There are those who download braindumps, pass the tests, get a job as a "Help Desk Analist" and enjoy reading about aliens and area 51 on the web between calls. There are others who actually bust their butts till 3AM, understand kerberos, certificate authorities, RIS, etc., actually own at least one suit and actually wear it (with a properly tied tie).
The latter do not sweat profusely when they have to speak to the CIO in a presales setting, can walk into a VP's office and explain what went wrong without breaking out in hives and know how to properly use Visio, Excel, Word and the english language. They are honest, professional, show up on time, know how to search the knowledge base, always return calls and never forget that the network is just a tool for profit.
The former are doomed to an existence of troubleshooting Toshiba laptops over the phone.
The point I make is thus... you get out what you put in. There is a difference between a 35k/yr MCSE who has worked the help desk for the past six years and a consultant who paid his dues and now demands $125/hr plus travel. My dog can get an MCSE cert. It's worth it only if you make it worth it.
Lets roll!
Tholling
MCSE MCT, Compaq ASE/APS/API, A+,