What do you think about credential stacking?

[sanantone]

I'm not sure if that's what it's called, but I'm thinking about getting as many easy certificates and licenses as I can. When I say easy, I mean something that doesn't require a long and costly training program that would make it difficult for me to continue working full-time. It could turn out to be cheaper than getting another bachelors or masters degree. Through self-study, I could take the test to become a pharmacy technician and become licensed by the state. I could also self-study for the national optician tests. Texas has voluntary registration for this field, but the national certification is preferred by employers. I'm also thinking about self-studying for the CISSP (I have more than 5 years of experience in two domains), a few of the COMPTIA exams, and maybe some Cisco or Microsoft certifications. Another option is to study for some insurance licenses. Since my background is in criminal justice, paralegal studies seems like a natural path; but, every job I look at requires experience and I don't want to get stuck in that rut again. I can't even get a job in social services or substance abuse counseling without experience.

I'm just looking to increase my chances of getting out of my civilian job at an LE agency. I absolutely hate it! When I apply for jobs that pay roughly the same salary, I feel like my applications are being thrown in the trash for being overqualified. When I apply for jobs that pay a little more, I get some interviews; but, I end up getting beat out by people with much more experience. I cannot even afford to take a pay cut of a couple of thousand dollars a year or the equivalent couple of dollars an hour because I wouldn't be able to afford my rent and student loan payments. I'm barely middle class, like lower-middle class. A small pay cut would put me back to living paycheck to paycheck without savings and without being able to afford health insurance living in some ghetto apartment complex.

I know what I got my masters degree for (a federal job) and I knew it would take a long time to get one. I just need an intermediate career in the meantime that won't make me miserable. I feel like going through the police academy or going through the alternative teacher certification program could possibly be overdoing it since I wouldn't stay in those careers for more than a couple of years. I have a few PhD programs I want to apply to next year that pay decent stipends, but I would still have to suffer at my current job for another year. Maybe I can get a bunch of adjunct teaching jobs once my masters is conferred...