Well the Certs to me pay better than alot of college degrees. I spent 4 years in college and earned an automotive degree. The most I earned per hour was $17 and that didn't last to long. You see in todays market the employer pays you what he can get away with paying you. However now that I'm starting to get my certs. under my belt the shoes on the other foot. I work part time for a friend that owns a temp. consulting company and make alittle over $32 per hour while I'm helping him so I would say 4 years compared to 6 months made a big difference. I have also been working out of my home office which has added spice to my life. I wake up grab a shower and it's off to the other room. No boss over my shoulder. Now if I don't work and set meetings to sell my services I don't make money. Keep that in mind. However knowing what I know now, ten years ago I would have never went to college.