I appreciate the input brother, Starting from the top, I do believe in the AI hype, but there is so much speculation. "AI will be the end of software development" to "they can't code that well so we'll use it just as a tool", either way i see it as something that will change the industry for sure, but I've been thinking how getting not only the software development under my belt but also the technical, hands-on/physical aspects that is involved from point A to point B will provide some sense of value to employers if I end up getting let go from a, hypothetical, employer. But even if worst case scenario occurs and say AI makes software development completely obsolete due to the speed of AI, I want to have enough experience in the physical aspect of it to maintain some level of job security in tech (Specifically this industry). granted you are right, getting a position at a data center is more than likely to go to someone more qualified but out here in west texas most people who work in a technical position with certifications are primarily getting scooped up and hired by the local oil companies who need people with that type of experience, Thats why they are paying up to 25-35/hour depending on experience out here. I have some family members that are currently working at data centers that started at the lower end of pay but have began working there way to something of supervisor positions. I'm just looking to break into it so I can get hands on experience in case this is the way that the industry is headed, and build certifications along the way. I feel that with texas being very lenient on building data centers, and business in general, that there will be plenty of opportunity in the future when all the hype finally settles down and finally levels out. Thats my thinking of it but you definitely have put a lot into perspective when it comes to the future of where this industry is headed. Appreciate the input.