Re: Back on the Horse!

First, I agree with the diversity of the vendors being used. That is a winning combination, and that's what I used for RS.

Second- I studied 4 hours a night, but not until after my first year. I spent about 2 hours a day for 3 days, and then took a day off. If I studied for too long, it didn't stick with me as much. Once I (finally) made it through IPX workbook 1, I was able to start with Narbik and compliment with INE. Ultimately, you have to pick the best vendor that works for you and use the other vendors for a different perspective when you get lost or confused.

Starting my 2nd year, I added Cisco 360 online labs which were a GREAT help as it showed me what the lab feel was like and how to think about approaching problems. I took a Narbik bootcamp, and then failed. BUT, I knew at the bootcamp I wouldn't pass but that I needed to get that first "dent in the new car" out if the way to remove any anxiety.

That's where you are. It sounds like you've seen the lab twice, and now it's a matter if knowledge or speed. IMO, you can't have speed without knowledge and knowing the documentation locations.

No-one can tell you how much/long to study. If you burn out or go to long/hard, you are fatiguing your brain and it's pointless.

My friend and CCIE (before me, that punk), Steve DiBias, mapped out topologies by the day including taking days off. He stuck to it. He went through them, and like me, peeked at the answer guide if needed. But, we met the technology dates we mapped out. If we absorbed 50-75% of the material, that was good enough. Most of it I didn't know anyways.

I eventually had "seen everything" from all three vendors, plus the labs from Cisco 360. I went back through them and triggered memories of what I previously remembered about the solution. I would then do it again. Then, I would do a 2nd or 3rd vendor version of that technology and then move on.

It's a lot like working out. If you keep your muscles guessing as to what will be worked out next, you get into a mode of what's next or down the line.

In the end determine what time span works best for you. Don't lose your family along the way, and take breaks. When you're ready, you'll know. Just be consistent, steady, and absorb the best you can. It will come in time.

Regards,
Jay McMickle- 2x CCIE #35355 (R/S,Sec)
Sent from my iPhone 5

On Aug 13, 2013, at 11:30 AM, JB Poplawski <jb.poplawski_at_gmail.com> wrote:

> Hey all,
>
> I've recently moved and finally settled into life. I got my home lab built
> up and ready to rock. INE, IPE and Narbik materials ready and waiting. My
> question, I'm concerned working 50+ hours doesn't really warrant much time
> to study. Is 4 hours a/night enough? Study hard on weekends? I had a
> more relaxed work schedule at my former company, where I was able to get
> away with studying during the day. Having that much time definitely put me
> in a good place for my 2nd lab attempt. But not enough, as I didn't make
> it.
>
> I'm studying for the third and hoping to get it done in 4 months. Re-home
> my skills/speed in time to get it done. Solidify my LSA types, qos maps
> and extraneous services.
>
> I'm done dicking around and want to get my digits. It's good to be back,
> any words of encouragement are appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> JB
> (Now in Cali)
>
>
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>
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Received on Tue Aug 13 2013 - 13:26:48 ART