Why would I want to become a CCIE?

A CCIE ( http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/ccie/index.html ) is one of if not the IT industry's top certifications.

I'm on a quest to obtain the certification. Why would I want to do that?

1) Personal accomplishment. I like learning material, and passing tests. I also like meeting goals, especially difficult goals. I've already acquired some other certifications like: Microsoft MCP, Cisco CCNP and CCDP, and several others.

2) Education: I like learning material, and passing tests. I'm always striving to become better educated. The CCIE is very specific and focused and shows an in depth knowledge of a specific aspect of Information Technology.

3) Professional development: The CCIE allows for professional development if you are in a technical role in IT. That may mean career options open for you. It may mean more money. It may mean more interesting work. Generally a certification like the CCIE opens doors professionally.

4) Personal development: Having a family a job and pursuing education is difficult and requires cultivating good habits, growing personally and learning more about yourself. It is difficult to pass an exam like this while pursuing it 40 hours a week. Pursuing it while having a full time job and a family requires personal development.