Good feedback, guys!
FeelTheUniverseXXX: So do you have any Cisco certs? I took week long CCNA bootcamp a couple weeks ago and the instructor told us all about the CCIE test. Very demanding. And something like $1500 to take - and if you don't pass, too bad. Heh.
[EDIT] Also - IPX has been completely removed from the CCNA 2.0 test... Seeing as how noone uses it anymore...
[/EDIT]
MetalMickey: I'm not liking the future of programming positions. Yes, there will always be jobs for talented programmers. But right now there is a major shift with large consulting firms. In order to help the bottom line, they're laying off expensive US employees and out-sourcing the work to guys in India/Pakistan/Afghanistan/etc. They do the same work, but for pennies on the dollar, and since they're "outside contractors" the companies don't have to provide benefits or anything for them.
I've been burned out on coding for a while now, and after seeing a few friends get canned for this very reason, I've decided to be pro-active. That, and networking stuff has always been a hobby of mine, now I'll be getting paid to do it.
A good friend has a nice job at a network security consulting firm. With a CCNP and my existing clearances, I'll be able to get a nice, stable job with him. Can't outsource government security work! NOFORN and all that...
Matthew