Career Path Question

[Michael Brush]

Hi All,

I have a question about Windows vs Linux in the job market. I have been in IT for over 10 years and am looking to make a change to web programming. I have been doing server support for the last 5 years (Novell, Windows). I may have an opportunity to switch over to a Linux position and was wondering if that would be beneficial to a web programmer or does it even matter. I have been dabling for about 3 years and think it might since most web servers are now Linux but haven't been able to find any requirements one way or the other looking at job posts. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael

[Patrick Williams]

Don't go into development! I think that your next logical progression should be an Application Server admin with emphasis on security. If you really want to know what this industry is lacking, it's one of them! You'll get to do some coding if you want, but it will be more of the "I'm a hero and saved the project" versus the "I wrote a million lines of elegant code, but coded one high visibility bug so I'm a know-nothing scumbag". Believe me, you'll appreciate that advice.

[ravi janap]

I will also give you a similar advise not to get into web programming at this stage. The market is already overcrowded with the supply exceeding the demand. You should take the next logical step in your career rather than trying out in a new field. A web developer is just another member of a large team and you need to be exceptionally be good to outshine others. You will also learning the new skill from scratch and will need time to prove yourself. There are new web application frameworks coming out everyday so you need to keep updating your skills. There is little recognition coming your way as you will be one of many web programmers on the team and everyone is almost considered equal.

[Gabriel Claramunt]

I would switch to linux, probably for the sake of learning something new :-)
(also opens the possibility of apply that knowledge in any unix server... well, some at least)
From a web developer point of view, it (almost) doesn't matter if you know windows or unix. Mostly you'll develop/unit test in windows environment and deploy for QA and production in unix/linux... knowing how to navigate/solve problems in each environment comes very handy.
BTW, maybe is true, they are too many web developer, maybe not. Maybe you'll be a better one, maybe not, but don't let the market decide what you like.
Do what you really enjoy and probably you'll be very good at it...

[Patrick Williams]

BTW...One of the other reasons for my suggestion could give you exposure to both Linux and Windows while focusing on WebSphere, WebLogic or jBoss. It would also get your fingers into the network side.

[Michael Brush]

Thank you all very much for your replies. I will consider all of this information heavily. I think you all are right that I need a change. I am fairly bored with what I do these days which is the reason for the change. I will look into all of these options. Again, thank you for the replies.

Michael