Feeling Lost in My Career: Seeking Guidance on Learning and Growth
Asked by
TechWanderer42
I've been working in a support engineer role for a couple of years now after transitioning from minimum wage jobs to a devops position, but I feel completely stuck and directionless. My team isn't supportive, and I often feel like I'm not absorbing anything due to the rapid-fire problems I deal with daily. I'm looking to finally make some real progress during my upcoming time off and have mapped out a plan: I want to take the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) course, the AWS Solution Architect course, and read the Sys Admin Handbook to solidify my fundamentals. I'm hoping to dedicate time daily to each of these tasks and would appreciate any advice on whether I'm prioritizing things correctly or if there's a better approach. I really want to learn and have a more directed focus in my career. Any thoughts?
Answers
Changing jobs might be necessary, but don’t forget that the responsibility also lies with you to seek out learning opportunities. It's great that you're taking initiative with your plan! Really dive into those daily tasks you're struggling with; understanding them will give you more confidence and clarity than any course might, especially if they relate directly to your job.
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It's tough to feel like you're not progressing, but you're definitely not alone in this! Many people in support roles find themselves just reacting to issues instead of learning. It’s a hard place to be. If you're losing support in your current role, consider finding a company with a healthier culture where mentorship is encouraged. That could really help with your growth!
LearnAndGrow88: Absolutely! Support roles can be demanding, and they often don’t foster learning. If you move, look for a place that values development and training. It could make a huge difference!
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It's concerning that you feel stagnant after years in your role. It's critical to be proactive in learning, so using your personal time to study is essential. Dive into the materials, but also consider whether this career path is really right for you. Reflecting on your long-term goals can clarify a lot!
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As someone who manages teams, I can say you shouldn’t underestimate your potential. Take charge of your learning. Like you mentioned, it's great you're planning to study, but also consider finding a mentor who can provide guidance tailored to your needs. There are many resources out there!
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PathfinderDev: Yeah, really digging into past issues can help you learn a lot! Don’t hesitate to review what you struggled with before; it might feel tough but it'll build your skills for the future!