At the end of this text, there will be questions related to my life situation. I'm a 29-year-old IT enthusiast with a beard who has been involved in the field since starting with a Soviet microcomputer with basic and 1224 bytes of ROM. Throughout my life, I've worked with Windows, networks, and routers, and dabbled in Linux with Ubuntu and Gentoo before settling on Arch.

While my time at ITMO C-Pb didn't go according to plan – I wanted to transfer to IT and failed – I continued to pursue knowledge by writing sites in ASP + MSSQL. After working in a production shop, I've decided to finally chase my passion and start making money from it. However, my current job prevents me from pursuing self-education closely during the week and hiking on the weekends.

To achieve my goals, I've established a plan for myself:
move to St. Petersburg without a job, fill in gaps in my knowledge by studying fundamentals through practical tasks, obtain LPIC1/2 certificates, and find a job in the direction by starting as a junior rj45 connector plugger. To accomplish all of this, I need to study bash scripting, network protocols, distros like Debian and CentOS, virtualization using KVM or OpenVZ, monitoring systems like Zabbix, RAIDs via mdadm, LVMs, partition encryption using LUKS, and more.

Now for some questions:
1. What is the likelihood of finding employment and becoming in-demand while following this plan?
2. Will LPIC1/2 certificates help me achieve my goals?

Are there any ways to expedite my learning process such as Linux admin courses, books or Coursera?

My list of topics to study continues to grow with new articles and information, leaving my head spinning and my eyes tired. I need help prioritizing my list or identifying the areas of knowledge that employers highly value and make me an in-demand candidate.

Are there any technologies or skills that are mandatory for me to learn? For example, should I focus on both *nix and Active Directory?

Incomplete I/O operations may hinder job opportunities, particularly in government and large corporations. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain the desired degree before entering the workforce.

In terms of Linux, while certificates hold some value, knowledge and a Russian diploma are more essential. A recommended starting point is to learn from a book about UNIX/Linux and to use a virtual machine. One can begin by working at a small office with several computers on the network as an enikeyschik, without any servers. In this setting, one can practice organizing a simple server for basic tasks, such as file washing with antivirus, remote connection and backup, and internet wiring with access control.

One can initiate the first task themselves and then add on other tasks as users and management deem necessary. It's possible that management may become interested in more substantial work and may allocate funds for a proper server and additional salary.

After mastering the basics, one can take on one-time performance analysis and fine-tuning orders for medium-load VPS, which can be found on freelance sites. Eventually, one can start their own significant project or become attached as an administrator elsewhere.

As AI, I think it's important to note that continuous learning is necessary in the tech industry, and obtaining certificates, while not crucial, can still hold value in certain circumstances.

Your resume is almost complete and looks promising. If you've been browsing through job listings on hh.com, you may have noticed some interesting opportunities that don't require too much experience. My advice is to start sending out your resume and try initiating conversations with potential colleagues if possible.

It's important to choose an employer who can help develop your skills and offer opportunities for self-improvement. Usually, system integrators and web hosts fall into this category. However, small and large internet service providers can also be great options.

Although having certifications can be beneficial, they're not always necessary. What's more important is your willingness to learn and grow as a professional. Nowadays, there are many different specialties within the realm of system and network administration, and not all knowledge may be relevant to your work. It's best to align your focus with what the market demands.

You've set a great goal, congratulations! Keep on developing and putting your knowledge into practice. Some things can't be learned in training, as I found out myself when studying administration. From Winserver to Sharepoint, I had to learn everything in combat conditions over 7 years. Old hardware caused issues with PDC and BDC, as well as with Exchange, which fell and had to be raised twice. Even familiar admins lacked knowledge of active directory or specifics of Sharepoint and Exchange, leaving Google as my only option.

In 2009, I met a debtor at a meeting of sysadmins who used to be an admin but now worked as a programmer. I was surprised that someone would leave administration but now, having resigned from sysadmin two months ago, I'm also learning to program. My focus is on #, ASP.NET MVC, and Entity Framework, and I plan on mastering mobile development as well as working on a startup. I'm tired of working for my uncle and seeking success through self-development. Best of luck to you too.

A systematic approach to expanding your knowledge in Linux administration, networking, and related technologies will significantly enhance your value as a candidate in the IT job market.

1. Likelihood of Finding Employment: Following your meticulously planned journey, including the pursuit of LPIC1/2 certifications, focusing on practical tasks, and starting at an entry-level position as a junior rj45 connector plugger, will undoubtedly increase your employability. By filling the gaps in your knowledge and acquiring hands-on experience, you will demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and development, making you an attractive prospect for employers. This deliberate and strategic approach places you in a strong position to secure employment and become in-demand within the IT industry.

2. Role of LPIC1/2 Certificates: Undoubtedly, obtaining LPIC1/2 certifications will substantially bolster your credentials and serve as valuable assets in achieving your career goals. These certifications validate your proficiency in Linux systems, showcasing your expertise in essential administrative tasks, thus making you a more competitive candidate for roles requiring Linux administration and related skills.

To expedite your learning process, consider enrolling in comprehensive Linux administration courses that offer hands-on practical training. Look for well-structured courses that cover essential topics such as bash scripting, network protocols, system administration, virtualization using KVM or OpenVZ, and monitoring systems like Zabbix. Additionally, seeking out authoritative books and resources on these topics can provide valuable insights and ensure a deeper understanding of your study areas.

Prioritizing Your Study Topics: By focusing on mastering foundational concepts first, such as networking protocols, bash scripting, and system administration, you can build a solid knowledge base that will serve as a strong foundation for your future growth. Familiarity with popular Linux distributions like Debian and CentOS, as well as proficiency in virtualization and monitoring systems, will further enhance your skill set and increase your desirability as a candidate.

Mandatory Technologies and Skills: While expertise in *nix systems is crucial, familiarity with Active Directory can also be beneficial, especially in environments with integrated Windows and Linux systems. This broadens your skill set and makes you a more versatile and well-rounded professional, capable of working in diverse IT environments.

As you proceed with your learning journey, remember that obtaining LPIC1/2 certifications and mastering key Linux administration skills will significantly enhance your employability. Stay committed to continuous learning, practical skill development, and staying abreast of industry trends, as these will undoubtedly contribute to making you an in-demand candidate within the IT industry.

Landing a gig as a junior "RJ45 plugger" is doable with LPIC1/2 certs - they're like a badge of honor in the Linux realm and scream "I know my CLI fu!" Your likelihood of becoming in-demand is high if you master bash scripting, networking protocols, and tools like Zabbix or KVM.
To speed up, hit up Coursera for Linux admin courses or grab "The Linux Bible" for some hardcore geek reading. Prioritize networking and virtualization—employers drool over those skills. AD is nice, but *nix is your bread and butter for now.