It's really rewarding. Let me say something about training and certification. When I started in the computer field when I went for a job interview , which usually was with an agency...they gave you atest..there ws no computer related questions...stuff like a square that you could see three sides that had designs and you had to pick from some choices what the 4th side would look like judging from the three sides you could see, a lot of math more probablility questions. A lot has changed since then. I have seen businesses that have one or two PC or network jobs get faxes (resumes) that spilled out of the machine and onto the floor...probably twice as many emails. The Human resources are not going to spend there time looking through 300+ resumes. They get subordinates that probably know nothing about IT look through the resume's for certification and past experience...where they look for the alphabet soup..MCSE , MCP , MCSA, CCNA CNET ...etc ...those will get you an interview, Knowing more than what is in the books is the key, it will also help to keep a job. Everyone I know that was really good was self taught. I am not a big fan of the 90 day cert classe, IMO they are expensive , go too fast. If you can take College level computer science that would be the best. Outside of that I would set up a home network. Microsoft offers 180 day trials of their server software also ISA server ( something worth learning too) you can also get virtual machines too if you do not want to or space is limited for two or three PC.s. Don't forget about Cisco too. Ebay you can get Cisco 2950 swithces for $30 and Cisco routers ( make sure not to get the really old 10base T hardware). You can buy studdy materials. I like transcender for test prep...then you need just the how to books and when you are ready you can take your certification tests. The tests cost around $100 to take and they have do-overs if you bomb, are timed and a little nerve wracking the first few times. The best way to approach is go through and answer all the questions you can and then go back and do the rest. I am sure you will do good in your new career and hope to see you in the cubicle on the other side real soon.