Hi Alex, I must say you have done well so far. After reading you question I think you are multi-talented and that is what is causing you the problem.
I am suprise didn't made a lot of money from all this work you have done - if you have not, you need to start charging for it.
You said you did some writing. Did you get any of your articles publish? If not thats okay because you have the practice. To get some quick money you can write some IT related articles and submit them to magazines you are interested in writing for. I would advise that you check the magazine's style first to see what they are looking for.
You mentioned that you would like a job in Linux and Networks. I dont live in the States, so I am not sure what the market is like; so this is my general opinion. I think getting into any area of IT is never easy, so you have to start some where - usually the bottom (1st Line support). "I have no experience, no real skills, no degree" no degree yes, but skills and experience you have. When I just started in IT I put every IT experience on my CV. Reading you qestion I think you have a lot - you might need someone to help you put it together. You can get some of these people that you have done things for to act as reference.
What should you get certified in. I would suggest that you choose either Linux/Unix or Networks. To try and get certified in both is very expensive. Also at 18 it is very hard to sell yourself as a specialist. So if you have experience or knowledge in networking you are okay. I would suggest for starter you get a A+ or Unix (may Solaris) or MCP in personal server management. one of these should get you feet into the door.
Once you get a job you will be in a better position to see which cetification root is best for you. whether online or evening classes.
I would love to elaborate more but you might get bored.
Oh no, you don't bore me, in fact, you amuse me. I've been patiently waiting for someone to reply...
Since I posted I've researched the certifications some more and narrowed down what I'd like to be, but then you bring all these options back to life! I like LPIC certifications for Linux Network Administration, from what I can see. If I got an A+ would it get me a job? I believe what I've seen of the A+ material, it would be easy for me.
First of all, I charged for some of my work, not all. A lot of it was while I was 14-17 which makes it tough. I don't even have a local portfolio to be honest anymore. I had my old computer stolen, and the new one has almost no work by me on it.
I think I might have written some software manuals that are still out there somewhere, but I usually did more technical writing than articles so the idea of writing for a magazine seems impossible. Besides, I'd call my self about a 7 of 10 at writing, hardly worthy of a magazine.
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