Hello everyone!

As an experienced admin, I handle Linux servers, Windows systems, monitoring, scripting, and everything in between. While I learn on the job, I want to explore additional opportunities for growth.

Freelance work seems like an ideal option, but finding gigs on platforms like odesk and Ross. chet can be tough. Alternatively, I could create my own Java application and take charge of administering it -- but what if I could find a startup where I could collaborate with developers to pick up new skills?

Unfortunately, startups tend to prioritize developers over admins. That leaves hosting as the only remaining option, though support roles aren't necessarily the best fit for my skillset.

What should I do to keep my skills sharp? Do you have any tips or suggestions?

1) Do not fear to experiment by reading books, manuals and exploring new ways.
2) Transitioning to different careers.
3) build your reputation and bring innovation.

Our work demands dedication and a keen eye for detail, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This also allows us to have more leisure time.

During our free time, we strive to broaden our knowledge by reading books, conducting experiments at home, and taking on interesting tasks that pay little but provide invaluable experience. Once we gain enough experience, we move on to more lucrative tasks to further enhance our skills.

I believe having a balance between work and leisure time is essential to living a fulfilled life. It's important to dedicate ourselves to our careers while also nurturing our personal passions. By doing so, we can lead a more well-rounded and meaningful existence.

It is recommended that you take the tests which are available at various test centers through PearsonVUE. These tests cover a range of topics and can help increase your value to potential employers.

By working as an intermediary for companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and Cisco, PearsonVUE facilitates the delivery of exams and subsequent receipt of certificates from these well-known organizations.

To keep your skills sharp and explore additional opportunities for growth, I have a few suggestions:

1. Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in both system administration and software development. This can be achieved by reading books, blogs, tutorials, and taking online courses or certifications. Knowledge in areas like cloud computing, DevOps, containerization, and automation can be particularly valuable.

2. Personal Projects: Create personal projects that allow you to apply your existing skills while also expanding your knowledge. For example, develop a web application using Java or explore scripting languages to automate routine tasks. This will help you gain practical experience and diversify your expertise.

3. Open Source Contributions: Contribute to open-source projects related to system administration or software development. This not only helps you gain visibility in the community but also allows you to collaborate with developers and learn from their expertise.

4. Networking: Attend tech conferences, meetups, or join online communities where you can connect with professionals in your field. Engage in discussions and seek mentorship opportunities. Networking can lead to valuable connections, potential job offers, or freelance gigs.

5. Lab Environment: Set up a lab environment where you can experiment, test new technologies, and replicate real-world scenarios. This will provide you with hands-on experience and enable you to troubleshoot complex issues effectively.

6. Side Projects and Freelancing: Explore freelancing platforms, but also consider working on side projects or part-time roles where you can combine your administrative skills with software development. This may involve collaborating with developers on small-scale projects, which can expand your skillset and provide unique learning opportunities.

7. Collaboration with Developers: Look for opportunities to collaborate with developers within your current organization or through professional networks. Offer your expertise in system administration and demonstrate how you can contribute to their projects by optimizing infrastructure, ensuring scalability, or improving deployment processes. By working closely with developers, you can learn from their expertise while also expanding your own skill set.

8. Continuous Automation: As a system administrator, automation is a valuable skill to have. Explore different automation tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef, and automate repetitive tasks in your daily workflow. This not only saves time but also helps you become more efficient and allows you to focus on more complex projects.

9. Cross-Platform Familiarity: While you may have expertise in Linux and Windows, consider broadening your knowledge by exploring other operating systems like macOS or BSD. Understanding and being proficient in multiple platforms can make you more versatile and adaptable to different environments.

10. Soft Skills Development: In addition to technical skills, developing soft skills can be beneficial for career growth. Improve your communication, leadership, and project management skills, as they are often highly valued in the IT industry. Strong soft skills can help you effectively collaborate with team members and enhance your overall professional profile.

11. Join Tech Communities: Engage with online communities and forums specific to system administration and software development. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge. This can provide you with new perspectives, insights, and connections with professionals in your field.

12. Stay Agile and Embrace Change: The tech industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay agile and adaptable. Keep an eye on emerging technologies and trends, and be open to learning new tools and methodologies. Embracing change will enable you to stay relevant and seize new opportunities as they arise.

Consider expanding your expertise into adjacent areas like DevOps, cloud engineering, or cybersecurity. As a seasoned admin, you already possess a strong foundation in system administration, so acquiring new skills in these areas can make you a more versatile and attractive candidate. You could also explore emerging technologies like containerization, serverless computing, or artificial intelligence.

Alternatively, you could create a personal project or contributing to open-source initiatives, which can help you gain visibility and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers or clients. However, be warned that this path requires dedication and perseverance, as it's not a traditional or guaranteed route to success.