I've been in the IT industry for over 10 years, starting as a developer and now working as a DevOps engineer for about 5-6 years. I find it really overwhelming how much you need to know just to stay relevant. There's always something new popping up—every market shift requires us to understand a dizzying array of technologies including various cloud providers, networking, Kubernetes, containers, queues, observability, security, and scripting. Plus, OS knowledge and the latest frameworks are crucial too.
It feels like in interviews, no one cares about essential skills like being a good colleague or effective communication. They focus solely on technical knowledge, which can be really frustrating. Honestly, as I continue in this field, I find myself wanting to switch careers altogether because of it. Am I the only one feeling this way?
5 Answers
This job really feels like you're just figuring it out as you go. I get that pressure too, especially with how fast the tech scene is changing! It's tough finding someone who looks at the big picture of your abilities rather than just a checklist of skills.
Someone once said, "We are getting paid to learn," and that stuck with me. The reality is that there’s never a point where you can say you know everything. This constant need to learn is daunting, but it keeps things interesting!
Changing the perspective really helps! I read that lifelong curiosity is one of the most valued skills now and in the future.
I've been in this field for so long, and while I agree it changes rapidly, the foundational concepts remain the same. Knowing the core stuff like Linux and networking is key. It's tough, but we have to keep adapting or risk falling behind.
It’s honestly pointless to try to retain everything we learn. I focus more on figuring things out when they come up. Forgetting is sometimes a blessing; it gives me a fresh start to tackle things without the baggage of old methods.
Totally agree! I've started taking detailed notes that I can search through later. It really helps combat that feeling of forgetting things too quickly.
I feel the same way! The amount of knowledge needed can feel like a huge burden sometimes. I’ve honestly thought about walking away from it a few times. Keeping up with everything is exhausting!
You’re definitely not alone. Navigating interviews feels like a gauntlet! It's a blend of tech questions and ridiculous expectations.
I wonder if companies would even hire someone who learns quickly but doesn’t have a ton of tools listed on their resume. They seem to focus more on years of experience than learning potential.