Are You Asking certification questions that Empower You?

I'm asking if you do this because many people don't.

Common certification questions are:

“Will this cert make me at least $15 an hour”
“Can I get a job by doing this cert?”
“Which certification will give me more value for money”
“The exams are expensive for this certification, should I still do it?”

Stop asking about certification and start looking at them as lightposts. Imagine yourself on a road where you see illuminated pillars. These illuminated pillars are certifications. By studying for one, you build knowledge, by getting one, you become more marketable. So ask empowering questions like:

Will this certification pull its weight so it can get me to the next level?
Will it give me additional knowledge that I need for that next level?
Does it take me in a new direction or does it keep me on the road I have chosen? (it's ok if it takes you in a new direction providing you are taking that new direction consciously)

Focus on where you are and where you want to be. Certifications open doors but you are the one that has to go through them. Can you go through them? Are you willing to become an expert in your field? Are you willing to study and do what it takes? Are you willing to become worth more than $15 an hour?

Look at certifications as what they can give you now and in the long run. If a certification doesn't contribute to your overall plan, then don't do it. Do another.

You are the master of your own destiny and only you can decide - but decide intelligently.