I worked in a "dry" tech area for a large portion of my career. While there, my 4 year degree in Network Administration accounted for nothing while certifications and who I knew meant more. Solely relying on people I knew got me the jobs I needed or wanted to provide for my family. Also, most of the classes I took were outdated and irelavent to my field. I won't say my degree was a waste because it taught me valuable skills, but none of them prepared me for an interview flying solo; applying for a job without knowing anyone nor having certifications most (all) employers desire. Been told to be a triple threat - have experience, degrees, and certifications. You don't have any of them at the moment so focus on the one you can get with solid studying, determination, and perseverance. If you do, know your stuff! You should be able to get an entry level network jobs with a CCNA. Over time, you'll have experience. After you have experience, you'll make more money. After you make more money, go for the degree if you want because it meets "something" within you that's fulfilling. The gaps will fill in over time

14 years in I.T. and I'm now, finally, getting my certs. One thing I can say for sure though, the certs give me more confidence. Worked hard on my cert today (passed ICND2 today), nothing is taking that from me. Degree subject matter means nothing alot of the time - know a sysadmim with a degree in journalism. A facility manager who used to be a bar manager (obviously no degree) and a help desk administrator with a degree in elementary teaching. Point, sell yourself and if certs help, do it because my degree didn't help and from people I know, it didn't help them either.

Study, study, and study, until you get borderline arrogant in an interview. The gaps will fill.