How I’m Starting Over: Writing My Journey to Tech-Learning and Leveling Up
Life has a funny way of pushing us out of our comfort zones. After 20+ years in the IT industry, I found myself suddenly and unexpectedly without a job. It was a punch to the gut, a sharp jab to my confidence, and a stark reminder that no one is immune to change. For a few days, I did what anyone would do—I sat with my thoughts, allowed myself to feel, and yes, I moped. But then, clarity struck: this wasn’t an ending. It was a new beginning.
As I meditated on what was next, I kept circling back to two truths. First, the tech world is evolving at a breakneck pace. And second, while I’ve always been the one implementing and maintaining systems, it’s time to deepen my knowledge, embrace emerging technologies, and level up my skills.
This blog is the first step in my journey. I hope that by documenting my process, I can inspire others who find themselves in similar situations. Whether you’re starting over, leveling up, or just figuring out how to adapt in an ever-changing tech landscape, this blog is for you.
The Plan: What I’m Learning and Why
My learning journey focuses on four key areas: AI, Python, DevOps, and Cybersecurity. Each of these is crucial in today’s IT ecosystem, and mastering them will allow me to not only remain relevant but also thrive in this next phase of my career.
1. AI (Artificial Intelligence)
AI isn’t the future; it’s the present. From machine learning algorithms to natural language processing, AI is revolutionizing industries across the board. For me, AI represents an opportunity to step beyond infrastructure and into innovation.
I plan to start with foundational AI concepts—understanding what machine learning really means, exploring how AI models are trained, and working with tools like TensorFlow and scikit-learn. Once I’m comfortable with the basics, I’ll dive into applying AI to real-world IT challenges, like anomaly detection in network traffic or automating repetitive tasks.
2. Python
If AI is the engine, Python is the fuel. Python has become the go-to language for AI, automation, and countless other fields. Its simplicity, versatility, and vibrant community make it the ideal language for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to pivot.
For Python, my roadmap includes brushing up on the fundamentals—data types, loops, and functions—and moving on to more advanced topics like working with APIs, data manipulation using pandas, and scripting for automation. Python will also serve as a bridge to my AI and DevOps learning goals.
3. DevOps
DevOps is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a philosophy and a set of practices that drive modern software development and IT operations. For someone with a background in IT infrastructure, DevOps offers a natural progression, blending traditional IT knowledge with automation and agile methodologies.
I plan to focus on tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform. Although I have used all of these tools, obtaining deeper knowledge will benefit me in the long run.
Beyond the tools, I’ll explore how DevOps fosters collaboration between development and operations teams, and how automation pipelines can enhance efficiency.
4. Cybersecurity
In a world where every headline seems to include a new data breach, cybersecurity is more important than ever. My experience in IT has given me a foundational understanding of securing systems, but I know there’s much more to learn.
My cybersecurity curriculum will start with Cisco’s new Ethical Hacker course. The curriculum is free. (I discovered this one while watching some David Bombal content). The cert is only $100 and I expect this to take no more than 1 month.
How to Create Your Own Learning Curriculum
If you’re also looking to level up or switch focus, here’s how I’m approaching my learning journey. Feel free to adapt this guide to your needs:
1. Define Your Goals
Start by asking yourself: What do I want to achieve? For me, the goal is to master AI, Python, DevOps, and cybersecurity. But your path might be different. Write down your objectives, and be as specific as possible.
2. Break It Down
Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into manageable chunks. For example, instead of saying “Learn Python,” I’ve outlined smaller tasks: mastering loops, building a web scraper, and automating a daily task.
Sidenote: Although it is not built with Python, I have a weekend project I will follow at the end of January. Building an OS in 1000 lines of code. https://operating-system-in-1000-lines.vercel.app/en/. This is purely experimental, for fun and I expect it to fail many times, but gain much needed exposure and experience.
3. Find Reliable Resources
The internet is full of resources, but not all of them are created equal. Some of my go-to sources include:
• Courses: Platforms like Scrimba, ZTM and Udemy offer high-quality, structured courses.
• Books: Classics like Automate the Boring Stuff with Python and The Phoenix Project (I have a hard copy sitting next to me) are on my reading list.
4. Schedule Your Learning
Consistency is key. I’ve committed to spending at least 3 hours a day learning—whether that’s reading, coding, or experimenting with new tools. Block time in your calendar and treat it as sacred.
5. Build Projects
The best way to learn is by doing. I’m building small projects for each topic, like creating a chatbot (AI), automating my daily system backups (Python), setting up a CI/CD pipeline (DevOps), and running a vulnerability scan on my home network (Cybersecurity).
6. Document Your Journey
This blog is part of my accountability system. Writing about what I learn forces me to process the information deeply. Plus, it creates a resource that others can benefit from.
Documentation plays a significant role in the IT industry, but it is severely lacking in many cases. Documenting one’s learning process can also serve as evidence of one’s capacity to comprehend and articulate technical concepts effectively.
Finding Strength in New Beginnings
Starting over isn’t easy, but it’s also an opportunity to grow in ways I never thought possible. By embracing this challenge, I’m not just updating my skill set—I’m redefining who I am as an IT professional.
If you’re reading this and find yourself in a similar position, know that you’re not alone. Change is hard, but it’s also a chance to become something greater. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that every step forward—no matter how small—is progress.
This blog is just the beginning of my journey. I’m excited to share what I learn, the mistakes I make, and the successes I achieve along the way. If you’re on a similar path, I’d love to hear about your journey too. Let’s grow together.
Here’s to new beginnings and leveling up.
Thank you for reading my first post. In the next one, I’ll dive into the specifics of learning roadmap, including the tools and projects I’m using. Stay tuned!