To follow on @emb021, there is a gross misconception that certifications precede job experience. That misconception permeates from HR, through job boards, Indeed, etc., but with limited exception, when you get yourself in front of a manager who will be hiring you, that manager will be asking about what you have done, not what you have passed. Good certifications validate experience; they don't substitute for it.
If you are starting in the industry (just passed the CC), prioritize the opportunity for experience. As someone self employed, something that you can bring to a future interview is the diversity of tasks and clients you work with. I am retired now, but I always looked for flexible, curious, self-starters. The folks who graduated college, took a test, and went into a very narrow role with a big organization were always gambles to me. You have to be able to switch hats quickly in this industry and know how to handle pressure. That's not just being a hard worker but also knowing how to turn it off. No one wants to hire someone already burnt out or who will be in six months.
If you want the feathers in your cap, the CompTIA Network+ and/or Security+ were helpful to see; you have to understand networking, but if you have a small business client with multiple subnets, and can explain the challenges and solutions you employed for them, that's the kind of "show me don't tell me" experience that's great in an interview.
