I've been working as a DevOps engineer and SRE for quite a while, but recently, I've hit a rough patch. I've had the opportunity to work with a variety of tools, like Kubernetes for bootstrapping, CI/CD tools like GitLab CI and GitHub Actions, and infrastructure as code with Terraform, among others. I've learned a lot about these tools, but I realized that I don't really understand the underlying infrastructure—the specific configurations for databases, Redis, and such. I also feel disconnected from the business aspect of what I'm supporting. I'm struggling to excel in my operations role and I'm curious if others have felt this way. Any advice on how to grow and improve? I know theoretical knowledge doesn't cover everything; hands-on experience, like debugging in production, seems so much more important to my growth. Thanks!
5 Answers
I totally get your struggle—many of us go through this phase where we feel like we're just users and not creators. It’s crucial to keep a balance between foundational knowledge and the latest technologies. Make sure you set aside time for personal growth outside work too! Continuous learning is key to keeping your skills current and valuable.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. My advice is to set realistic priorities and focus on the most pressing areas first. Utilize documentation actively and don’t hesitate to reach out to senior team members to learn about the business logic. The connections will start making sense over time, and you’ll look back and realize how far you've come!
Great advice! I started with just small goals each week and before I knew it, I was handling more complex tasks with ease.
It sounds like you're facing a common challenge, especially when juggling so many tools. A good way to overcome this is to dig into the source code of the tools you're using. It may feel daunting, but it can provide valuable insight into how they function under the hood. Just carve out a little time each week to explore those details; your breaks from work are important, but so is deepening your understanding!
Totally agree! I’ve found that going through documentation or even watching video tutorials on the fundamentals helped me tremendously. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Try hands-on projects, like building a simple web app that utilizes Redis as a cache. This kind of experimentation can clarify how all these pieces interact and help you grasp the bigger picture. Starting with small, practical projects can boost your confidence and skills.
Yes! I did a simple project with a Flask app and it really helped deepen my understanding of the architecture. It made everything click!
You're not alone—many of us start feeling a bit like imposters in this role. Remember, it’s unrealistic to master every tool. I recommend focusing on what you find most intriguing. Maybe prioritize learning about Kubernetes more deeply or fine-tuning your AWS skills? Also, consider collaborating with colleagues to exchange insights. It's essential to have experts in specific areas within your team, so don't hesitate to lean on others.
Absolutely! Specializing a bit can truly make a difference. I started asking my teammates about their areas of expertise, and I’ve learned so much just by having informal chats!
Exactly! I keep a schedule where I dedicate time to learn something new each week, and it feels daunting, but it pays off.