Yeh it can be really hard to decide on what path to go down initially because there’s so many cyber security certs/courses. Although I’m a pen tester (so slightly different to blue team) I’d say you’re100% doing the right thing in going for lab-focussed courses. I know so many people that do a ton of multiple choice exams but have zero technical skills. Certs may help with resume screening but technical knowledge will open more doors in the long run