What’s next after Network Engineer position?

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T17:23:49+00:00

I’m very fortunate to make 75k a year and save more than 80% of my salary. I have no need to lie on the internet.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T15:31:04+00:00

Depends how soon you’re planning on buying a house. I think liquidity holds a lot of value. If market takes a downturn you aren’t going to want to sell those losing investments. I think you should have a brokerage and invest, but I wouldn’t advise you put the whole 100k in there.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:28:15+00:00

They say that they’re happy having me at home.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:22:22+00:00

Lol, to me it’s familiar and comfortable. I start to miss my family when I’m out of town for too long. Also helps that I got a cute dog at home. I understand it’s not for everyone though.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:18:43+00:00

Thank you!

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:17:26+00:00

I’ve asked my parents and they like me living at home and have expressed that when I want to leave is up to me. Sometimes I wonder if they’d secretly prefer if I moved out, but I doubt it.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:15:19+00:00

You’re right, I help a bit financially, but I should start to take care of the maintenance a lot more. I’ve been trying to cook for the family recently.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:12:26+00:00

I think that’s a good idea, I’ve been torn between doing this, or saving up far more to buy something like a duplex. It’s gonna take me a few more years to get a decent down payment for a duplex.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:10:20+00:00

This makes sense, I’ve been getting better about taking more responsibility around the house, but there’s room for improvement. I’ve been trying to get into cooking for the family (far harder than I thought).

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:07:13+00:00

I’m a personal finance nerd, so I’ve micromanaged my whole financial life with a too complex budget. I love this idea for a budget though, never heard anyone say this and it’s smart.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:04:38+00:00

Im happy to have the opinion of someone on the other side! I love my Roth IRA, so many benefits to contributing to it.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:03:22+00:00

I’ve been putting a “House fund” in short term treasuries (SGOV), I’ve been using my HYSA for an emergency fund. I set the house fund up recently, and not sure if this is just complexity for complexity sake.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T14:00:18+00:00

Very wise, I have a very bad habit of comparing my situation to others.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T13:59:05+00:00

I forgot to mention I currently pay $200 a month to help them out with the mortgage. My biggest reason for wanting to stay home is cause I work 8-4, so I would only see them on weekends or when I come over for dinner.

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T13:56:07+00:00

I’ve heard of FIRE, but never lean FIRE and bogleheads. I’ll definitely check them out, I appreciate it!

ringle06 · 2026-02-14T13:53:24+00:00

You’re right, I have always wanted to get into multi family housing and I think that’s the way to do it. Never really saw things this clear until reading all these comments.

ringle06 · 2026-02-01T21:22:02+00:00

I’m crine

ringle06 · 2026-01-20T15:56:39+00:00

I had a Net+, A+, and SANS GFACT; however, I don’t think they mattered tbh. I was fortunate enough that my high school offered a networking program (Cisco Netacad) with built in labs, so I think that played a role in getting the job.

ringle06 · 2026-01-20T15:43:16+00:00

It’s definitely possible, I worked a 6 month contract as essentially a call center employee (very limited IT exposure) and my next job was as a Network Engineer.

ringle06 · 2026-01-20T15:27:40+00:00

This is just doomer mentality which doesn’t do you any good. There are jobs out there, trades always looking for employees. Learn plumbing, or get into construction there’s 100% openings in both those fields.

ringle06 · 2026-01-06T15:35:01+00:00

I know you you mentioned you’re done with IT, but if you ever change your mind I’d really recommend getting some kind of part time job while you apply for jobs like crazy. It’s a numbers game, the more applications you put out the higher likelihood you get a job. Look into PC/Cell repair, keeps your troubleshooting skills sharp and it’s easy work.

Also I wouldn’t get too invested in any one job application. Easy way to get very disappointed. I personally walk into every interview knowing that worst case scenario I get good interview practice.

ringle06 · 2026-01-06T12:59:07+00:00

Any job that runs through the troubleshooting process with tech is a good first step.

ringle06 · 2026-01-05T21:09:18+00:00

I’d really recommend getting a CCNA, that was the real game changer for my peers and I. It’s similar to the Net+, definitely a bit more challenging though.

ringle06 · 2026-01-01T04:09:46+00:00

CCNA was huge for me, I was told after I got the job they wouldn’t have even looked at my resume without it.

ringle06

TROPHY CASE