I've been in IT since '93. I wouldn't be where I am today without certifications, but also with a lot of communication and other soft skills along with good dose of business acumen. I've earned over $120K for a few years now, and I directly attribute that to the fact that certs opened the door to positions with Fortune 100 companies. That experience and, ultimately, the resume fodder, feed the system of hiring managers and consulting recruiters.

Bottom line in IT - you better love technology and problem solving, you have to know your stuff - especially when your feet are to the fire, and you have to know how to work with the system that is human resources to get the jobs that will pave the way for your career.