I guess I can understand how that must feel.

I got my OCP with my last employer ,all at my own cost. They couldn't tell any difference from being or not being certified.

I was more than happy to do all my studies at his time. Sucker!

Anyways my current employer lays a lot of emphasis on certification and courses. (I'll be going for more advanced DWH courses next week).

It all differs form employer to employer. Certifcation will certainly help you but do it because you wanna learn. Ofcourse you feel rather bitter when in interviews they don't even ask your certification. What is really amazing is your personality is the main factor.

I'm currently working on doing a RHCE and at least one programming languange(I'm seeing lot of delphi5&7 development in our environment)which ever comes first.

I think the best way to keep your spectrum colorful is to take a bit of distance form it(by indulging in some other field) and then com back with more zest.

Anyways however futile the effort may seem, remember the one with experience and cert's may have more chance to make a break.

Cheers...