Hey everyone! I hope you're all doing well. I'm reaching out because I'm feeling a bit frustrated with my current career in DevOps. I got into this field to step back from heavy programming and focus more on infrastructure management, which I enjoyed during my time as a sysadmin. I've learned a lot about Linux and infrastructure, and I've even landed a DevOps Engineer job. However, my company is now pushing the team towards AI, which means diving back into a lot of programming. I know coding is important in tech, but I really don't see myself as a developer. I'm also about to take the CKA and a Linux certification, which I'm excited about. Given the current job market, I'm seeking advice on whether I should invest more in programming or if there's hope for a career that aligns better with my skills and preferences. Thanks for reading my lengthy post!
4 Answers
I get your point about wanting to step away from programming, but joining DevOps is still closely linked to coding in many ways. Could be surprising! It's not all about writing applications, though—there's a lot of orchestrating and managing infrastructure too. But if AI is a must for your role, maybe it’s worth considering how it can enhance your work instead of just seeing it as more coding.
I'm also preparing for the CKA, so I can relate. I remain hopeful that there will always be a demand for sysadmins and SREs, despite the job market being tough right now. It's all about patience and waiting for the right fit. Keeping your skills sharp is key!
Thanks! I'm using this Udemy course by KodeKloud, which is super detailed and offers practical labs. I hope it helps me feel more confident for the exam!
I think having a broad set of skills can be beneficial. Being a generalist often helps you adapt to different situations better than specializing too much. The tech landscape is always changing, so staying open to learning new things, even if they're programming-related, might be good. However, you should also focus on maintaining the skills you love, like system administration. It's about finding the right balance, I guess!
I’ve heard different opinions on this too. Some say generalists are better, but others think specializing makes you more valuable. It really depends on the company and their specific needs.
I understand your concerns about transitioning to a more development-focused role due to AI. It can feel like a lot of pressure. But embracing AI tools might actually boost your productivity. Just remember to maintain your infrastructure work while exploring this new area—finding that balance might lead to new opportunities without completely shifting your focus.
True! AI has already helped me manage a few tasks faster. It’s more about staying relevant while keeping my core skills intact.

Exactly! AI can actually improve efficiency. It might feel like a daunting shift, but think about how much you can leverage these tools to save time in your current tasks.