Hi everyone! I'm in a bit of a dilemma and would love to get your thoughts. I'm currently working at a large multinational but I'm thinking about taking an opportunity with a smaller company that needs a middle-level developer for a DevOps role. I've been prepping for the interview by taking courses on Docker and Kubernetes, and I'm also brushing up on Spring Boot.
After six years at my current job, I've mostly been doing support work and managing tickets, making about €1,800 a month in a small town in Italy. Honestly, I haven't done much coding in the last few years and my experience in full projects is pretty limited. I've had a stable job with great colleagues, especially during tough times, which makes me feel guilty about leaving. But I know I need to learn more in the world of programming. I'm worried if I take this new role, it might be too challenging for me as I've only encountered DevOps concepts in my courses. What do you think? Should I stay loyal to my current job or take a leap forward?
5 Answers
It's definitely risky to switch jobs, but staying put can be riskier in terms of your career growth. Assess how the new company expects to onboard you. Ask them about training, support, and expectations for your first few months. If they have a supportive environment, take the leap!
You've spent 6 years in support, which actually gives you a solid foundation in DevOps work. The guilt you're feeling is tough, but remember that your career is about you, not just loyalty. The new role might be challenging, but if you're eager to learn, that will get you far. The job involves a lot of continuous learning, and you'll feel a bit lost at first, but that's normal!
I appreciate the insight! I just can't shake the feeling of leaving a good company that supported me.
If most of your experience is in reading logs and a bit of scripting, there’s potential for a steep learning curve. Just be honest with the potential employer about your background. It’s also okay to feel unqualified; lots of people do when they start in DevOps! But remember, everyone has to start somewhere.
I'm concerned about fitting into a team if I haven't worked collaboratively before. How do I overcome that?
Just go for it! You're underestimating how much experience you've gained over the years. The technologies will come with time. If anything, you'll learn a lot, and even if it doesn't work out, you'll walk away with valuable insights.
Honestly, it sounds like you're already doing a lot of the work that overlaps with DevOps! Just be honest in your resume and interview about your experience. Many companies are looking for passionate learners, and they know they'll have to help you get up to speed. If you’ve got the passion, go for it!
What makes you say staying is riskier?