I could use some advice before I make a decision

Before I start, I came to this conclusion after talking to my neighbor and my professor yesterday, but I could use some more advice. I'm currently a student working towards my colleges' networking certificate designed to prepare you for the certificate exams(after which I will pursue a bachelors). I'm currently on my 3rd out of 6 classes called Cisco Devices.

So yesterday, I was talking to my neighbor who is a senor IT manager for an international company. He gave me a lot of good info, and I asked him if I could land an interview with just a CCNA certificate, and he said absolutely, especially in our large metro area. I didn't ask, but I'm sure I could at least use him as a reference when the time comes. After that I had an email conversation with my professor asking for his advice about whether it would be wise to take the rest of summer and fall off from school to study for the CCNA after completing his class. He basically said he generally supports students pursuing a certificate, but worries I would lose motivation to continue my bachelors degree. He did say he personally would only hire someone with a bachelors degree, which conflicted with what my neighbor said.

My professor said if I do decide to study for the CCNA he has a study system he can give me. I would also plan on getting some used Cisco equipment to mess around with. I know it is a difficult exam, because he said it took him 7 months of studying 15 to 20 hours a week. I would have about 25 hours per week to dedicate to this.

I know this is a very personal decision, but any advice would be very much appreciated. I'm asking you guys in case there's something important that I'm not thinking about before I make this decision. Of coarse I will continue to pursue my certificate program and bachelors degree afterwards. I'm very unhappy at my current job which is why I really don't want to wait another 5 years to complete my bachelors before trying to get a job in IT.

Thanks!