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IN TODAYS EMAIL:

• Latest News 🧠 Ping: When the Cloud Crashes ☁️

• Practical Advice and Actionable Tips: 🎯 Tech Certs That Actually Move the Needle

• Latest Episode and Interviews:The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly in IT

INDUSTRY TRENDS & NEWS:

🧠 Ping: When the Cloud Crashes ☁️

This week, AWS reminded everyone just how fragile the internet really is. A major outage in its US-EAST-1 region (Northern Virginia) caused disruptions across communication, finance, healthcare, education, and government platforms worldwide — a ripple effect that lasted most of Monday.

📑 The Log

What Happened:

• The outage began around 3 a.m. ET on October 20 and lasted until 6 p.m. ET, impacting over 140 AWS services.

• The root cause? Issues with Amazon’s DynamoDB database APIs and DNS resolution — the “phonebook” of the internet that directs web traffic.

• The recovery took longer than expected, frustrating customers and reigniting debate about cloud reliability.

Why It Matters:

• AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud run most of the modern internet.

• Even small issues can cascade into massive global disruptions — from banking apps to hospitals.

• Experts say hyperscalers like AWS need better redundancy and resilience planning, especially given their scale and influence.

• Customers, meanwhile, are reminded of a hard truth: when you rely on the cloud, you’re also at the mercy of it.

🔑 Key Takeaway:

Cloud is powerful — but not bulletproof. Whether you’re in networking, cybersecurity, or DevOps, understanding how outages happen (and how to recover from them) is part of leveling up your IT game.

📰 Full Story: Wired: AWS Cloud Outage Shows the Internet’s Fragility 

ADVICE AND TIPS:

🎯 Tech Certs That Actually Move the Needle

When it comes to IT certifications, not all certs are created equal. Some open real doors — others just look good on paper. This week, we’re breaking down the certifications that truly help you land the job and level up your career.

📑 The Log

💻 CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

• Cisco’s associate-level networking cert — and one of the best first steps into IT.

• Responsible for getting more people hired for their first IT role than almost any other certification.

• Opens doors beyond networking — like helpdesk and desktop roles.

• Pairs well with Security+ or AWS for a well-rounded skill set.

🛡️ Security+

• The gold standard for anyone entering cybersecurity.

• Government-recognized and required for many DoD roles.

• Proven ROI — thousands have landed high-paying security jobs with it.

🐧 Linux Certifications (LPIC, Linux+, RHCSA)

• Everything touches Linux — cloud, cybersecurity, networking — it’s everywhere.

• Most large companies expect at least basic Linux knowledge.

• Arguably the best long-term investment in IT because it underpins so much tech.

• Having Linux skills instantly separates you from the crowd.

☁️ Cloud Certifications (AWS & Microsoft)

• AWS and Azure dominate the market — learning one (or both) keeps you competitive.

• Even fundamentals like AWS Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals make a difference.

• Pairs perfectly with CCNA and Linux for hybrid network-cloud roles.

📋 Project Management (PMP & CSM)

• PMP → Proves you can lead complex projects and manage deliverables.

• CSM (Certified Scrum Master) → Ideal for agile teams in DevOps, software, and cloud.

  • CSMs bridge the gap between technical execution and business goals.

  • Great for IT pros who want to lead without coding.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Certifications are tools — not trophies. Choose the ones that align with your career goals and actually help you perform on the job.

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:

My Amazon Store – Books + Gear to Level Up in Tech

👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike

RECENT EPISODE:

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly in IT

IT isn’t all certifications and six-figure salaries. Behind every success story, there’s a mix of freedom, frustration, and lessons learned. This week, we’re breaking down the reality of life in tech — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

📑 The Log

💻 The Good

• IT can be life-changing when you manage it right.

• It opens doors to financial freedom, remote work, and career options most people never imagined.

• You’re paid to solve problems, not break your back — and that kind of freedom is rare.

⚠️ The Bad

• Even a great job can test your patience.

• Long hours, ticket queues, and constant upskilling can wear you down.

• The industry moves fast — and staying relevant can feel like a full-time job itself.

💀 The Ugly

• Entry-level burnout is real.

• Office politics, layoffs, and job hopping are more common than people admit.

• Some days, you’ll question if it’s all worth it — until you realize how much you’ve grown.

🔑 Key Takeaway:

IT isn’t perfect — but it’s powerful. Learn the game, stay adaptable, and use the challenges as leverage to build the life you want.