I recently completed an internship at a small software company, where I worked closely with two DevOps engineers using cloud services like AWS and DigitalOcean. Now, the management wants to shift to on-premises servers to save costs, as their AWS bills are too high. However, both senior DevOps engineers left suddenly, leaving me as the only DevOps engineer with just 7 months of experience, including my internship. My CEO has tasked me with setting up the entire on-premises architecture to host a GitLab server, currently supporting 350 Bitbucket users. They're not planning to hire anyone else soon, expecting me to dive into research and development for this setup.
I have several questions and concerns: Should I opt for a Mac Mini or a Linux server? How do I manage the IP addresses and networking? I've heard about FortiGate, a physical firewall, but I'm not familiar with it. To top it off, I'm uneasy about undertaking this task and uncertain about my future job prospects, as I prefer working with cloud technologies. Should I consider leaving the company?
5 Answers
Your CEO might not realize how complex on-prem setups can be compared to cloud solutions. If you're not ready for this challenge, seriously consider your options. If the pay and environment are not worth the stress, it might be time to look for a more supportive work environment.
If you decide to stay, focus on building a solid foundation before you complicate things. Make sure you have the essential operational needs covered—like reliable power and backups—before diving into server specifics. Document everything you learn during this process; it’ll be valuable for your resume later!
Look, you shouldn't have to take on a full IT infrastructure project solo, especially when it's your first major role. Tell them you need a senior hire to assist you, or at least get a consultant to help with the physical setup and network configuration. This isn't just a minor adjustment; you need a solid plan, and asking for help is a smart move.
Going from cloud services to on-premises management is a big leap. You should consider proposing an alternative to your CEO, like renting servers instead of building your own infrastructure from scratch. It'll save costs and simplify management. Plus, it's better than risking a stressful situation with your limited experience.
Honestly, it sounds like you're being thrown into the deep end here. If you're unsure about managing IPs and networking for on-prem servers, it might be a good idea to speak up. Suggest they bring in someone more experienced to help out before this becomes a huge problem. Documenting your efforts is also crucial, so future employers understand what you were up against.
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