Have anybody here felt a loss of interest after studying the certification material?

I recently passed the ICND1 and I am studying the ICND2 right now, the material isn't hard and I'm able to go through the simulations with ACL, STP etc. it's just...I feel like I'm not interested in as much as I thought in the beginning. I'm looking into moving into a system admin/security job in the near future and eventually web programming once I finish WGU in 2-3 years. I guess you could call it burn out maybe? has anyone else felt this way while studying for a certification?

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Comments

dave330i

Had that experience when I was on MCTIP track. Thought it was a waste of time for me, and stopped after passing 740.

Ismaeljrp

Maybe you've found something more interesting. You even said it yourself, " eventually web programming ". Honestly, I'd say use the knowledge if you can. If you know you won't go any further into networking especially network engineering, then don't pay and take a test you aren't interested anymore. Instead use that time to master the craft of web development if that is what you ultimately want.

DissonantData

If you really got that far, then you should continue. If you're going into web programming, then knowledge of networking is definitely going to be a plus for you. You will probably be more likely to get a job because of the CCNA. It shows your employers that you are goal-focused and persistent. If I was in your position, I would finish the CCNA.

snunez889

Could be you just got a little burnt out especially if you been rushing through the material. I find myself not really enjoying something if I spend too much time doing it.

Master Of Puppets

There was a time during my preparation for SWITCH when it got kind of boring. It just couldn't grab my attention the way ROUTE does.

Psoasman

I felt that way the whole time working on JavaScript and Project+

jibbajabba

Felt like it after I finished my MCITPs ... I still feel like it and refuse to go for any other Microshaft exams.

alexander77

I'm glad it's not just me that feels this way and others went through a similar stage. I'm going to try to finish up on the CCNA since I already have the CCENT but I think I'm going to spend more time with my Java classes. I think the biggest problem is I kind of have to really "force" myself through the labs..

Gorby

I felt the same way as you before while studying for the MCSA. It may be a sign that you should just focus on Programming instead of the CCNA.

NotHackingYou

Take a short break and press on. The CCNA knowldege is useful in every corner of IT, including web programming. Knowing the OSI model and how a request gets from one computer to your web server will help you plan for the most efficient design and understand problems.

You will be a better tech, admin or developer for your CCNA. It can only help no matter what path you choose.

Moon Child

Ya I feel burned out and sick of studying for certs now. Between taking exams for a teaching license to the three computer certs I got this summer I have had it! I was thinking of taking the Security+ now that I passed the Network+, but nah I feel so burned out. Put a fork in me I am done studying for certs for a while !

Right now I am going to get drunk and celebrate.

darkerz

During my own burn out days, I will play 1-2 hours of the MMORPG "Rift" and feel refreshed afterwards.

Some days the only thing I want to do is networking.

Some days the word switch, router, segment, packet or frame make me crazy.

veritas_libertas

I felt that way about the Microsoft material for the 70-685. That's when I started taking Cisco exams.

cyberguypr

I took ICND1 a bit over two years ago and the plan was to take ICND2 within 6 months. Long story short I ended up switching jobs and focusing on other stuff (security, MS, VMware). I like Cisco and wanted the CCNA but is not something that moves my very soul. It happens.

veritas_libertas

@Cyberguy: You brought up an interesting point. For me working with and understanding networking and understanding the underlying protocols, etc. is becoming a passion of mine. I'm hardly an expert, but I love learning about them. I MS Server OS interesting, but I became bored with it. What you love/enjoy can greatly affect how well you master it. At least that's how I feel about it.

petedude

This is a good thread. I've had this issue with various certification efforts over the last year or so, and now the thread has helped me understand why.

Currently getting "back into the saddle" after sidelining my ITIL studies for a few days.

Polynomial

petedude wrote: »

Currently getting "back into the saddle" after sidelining my ITIL studies for a few days.

That's all the time you need to pass that one =P

kohr-ah

I am the same way.

I just cant get into MS Books. I dont mind working on servers and doing windows administration but crack a book and I can read a whole chapter and my brain will space out and not retain any of it but keep reading.

Cisco however it depends on the book I've learned.

Like the CCNA Cisco Press book killed me when I tried to read it. So about 1/4 the way in I tried Sybex instead. Made a world of difference to me and I just read it like it was the greatest thing ever.

I am learning CCNP Route the same way. I love cisco I have a great passion for it. The OCG should be used to hold up my couch (in my case) but the FLG book I cant put it down. It gives me the want to lab it and fiddle and play.

Asif Dasl

cyberguypr wrote: »

I took ICND1 a bit over two years ago and the plan was to take ICND2 within 6 months. Long story short I ended up switching jobs and focusing on other stuff (security, MS, VMware). I like Cisco and wanted the CCNA but is not something that moves my very soul. It happens.

+1 Almost identical to you.

Doing exams too close together also burns me out, but if I don't have a real interest in it or an immediate usage then I lose interest in it.

alexander77

I like reading the different experiences you guys had with studying for these certification...that it's not just me feeling like this. I am the stage where I'm trying to figure out what I like and I thought that Cisco was the right path for me at first, but I as I do the ICND2 I'm starting to believe that may not be the case. I'm think I am going to stick with finishing my CS degree and move towards development.

lsud00d

I find the end of year bonus (per cert, quarterly) helps push through the boredom/lack of interest

method115

I lose motivation after I've been studying the same thing for a while other then that I love learning about almost anything related to IT as long as I don't know it already.

petedude

Polynomial wrote: »

That's all the time you need to pass that one =P

Ha ha. . .

Studying the Sybex book, and as I pointed out in another thread, that book as as many dry moments as it does engaging ones. I'm just glad there's a cheap, accessible book for that exam finally. Some of the material is "common-sense" if you've worked in enterprise IT, but ITIL does provide a nice prescriptive/disciplined structure for it all.

goldenlight

It happened occasionally while I was studying for my ICND1 and ICND2 exam. What motivated me was being unemployed, looking through classifieds, and working temp assignment jobs. HOpefully things will open up now that I earned my ccna.

In the mean time I am just reading through about 13 chps not covered in old ICND1 and ICND2 books.

Priston

I've been having the same problem with the ICND2 everytime I pick the book up I have to put it right back down or I'll fall asleep. Maybe I just need a different book... Anyway my CCENT (ICND1) is getting ready to expire so I ended up buying a DCICT book which I find MUCH more interesting, relevant, and easier.