Tech+ (Episode 1): Three Reasons to Earn CompTIA's Tech+

Hey there! If you’ve ever thought about exploring technology—whether as a career move, a practical hobby, or just to feel more tech-savvy—let me tell you: it’s not too late to start. 

Stick with me for a few minutes, and I’ll share how I rediscovered my love for tech later in life, why I started with the CompTIA Tech+ certification, and why it’s such a great first step no matter where you in life—whether you’re in your 20s and looking for direction, mid-career and looking for a change or to expand your professional toolkit, or simply want to understand technology better and stay conversant in things like AI, machine learning, quantum computing, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Returning to an Old Passion

I was born in the 1970s and grew up in the 80s—right in the middle of the personal computer revolution. Does anyone else remember those clunky beige computers with floppy disks and the excitement of the early days of home computing?

Back then, my best friend had an IBM PC, and my school had what I think was an Apple IIe. But me? I finally got my hands on a Texas Instruments TI-99. That little machine sparked something in me.

I’ll never forget learning to program in BASIC. It was exhilarating! The idea that I could type in a few lines of code and make something happen on a screen—it blew my mind. It was creativity, logic, and problem-solving all wrapped into one. And I loved it.

But like a lot of people, life got busy. Other things—friends, sports, work—took over, and tech took a backseat. Fast forward a few decades, and it felt like I’d lost touch with that part of myself.

A few years ago, my wife gently nudged me to find a hobby. She noticed I was working too much—sound familiar? So, I tried fly fishing. While it was fun, it wasn’t always easy to just drop everything and go.

Then I started tinkering with computers again. Part nostalgia, part love of learning, and part realizing this could be both practical and rewarding—it all came rushing back.

Here’s the thing about IT: it’s structured, it’s practical, and it gives you a real sense of accomplishment. That fits my personality perfectly. If you like learning step-by-step and seeing real progress, you might love it too.

So, I decided to pursue certifications. My first was the CompTIA Tech+, which is also known as ITF+. If you’re not familiar with CompTIA, they’re a global leader in IT certifications. Think of them as a way to prove your skills—kind of like earning a certification in project management or finance.

Three Reasons to Earn CompTIA's Tech+

So why do I think Tech+ is the perfect first step? Here are three reasons:

#1. It Confirms Your Interest

It’s a low-pressure way to find out if you actually enjoy technology. You don’t need to dive in headfirst—this is a chance to test the waters.

#2. It Builds Momentum

Passing your first certification builds confidence. It’s like going for a walk before running a marathon—it gives you traction to keep going.

#3. It Helps You Become More Tech-Savvy

Whether you’re looking to switch careers, protect yourself from cybercrime, or just feel more confident using technology, Tech+ builds a foundation. It says, ‘I can do this.

It's Not Too Late

Here’s what I want you to take away: it’s never too late to learn something new. Whether you’re curious about IT as a hobby, looking for a way to grow professionally, or simply want to demystify tech—it’s all possible. You don’t have to be a genius. You just need curiosity and that first step.

I’m working on a series of videos to help you prepare for Tech+—breaking down what you need to know, step by step. If that sounds helpful, go ahead and hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss anything.

Thank you for being here. Your support means so much—it helps me as I learn too. We’re on this journey together, and I can’t wait to hear your stories. Drop a comment below—what’s your first step toward IT? Or what’s holding you back? Let’s encourage one another.

Be sure to check out my YouTube channel (@k.richardlabbe), The K. Richard Labbe Podcast, and visit my website at krichardlabbe.com for more learning tools. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and X under the name KRichardLabbe (all one word). See you next time!

Take me to Tech+ Episode 2

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