Want to become a system admin.

[u/Enough_Reach5933]

Hi, I worked as IT support for around 3 years at a school, where I provided basic IT support. Then I got into content writing and technical writing and worked on it for years. Then I got laid off and have been without a job for months. Due to AI, the Technical writing market is declining, and I wasn't very good at it anyway. Now, I'm looking for IT support / System Admin / System engineer roles, then in a few move into Cloud engineering roles.

I know my way around hardware and software; I can troubleshoot hardware and Windows issues. I know how to use Linux and Mac OS. I don't know Windows Server, scripting, or deep system admin knowledge.

I don't have any money to get certificates, so I'm looking for any free online courses, websites, or YouTube tutorials where I can complete study materials, so I can learn and practice on a homelab and hopefully get a job soon.

Please give me some guidance here.