muddles wrote: »

I really have not done much recently, probably since October 2015 is when I completed my last cert. I kept putting this off, I saw it as: "Oh I am just taking a break for a month or so before moving forward"

That break went a little longer than a month or so.

Are you in a slump?

What keeps you on track mid career? Do you use a study plan and ahere to it?

I've thought about doing a personal blog/website - for my own purposes of just tracking what I do, interesting notes I find or scenarios I come across on the job. However I am not sure where to really start with that one..

I know this feeling. I was very studious and worked my butt off back when I first joined up with TechExams.net, roundabouts 10 years ago. I plowed through a bunch of Windows Server 2003 exams, some CompTIA exams, and took my CCNA. Then, life began to happen. . . I kept looking at those Windows Server 2008 exams, worked on one of them on and off starting about 2009 - 2010. . . and didn't end up actually sitting for any of them until recently. I sat around planning my cert-path for years, but I never got around to really studying, to actually carving out the time and energy I needed to really do it. It's only this past year I decided to pick myself up and decided that I won't be beaten down by work, and I *will* get the certs and training I need to move forward.

One motivation for this has been that I have a boss that's. . . well, sadistic. I dislike working with him in a way I can't even begin to describe, so I'm looking for a new job in general. Another motivation has been that I want to make more money, (looking at those vacation packages to Disneyworld makes you realize how much cash you don't have,) and it just so happens that if I make the jump into the skill-bracket I want, then I will be able to raise my potential income. It shouldn't have taken these things to get me back on track with my studying, I should have had the willpower and discipline to do these things all along, but that's how it turned out.

Get yourself started, then do whatever it takes to keep going. Remind yourself of why you're doing it, try to keep yourself going with things like a blog, a journal, etc., in order to track your growth. The most important thing, for me at least, has been to set tangible and quantifiable goals, like you've do; give yourself some plateaus to hit, mark yourself off with each benchmark and keep track of it in the larger plan. It's easier to stick to a game-plan when you can actually *see* your progress. In the end, you've got to get motivated to start, and then find ways to maintain the discipline to keep going.

doublehunter

have been trying to find someone local - maybe a friend that wants to get in to the field - that I could mentor and teach/learn together. No luck just yet.. maybe one day.

This! Until I realized he was looking for a local to mentor. /sadlife

coldbug

I would recommend not to start with Cisco certs but rather go with A+ Network+ Security+ then you can start CCNA