How Can I Get Started in DevOps with My IT Background?

Starting a homelab is a great way to get hands-on experience! You can host some applications yourself, and it’s even better if you create your own. If you don’t have a dedicated machine, consider using Vagrant to set up some virtual machines that you can practice on.

Your networking skills will be a huge advantage! Don't forget that understanding the fundamentals can really help. Also, spend some time exploring the free resources available, like the one I linked, to gain deeper insights.

Don’t underestimate your experience as a Data Center Tech. Understanding hardware and networking places you ahead of many developers new to infrastructure. Focus on mastering Linux, Git workflows, and Docker initially. Then, explore AWS free tier and learn Terraform. Aim to create automated deployment processes. It could take 6-12 months of hard work, but your background gives you a great advantage!

Before you jump in, have you looked into the popular resources about transitioning into DevOps? A quick search for 'getting started transition roadmap' will yield tons of posts that have useful advice and strategies. Building a solid foundation in the basics is crucial!

With your experience, you should aim for a DevOps role directly! Your background is a solid base—just dive in and start learning things like Linux and Docker. Build projects and get familiar with CI/CD tools. It’s all about gaining practical experience.

I usually suggest starting with 'The Unicorn Project', but since you already have an IT foundation, reading 'The Phoenix Project' would be more beneficial for you.