UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hi,

I have a general question about storage vs. unix job

I am currently a unix admin with 2 years experience in a major financial institute. I have a chance to move up one level (2nd level) in UNIX in the near future. But I am also interested in Storage, which we have an seperate team doing that work. As you have all noticed that Storage guys are making big money these years. I want to move to that direction too.
A friend of mine told me, those who make big money on storage all have more than 10 years of experience in UNIX. The big momeny they have recevied not because they have 10 years storage experience only but also gain that from their UNIX experience.

I am new to this field, only have 2 years experience. My question is here:

Do you think I need to gain more LINUX /UNIX admin experience before I jump to Storage or apply for storage job directly and start from the bottom? How much benefit do I get to stay in UNIX field for another 3 years and then move to storage?

Thanks a lot for your time

this can't be answered easily... it always depends on how good you are on your job. i know unix admins with 10+ years of experience and i won't let them near to a system if it was my decision.
on the other side there are fresh guys with just a little experience and they do a really good job.

so, which one are you? do you know something about storage/san admin duty? are you a fast learner?

yes, I am a fast learner.

My unix knowledge start from taking Solaris essential course three years ago, and then Part 1 / VXVM / VCS / RedHat Linux / Solaris Network /

Now I am a lead unix admin in my team (level one of course)

I use Natapp / VCS / VXVM / eTrust AC on daily base. I am reading SNIA doc every day.

We monitor more than 700 Solaris / RedHat Linux boxs (PROD/DEV/UAT). I am pretty confident on my current duty. I have no problem to devote my time in order to learn new skill if I make up my mind.

---------- Post updated at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous update was at 01:22 PM ----------

In my company, UNIX and Storage are two different teams. By choosing one of them, it actually makes my manager believe that is the career path I want to follow. But in reality, in most company, UNIX/Storage Admin is the same person. It will be hard to find another Senior position if I only have UNIX backgroup without touching any storage equipment.

Please correct me if I am wrong. I am only in this field two years.

Hi there ... In my team there are 2 separate persons that do the storage part but sometimes even the others do some stuff. If you'r rely good in unix you'll have no problem doing storage.

You just have to follow your dreams and ambitions.

Thank you very much.

I will follow my dream :-)