I'm a 29-year-old who used to study computer science but had to drop out due to tough circumstances. For many years I worked low-paying jobs, but now I'm clean and earning a decent income of £51k per year working night shifts. Recently, I met someone who claimed to be a DevOps engineer making £80k a year with no formal experience, just mastering Linux and Python in a few years. He offered to mentor me for £125 a month, suggesting I could reach a beginner level in two years if I study around 3 hours a day during my night shifts. However, I feel skeptical about his intentions and the overall feasibility of this career change. Is it really possible to break into DevOps as a complete beginner? How long should I realistically expect it to take, and are there real opportunities in the field?
5 Answers
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend trusting that guy too much. DevOps involves a wide range of skills beyond just Linux and Python, and gaining a solid understanding of AWS and other tools takes time! You won't see those high salaries overnight, especially as a beginner. I'd say start small and build your knowledge first.
I agree, it sounds a little sketchy to me. If this guy's making £80k, why would he dedicate time to mentoring someone for just £125 a month? DevOps is competitive and usually requires solid experience across various domains. Starting positions often pay closer to £30k, so you might want to consider junior roles in cloud engineering first. Plus, remember that climbing to a senior position can take a decade of dedicated work!
Yeah, and with your current salary, you have a strong base to start exploring on your own without a mentor. Invest in your own resources!
It's totally doable to switch careers in two years if you're committed to studying! With 3 hours a day, focusing on hands-on projects and learning the right tools, you could definitely get your foot in the door. Just look for free resources and self-study materials, and you won’t have to pay for that mentoring scheme!
Just a heads up, if you’re considering DevOps, you really need to understand both development and operational aspects to bridge the gap effectively. It might be worth doing some foundational work in software development or system administration to build your skills before jumping straight into DevOps.
I wouldn't spend your money on that mentorship. There are tons of free resources and online communities where you can learn at your own pace. A fair question to ask is why he was successful and how that can apply to you. With dedication and the right approach, you might even find cheaper or better options!
Definitely! Don't throw away your hard-earned money on that when there are many ways to learn without financial pressure.
Exactly! DevOps is complex, and it takes a lot more knowledge than just those two languages. Don’t rush into it. There’s a learning curve.