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mikedisd2 wrote: » If you're looking burnt out maybe you should scale the exams back a bit. Remember your health is also worth something. That next job may not be worth it if you wreck your energy levels before even starting.
msteinhilber wrote: » I know what you're feeling, you and I are in very similar situations so I can relate. I'm currently in a job that I really would like to move on to bigger and better things for both salary concerns as well as some other political and job responsibility reasons (lack of room for growth being one). I'm certainly thankful for my job in a time where many are struggling, but I am also going to school as well and with my classes coming to a completion in 8 weeks, and student loans entering repayment shortly thereafter - a better paying job is critical. My advice in a nutshell is to keep yourself at a pace that works for you without feeling overburdened. If that means that you are not able to meet the goals you set as quickly as you would like, then consider moving some dates back. Keeping a plan laid out for when you would like to have various certifications completed but also don't beat yourself up if you cannot meet it on time. When the industry I work in started to take some hefty hits economically last year, we faced salary reductions and hour reductions late 2008. This gave me a significant reason to earn various certifications and provided me with a lot of motivation - too much motivation. The amount of weight one can carry in a situation where they are trying to better their career in order to more easily provide for their family can be incredible and can easily overwhelm. I also was trying to fit in as many certifications as possible while I was going to school, it's hard to focus on both at once. My classes go all year with short 2 week breaks between semesters so my goals were set too high as well. That's great that your wife was able to determine you have been becoming burned out, I have friends who are in relationships that are not as healthy and both parties to the marriage are not very observant of each other but only of themselves. It sounds like you have a very good relationship and supportive wife as it sounds like she is very understanding of the benefits that the sacrifices you both make to establish a better career - I'm sure there are a lot of us out there in relationships where spouse doesn't understand the drive to better ones career. From the sounds of things, you have given yourself a schedule that will fit your abilities while not wearing yourself down. I would re-evaluate the schedule periodically and if things are not going as according to plan, try to determine why and make revisions if needed. There's no shame in taking longer to complete your certification goals if it means preserving your mental and physical health in doing so. Best of luck, be sure to keep us posted as you knock out those exams!
knwminus wrote: » Well I almost have my plans for the year str8. Im now just trying to decided which will be more worth while: Linux+, MCTS:SQL SERVER, or CCNA:SEC. I eventually want to get all 3 but I am trying to decided which two to do before the end of the year (along with the CCNA, SEC+, and MCP/MCSA I already plan to do). Anyone have any input?
msteinhilber wrote: » Since you are hoping to get away from the help desk, I think the Linux+ would be my first choice from your list. The Linux+ would better round out your skill set, while the MCTS: SQL Server or CCNA: Security I would consider to be more specialized. I would first focus on the broader range certification like the Linux+ to give you a more diverse exposure to various technologies now and then once you move up into more hands on server work you can focus more heavily on a specialization.
apena7 wrote: » knwminus, you can also avoid getting burnt out by finding the least technical hobby/side-job that you can find.
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