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I've been writing about network engineering for 2+ years - from CCNP studies to technical deep dives to management lessons.
55+ posts published. Here's where to start:
🎯 If You're Considering Management
You're a senior network engineer wondering if the management track is right for you.
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🚀 If You're Growing Your Career
You're navigating promotions, job changes, certifications, or career transitions.
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💡 If You Need Strategic Technical Content
You're a manager or senior contributor who needs to think strategically about technology decisions - AI adoption, automation, staying technical while leading.
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🔧 If You Want Pure Technical Content
You're looking for configurations, protocols, troubleshooting guides, and implementation deep dives.
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Management & Leadership
Team building, hiring, difficult conversations, and the contributor → manager transition
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Career Growth
Promotions, certifications, career decisions, and professional development
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Technical Leadership & Strategy
AI adoption, automation, staying technical as a manager, and industry trends
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Technical Deep Dive
Configurations, protocols, implementations, and troubleshooting guides
About Me
I'm Pat, a 20-year network engineer who transitioned to management in mid-2025. My career has been built on Cisco technologies, complemented by certifications including CCNP, CCNA, Palo Alto PCNSA, and Azure Fundamentals.
I write about what it's really like - the struggles, mistakes, and lessons learned along the way. Both from the technical side and the people side.
Questions?
Email me at layer8packet@gmail.com - I read everything.
A hiring manager's honest perspective on what really matters when evaluating network engineering candidates - from resume screening to technical validation. Learn how to stand out in the hiring process and avoid the common disconnect between interview performance and actual technical capability.