...
...
I can’t afford to earn a Bachelor’s rn, so here I am, learning what job positions I might like, recommendations, and insight into EE.
I feel smart. I like the electric circuits more than the digital logic right now. I want a job that will supplement my growing career and compliment what I have done.
Doing a good job and career growth within an organization is already well covered by
CatalinaWOW's excellent reply. I will add a few words about career growth since it requires more than just doing a good job. You use the word "optimistic" in the title. That deserves a few words as well.
First, optimism:Be guarded with optimism particularly with planning. What worries you likely is not "when things going well." What worries you likely is when things are NOT going well. So, always look for problems ahead because Murphy's Law may just hit you. As the saying goes, "plan for the worst, hope for the best."
Second, good career vs doing a good job[1] Take control of your life/careerDon't just sit back and think if you do a good job, your career will grow. Some employer may see your potential and want to maximize it by giving you a bigger job, but many bosses would sit back and only oil the squeaky wheel. Actively do what is needed including (a) letting your boss know you want a bigger/better job, (b) you are already prepared with the basic requirements for it (and you have to demonstrated that whenever you can), and (c) don't forget your old job still needs to be done - is there a way for your boss to fill that painlessly once he/she promoted you to the next spot? If not, find one for your boss. The less trouble it is for your boss to move you up, the more likely you will succeed.
[2] Growth needs headroom - may need to jump to a different organization(Since you selected to display the USA flag, I assume you are working in the USA.)
I have no suggestion on action, but I do want to raise this so you are aware:
Just a bit over a decade ago, I was working at a Fortune 1000 size organization. Then, we already had the
policy of not allowed to give references of former staff to new employers. We were allowed only to confirm job title, dates, and salary. Recently, my State (NJ) has a new law that an employer cannot even ask the job candidate what his/her current salary is, or what salary the candidate wants. It is a distinct possibility that your new employer cannot ask how you were as an employee, or confirm your current (or last) salary.
So, your current boss/employer love you is not enough. You must be prepared to demonstrate
independently to your new prospective employer that not only did you do a good job, you had a good growth path with your current job up to this point.
As I said, I have no suggestion on action since it would be very much depended on your employer and your job function. I will share with you something I did: I was always helpful to others whether they are on my team or they are with another department or even other branches/companies under the same corporate umbrella. If their request is not a simple one, I would ask: "That is one big favor you are asking. I've no problem helping you with that. But can you do me a favor back? My annual performance review is coming, can you put your thank-you in writing and cc my boss and HR on it?" (HR = Human Resources aka Personnel Dept) That I believe was helpful in my having a very positive performance review consistently. Paper is portable - between departments and between different employers. Work for me then doesn't mean it will work for you now. You have to figure that out.
Last words:Remember, you need to be more than good with your job. Good character is always a good thing and is the foundation of being a good employee. "If every you did regarding this issue is made known to the world, would you be proud?"
Also, being an employee in technology doesn't mean you solve only technology problems. In non-technical problem solving, I learn after many painful experience: "
When describing a problem, always find a way to insert 'I' or 'me' in it." Say for example, Joe on your team is behind schedule... don't just think of it as "How can Joe screw up that?" think of it as "How can I let Joe's screw up like that?" or "How can I missed Joe is running behind." With the 'I' in the problem description, you took responsibility for what happened. Also, with the 'I' or 'me in there already, you can think of "what can I do to prevent that" a lot easier.
Good luck - with will, you can do it. Be ambitious, and reach for where you ambition and your capability intersects.