Feeling Overwhelmed as a New Sysadmin – Need Advice!

I can relate to your situation! When I started, I found that Udemy courses were super helpful. Look for specific courses that align with what you're managing, like AD or Windows Server. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from more experienced folks around you. It took me a couple of years to feel settled in, so be patient with yourself!

First off, just remember it's only a job, so try not to let it take over your life! Start by focusing on the basics that you feel comfortable with. I've been in IT for nearly 20 years and have never bothered with certs, so you can find your own path. The key is to keep the core systems running and gradually learn from there.

For now, get a solid overview of what's necessary to keep everything running. Identify areas where you lack knowledge, especially around networking, firewalls, or specific software you’re using. For long-term growth, consider looking into Kubernetes and getting certified in Office 365 with Intune, since those skills are really in demand. Things like Ansible and Terraform can also be valuable.

It’s crucial to understand that this overwhelming experience isn’t solely your fault. To help manage priorities, you could consider using the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance. Always remember that IT is pretty much a never-ending pile of work—focus on what needs the most immediate attention, and take it one step at a time. Good luck, you've got this!

Being the only sysadmin can feel daunting, but think of this as a learning opportunity. Focus on keeping backups running and avoid making drastic changes at first. It’s also a good idea to update your resume just in case, but using this time to gain experience is beneficial too. Take it slow, learn as you go, and don’t stress too much about how fast you should be adapting.