Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

Michael Bowden

“This Podcast is for anyone looking to get in the IT industry, whether it’s a career change or your just interested. You come to the right place”

  1. 4d ago

    Where Should You Start Your IT Career? Small, Midsize, or Enterprise

    Send us Fan Mail Same title. Totally different job. A network tech at a 50-person company and a network tech at a Fortune 500 can do completely different work for completely different money. The variable most people ignore: company size. Why it matters: Where you start shapes how fast you learn, what you get exposed to, and how high your ceiling goes. Pick wrong for your stage and you either stall out or get thrown in over your head. In this episode: 🔹 Small — You touch everything: networking, servers, printers, phones, someone's Outlook. You learn fast and broad. But there's no one senior to correct you, no escalation path, and bad habits go unchecked for years. You learn how to make things work, not how things are supposed to be built. 🔹 Midsize — Real teams, real structure, a real ladder. Someone above you who's already done what you're trying to do. The trade: on-call rotations that come back around fast, and duties that keep piling on as the company grows. 🔹 Large — The biggest pay jump you'll see. Stock, bonuses, cert budgets, six-figure conversations. Also: layoffs, silos, and a pace that doesn't let up. This is the jump from college to the NBA — everybody in the building is good. My take: Midsize is the sweet spot. Enough structure and pay without the silos and the grind. 👇 Which one do you work for — or which would you prefer to work for? Drop it in the comments. ⸻ 🎯 1-on-1 Coaching — 60 minutes to figure out your next move, plus your roadmap in writing. First 10 get the founding rate. →  https://cal.com/debtfreeinitwmike/it-career-strategy-session 🛒 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 🌏 Upgrade your online protection with an all-in-one security app! Get an exclusive NordVPN deal + 3 months extra here ➼.  NordVPN: https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=612&aff_id=153284&url_id=14830 It’s risk free with NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 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

    Where Should You Start Your IT Career? Small, Midsize, or Enterprise

  2. Aug 7

    Is the CompTIA A+ Still Worth It in 2026?

    Send us Fan Mail The CompTIA A+ has been the default first certification in IT for decades. But in 2026 it'll run you over $600 to get certified and I've got some thoughts on whether that still makes sense. In this episode I break down what the A+ actually is, who it's built for, what the exams really cost, and what else that same money could buy you. Then I give you my honest recommendation. ✅ What the A+ is and the jobs it can get you ✅ Who this certification is really built for ✅ The true cost — two exams, not one ✅ What that same money could buy you instead ✅ Whether I'd recommend it in 2026 ⸻ 🎯 1-on-1 Coaching — 60 minutes to figure out your next move, plus your roadmap in writing. First 10 get the founding rate. →  https://cal.com/debtfreeinitwmike/it-career-strategy-session 🛒 My Amazon Store: Books + gear to level up in tech: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike 📬 The Log Files Newsletter: Real tips to break into IT. 👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe ⸻ #CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit  💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com! 🌐 Connect with me: 📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT 🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com 📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻 Support the Channel: cash.app/$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 🌏 Upgrade your online protection with an all-in-one security app! Get an exclusive NordVPN deal + 3 months extra here ➼.  NordVPN: https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=612&aff_id=153284&url_id=14830 It’s risk free with NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 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

    Is the CompTIA A+ Still Worth It in 2026?

  3. Jul 31

    Just Apply: You're More Qualified Than You Think

    Send us Fan Mail You said you'd start applying once you finished the class. Then it was the cert. Then the second cert. That list never gets shorter  and somebody with less on paper than you is getting hired right now. I got my first IT job by applying to anything with the word "computer" in the title. I didn't know what a computer operations role even was. That job started my whole career. In this one: Why waiting for everything to line up means you never start How to read a job description and why companies post higher than they'll settle for Why a cert gets you the interview, not the job The experience you already have and aren't counting Why applying costs you nothing worst case is silence ⸻ 🎯 1-on-1 Coaching — 60 minutes to figure out your next move, plus your roadmap in writing. First 10 get the founding rate. →  https://cal.com/debtfreeinitwmike/it-career-strategy-session 🛒 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 🌏 Upgrade your online protection with an all-in-one security app! Get an exclusive NordVPN deal + 3 months extra here ➼.  NordVPN: https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=612&aff_id=153284&url_id=14830 It’s risk free with NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee! 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

    Just Apply: You're More Qualified Than You Think

  4. Jul 24

    I Worked 3 IT Jobs, Here's Where AI Would've Saved Me

    Send us Fan Mail The daily tasks from three IT roles I actually worked — help desk, desktop support, and networking — and where AI would've made me faster in each one. Not a video about AI taking your job. A video about AI taking the worst parts of it. The 7 use cases: 1️⃣ Knowledge base search — describe the issue, get the fix 2️⃣ Ticket documentation — write-ups in seconds 3️⃣ Outage emails — drafted and out the door 4️⃣ Script creation — AI writes it, you review it 5️⃣ Error code lookup — no more 10 pages of Google 6️⃣ Alert triage — find the errors that actually matter 7️⃣ Device configuration — but you still have to know if it's right AI is your employee. You're the supervisor. And you can't supervise something you don't understand. 💬 Comment below: do you use AI in your role, and how? ⸻ 🎯 1-on-1 Coaching — 60 minutes to figure out your next move, plus your roadmap in writing. First 10 get the founding rate. →  https://cal.com/debtfreeinitwmike/it-career-strategy-session 🛒 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

    I Worked 3 IT Jobs, Here's Where AI Would've Saved Me

  5. Jul 17

    7 Money Moves to Make When You Get Into IT

    Send us Fan Mail The financial and career moves that build a real foundation early in an IT career — hard-earned hindsight on what to prioritize once you land that first job. The 7 moves: 1️⃣ Negotiate — even early on, always ask 2️⃣ Get your retirement match — free money from day one 3️⃣ Build an emergency fund — your safety net 4️⃣ Open a Roth IRA — start compounding early 5️⃣ Watch lifestyle creep — protect your raises 6️⃣ Track your wins — build leverage for next time 7️⃣ Consider job hopping — cash in that leverage ⸻ 🛒 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

    7 Money Moves to Make When You Get Into IT

  6. Jul 10

    How I Would Go from Minimum Wage to $40/hr in Tech

    Send us Fan Mail If you're making $15/hr right now and want to know how to get to $40/hr or more in IT — this episode breaks down exactly how I would do it. We cover: ✅ The IT skills and certifications that actually get you to $40/hr ✅ How to study for a cert even if you're starting from zero ✅ How to build a resume with no experience ✅ How to apply strategically so you get in the door faster ✅ How to prepare for the interview and not get tripped up Whether you're coming from minimum wage, a dead-end job, or just looking for a way into tech — this is the roadmap. ⸻ 🛒 My Amazon Store: Books + gear to level up in tech: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike 📬 The Log Files Newsletter: Real tips to break into IT. 👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe ⸻ #CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit  💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com! 🌐 Connect with me: 📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT 🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com 📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻 Support the Channel: cash.app/$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

  7. Jul 3

    Is CCNA Still Worth It in 2026? Here's My Argument

    Send us Fan Mail The networking community has been debating this hard — especially with the new CCNA update dropping in February 2027. After covering the CCNA v2.0 update last episode, I kept seeing the same questions pop up: ❓ Is the CCNA still worth it? ❓ Will it actually get me a job? ❓ Should I even bother in 2026? In this episode, I break down my full argument no hype, just the honest take. What I cover: ✅ What the CCNA actually proves (and what it doesn't) ✅ Why getting the cert is only half the battle ✅ How Cisco's continuous update model keeps it relevant ✅ When the CCNA is NOT worth it ✅ The honest verdict on salary and career expectations in 2026 ⸻ 🛒 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

    Is CCNA Still Worth It in 2026? Here's My Argument

  8. Jun 26

    Nothing Was the Same: Breaking Down the CCNA v2.0 Update

    Send us Fan Mail Cisco is updating the 200-301 to version 2.0 — and if you're studying right now, this video is for you. Why it matters: The CCNA is the most recognized entry-level networking cert in the industry. When it changes, you pay attention. What I cover: What actually changed in the exam topics Why the shift to troubleshooting makes you a better engineer Agentic AI — the brand new addition to the blueprint OSPFv3 and what it means for your study plan Exam price, duration, and what to expect test day How to use the official exam guide verbs to study smarter When v2.0 goes live — and what to do if you're studying right now The bottom line: v2.0 goes live February 3rd, 2027. If you're studying now — don't stop. #CCNA #Cisco #ITCareer #NetworkingCertification #ITCertification #DebtFreeInIT #NetworkEngineer #TechCareer ⸻ 🛒 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

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

“This Podcast is for anyone looking to get in the IT industry, whether it’s a career change or your just interested. You come to the right place”

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Bowden
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    190
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
  • Show Website
    Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

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