Is It Normal to Feel Overwhelmed in a New DevOps Role?

April 28, 2025 5 answers
Asked by TechExplorer42
Hey everyone! I recently started a new job at a multinational company, and I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed. The infrastructure is already in place and seems fully matured, but there's so much to learn and so many teams I need to coordinate with. Plus, I'm transitioning from using UNIX terminals, which I was really comfortable with, to Windows, and that's been a challenge with its restrictions. Just as a bit of background, I previously worked at a startup and then a mid-sized company where learning and building the infrastructure felt much easier. Right now, I feel pretty lost and weak. Any advice on how to handle this? I'd really appreciate it!

Answers

DevOpsDude77
Absolutely normal! This field is vast and can get complex quickly. I got into DevOps following my interest in kernel tuning and automation. The pay might seem appealing, but it often comes with years of struggling with imposter syndrome. Even after working in complex environments, I've spent hours debugging simple mistakes and felt pretty defeated.
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InfraBrawler
I had the opposite experience. I was used to the slow-paced environment of large corporations with clear roles, but now I'm in a mid-sized one, and the politics are rough. Roles are vague, and weโ€™re stuck in a mix of Python and makeshift solutions. It definitely makes me miss the stability I had before, but on the bright side, Iโ€™m no longer tied to Windows. It's a mixed bag for sure!
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CodeNinja123
Feeling overwhelmed is totally normal, especially when you start something new. Just take it one day at a time. Keeping detailed notes has really helped me in the past with similar transitions.
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WindowsWarrior9
It's perfectly fine to feel out of your depth at first. Your previous experience will definitely help you adjust. If you're working with Windows and PowerShell, focus on mastering those tools. I made a similar switch from Windows to Linux and the open-source world, so it can be a challenge, but youโ€™ll get the hang of it. Just remember, large companies have different workflows, and that takes some getting used to as well.
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Newbie_Networker
Absolutely, every time you start something new or join a new job, it brings its own set of challenges. It's completely natural to feel this way!
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