From: Brian Buck (bbuck@xxxxxxxxxxxx)
Date: Mon Apr 17 2000 - 23:56:03 GMT-3
I think that it is good that someone brings up some good thoughts to ponder
as we all go after this certification.
None of us knows how many days we have to enjoy this life. All I have to
say is do not let the old cliche change from "I wished I would have not
spent so much time at the office" to "I wish I would have not spent so much
time going after CCIE." I don't think we need to create a new class of
people: CCIE widows/widowers or CCIE orphans.
The pursuit of success is intoxicating and can sometimes blind us from the
wonderful things we already possess (some of us our spouses, children,
family, etc.) I think that most of you know how much a sacrifice it is
personally taking to get through this. Some of you it is less or none, some
others it taking alot out of you.
The most important thing is to invest our energy in things that really
matter over time. Every generation has dealt with this issue. For some of
you it is a personal goal to complete this and that is good. Some of you
are doing it only because of the financial potential or prestige. It is
good to ask yourself once in awhile why you are pursuing this and what
long-term value it is bringing. And remember, CCIE is it for now.
Technology is changing everyday. Yeah we can say that CCIE will set you up
for a long time. Maybe. But in this field, there are no guarantees. Just
as you struggle to get to the top of this hill there may be a new one to
climb soon after -and it may be even harder. Just ask the CCIEs from a few
years ago about what they tested on and the difference with what we are
being tested on now.
It's all about perspective, balance and priorities. Don't let this thing
control your life!
Brian
Sorry to get so philosophical--I am writing this reply from my hotel room in
Halifax right after my 1st day of my 3rd attempt. My perspective is quite
fresh on this topic. (not negative either!)
-----Original Message-----
From: Yao, Yuan [mailto:Yuan.Yao@ba-dsg.com]
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2000 5:24 PM
To: ccielab@groupstudy.com
Subject: The dark side of CCIE
Like everybody who just got CCIE, I have something to say about the CCIE
journey.
There is a question popped up in reviewing my past 3 years CCIE prep. Did I
spend my time wisely? The answer is negative. Let's take a look at one of my
friend's journey in the same period. This guy started his consulting in a
brokerage firm earn $85/hour in 97 and worked on his website since 96 off
hours. He put $40,000 in internet stocks in 1998, whose value went beyond $2
million twice. He sold with net $600,000-700,000 and quitted his job last
summer. Following that, he rented an office at World Trade Center at New
York City and hired 6 guys to revamp his website. In the past early March,
he sold his website to a phone company for more than $10 million, which made
Reuters and PRwire news in the web. He is 30 by August.
His working list for his past 3 years was, studying internet business plans,
preparing his business plan, chasing venture capitals, extending web
services, networking with potential suitors...
My working list for my past 3 years was, studying frame relay, isdn, ospf,
bgp, going to training on dlsw, design, practicing in labs, networking with
CCIE and candidates, chasing new test topics atm, voice...
I also developed much more near sight, digestion problems, carpal tunnel
syndrome besides more psychological factors less efficiency, less certainty
and alienated wife and kids.
Would it be wise to spend a long period time and dedication of your life for
CCIE $100,000 reward? We only live once. The big question for everybody. How
can you spend your time wisely in your next 3 years?
Yuan Yao
CCIE5806
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.4 : Thu Jun 13 2002 - 08:23:14 GMT-3