Should I Pursue a Senior IT Role or Focus on DevOps?

August 27, 2025 5 answers
Asked by TechAdventurer92
I'm 28 years old and have spent 7 years in IT, primarily managing Azure, Microsoft 365, Intune, Entra ID, JAMF, and handling Windows & Mac administration, along with some scripting. Recently, I've started exploring DevOps at work, getting involved with automation, workflows, and cloud practices. My DevOps experience includes some basic troubleshooting with Kubernetes, creating namespaces, database provisioning, implementing Datadog and Azure Monitor, managing AWS IAM roles, and making updates with Terraform and Helm. While I feel like I could qualify for a senior role due to my strong foundation in IT and the knowledge I'm gaining in DevOps, I'm unsure if I should aim for a senior position now or focus on building more experience in DevOps first. I currently earn $100k with no bonuses or stock options. What do you think?

Answers

FutureCIO123
It feels like the shift to DevOps could be a smart move, especially if youโ€™re eager to leave behind the repetitive tasks of end-user support. But remember, every role has its value. It might be beneficial to get solid experience in both areas before making a leap.
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CloudNerd25
From what I see in job postings, DevOps roles are booming! You can often command a much higher salary compared to traditional end-user roles. If you're considering growth and diversity in your career, leaning towards DevOps could be your best bet.
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DevOpsDude89
DevOps is definitely the way to go! Itโ€™s chill most of the time and focuses more on automation and efficiency rather than the nitty-gritty of end-user support. If you enjoy the technical aspects you've been diving into, Iโ€™d say go for DevOps and build your skills thereโ€”itโ€™ll be worth it in the long run.
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SupportGuru007
I understand the move to DevOps looks appealing, but donโ€™t underestimate the need for solid end-user support. That role wonโ€™t disappear anytime soon, and there are still plenty of high-paying jobs in that field. Choose the path that aligns with your passionโ€”donโ€™t just follow the trend because of what others say!
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EUCExpert101
Iโ€™ve navigated through all the phases of end-user computing, and honestly, you can still do well in that space, especially with specialized roles managing large fleets of devices. But it really depends on your interests. The end-user support is shifting to less complex tasks with cloud solutions taking over, while DevOps offers more engaging challenges. Consider what excites you more.
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