Hi BSchwarz and ICT City,
for ICT City : Never give up mate! Hold your vision and focus with the right strategy You will be getting there.
BSchwarz is right, I graduated with Bachelor and Master degree. My first few years putting my feet on the right career path is horrendous. I worked in restaurant and green grocer - double job just to pay my bill. Microsoft Certs allowed me to get the right start back in 2008 ( GFC era ).
I do still believe Certs will give You slight advantage.
World is changing, competition is getting tougher. You need to be more creative and resilient to charge forward.
Good Luck