I have multiple MCSE's, CCNA/CCDA, and other letters after my name. Pooh-pooh as you like, I run a Public Safety network with 15 or so varied and complex systems, and I've worked on major upgrades for the US Navy and large organizations. These are all top dollar positions, and they ALL specified certifications, especially MS, in their job postings - as do most of the better job opportunities out there today. Earning "paper" can be an empty achievement; it can also teach a person how to dig in, focus, troubleshoot, and research. By the way, a lot of that "edification" stuck - and I've solved some obscure and esoteric problems using what and how I learned. The article is right - keep learning, if you want to stay fluent, flexible, and marketable. I'm prepping to test out, yet again.... only hitch is, I think my brain is almost full...!