Hey everyone! I'm a 19-year-old trying to figure out my career path in tech, aiming for something stable and well-paying. I've got a full-time job, but I can dedicate about 5 hours a day to learning. I want to go the self-taught route without any formal CS degree or cloud experience. I'm interested in getting started in Cloud/DevOps and hoping to aim for entry-level roles like QA, Support, or Development, which can lead me toward Cloud/DevOps jobs eventually.
Here are my main questions:
1. Is it realistic for a self-taught beginner to become employable within 12 months with 5 hours of focused study each day?
2. What skills or tools should I prioritize as a newbie?
3. Can anyone recommend a structured roadmap for the next year that would help me get job-ready?
4. What kinds of projects or hands-on experiences should I pursue to boost my employability?
5. What's a realistic salary range for beginners in these roles in India?
6. With advancements in AI, is this career path still a good bet for the future?
I'd really appreciate any genuine, practical advice from those already in the field. Thanks in advance!
1 Answer
Honestly, jumping straight into Platform Engineering or SRE isn’t realistic for newcomers. These positions require years of experience, much like how you wouldn't expect to start your career as a doctor or director. I recommend starting in roles like QA, Support, or Development. After gaining some experience, you can transition into cloud-focused roles.

Thanks for clarifying! Could you offer any advice on starting out as a complete beginner? Like, what entry-level positions are ideal and whether being self-taught is enough to get a foot in the door?