To CCIE or not to CCIE

I've been having alot of internal debate lately about whether or not to pursue my CCIE. It's such a huge time and energy commitment plus there are complicating fatctors. You know, things like family, friends, etc. I think over the next few weeks and months I will blog some of the pros and cons of trying it. Here's a short list right now.

Pros:

1. $$$. Alot of dollars. I could probably easily get my salary to $100-125k/yr. staying in this area (GA). Consulting or going somewhere else we are looking at $200k+

2. Prestige/respect. Scenario with geeks - "I've got my MCSE" Uhhh, great.. "I've got my CCIE." Holy Shit!

3. Never ever have to worry about unemployment again. As long as you keep it you are assured of well paying positions.

4. A plethora of interesting and challenging jobs. Related to #3

Cons:

1. Enormous amount of time to acquire. We are probably looking at 18-24 months for me with a job and family. 15-20 hours/week study. Real studying too. Not like high school and college where my 135 IQ allowed me to do some serious slacking and still do well. You HAVE to know this stuff.

2. No respect/prestige. Scenario with any non geek. "I've got my CCIE" ???????? Do you have a masters/Ph.D? "No." Ohhhh, well maybe one day you'll get a real credential.

3. It has to be done instead of a Master's degree. I can't do both at one time and it's hard deciding between the two.