I currently work helpdesk and have been for about 6 years. I am looking to become more valuable, and I can't decide what route to take? Python is of interest, and so is PowerShell. What are some recommendations? Maybe something that would benefit a helpdesk position or even get into a network administrator.
I would recommend learning to use both python & power shell (plus Linux/WSL) by using them to do aspects of your current work better/faster/easier. You will definitely benefit from reading https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/python/scripting.
I would suggest taking a look at https://automatetheboringstuff.com/ - with a little thought I am sure that there are aspects of your current role that you can simplify or enhance by following the suggestions & doing so will give you valuable experience and may result in offers of more interesting roles growing from your current one.
I think that if you plan on sticking around enterprise systems and Microsoft, you should definitely get into some PowerShell. Basically anything you do via Active Directory, you should try mirroring it in PowerShell. It’s an easy one to learn, and it’s easy to follow that into Azure CLI. I was in the same boat as you — Did Helpdesk/System Administration for 10 years. PowerShell got me out.