(Jan 22, 2026 05:54 AM)Aeowulf Wrote:  Best of luck! The certificates carry you far (boxes to check for hiring managers). Depending on the record, that might hold you back some, but not a total dealbreaker.

Just be persistent!

(Jan 22, 2026 03:03 AM)BlackRock Wrote:  So... For years, well, since my early teens, I have been interested in this topic.

Hacking.

For sure, when I was a teen and an early adult, it was all about being a blackhat. The idea of hacking people for profit seemed so cool. Was I a hacker?

No. Total script kiddie.

I had a chance to get a formal education in this area many years ago, but unfortunately I blew it. Perhaps it was for the best anyway, I was a total mess back then. Got in trouble with the law multiple times. I blame my untreated ADHD for that but some part of me know that it's all a choice in the end.

But these days not anymore. I got responsibility, I got a lovely wife and we have shared goals. I can't do shit that's malicious, I love myself and her too much to do that.

So yesterday, I took matters into my own hands. I signed up for the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. In March, i took the IT Support version of it.

Next, I'll do the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst.

Then CompTIA Sec+.

To get practical experience and be able to demonstrate it, I will end with the TryHackMe SAL1 cert.

Here's to not fucking up anymore. I got this.