Programmer Vs System Administrator

[sudipto shekhar]

Hi Friends,

Hope you all are doing fine . I got a job as a System Administrator in UNIX (AIX) . Before this job, I was a complete fresher. I have a hand in Java and have developed around 6 projects in Java.I would like to know your comments and suggestions regarding this career opportunity that I have got as a System Administration . I mean should I pursue my career as a System Administrator leaving software development, professionally? I know System Administration is completely different than software development. I would like to have your suggestions on Programmer Vs System Administrator .

Any suggestions or discussions on this topic would be very great. As all the top professionals visit this site I really am expecting a lot of advices and comments. What should I do? As far as I can realize the one thing that I can do is pursue this job till I get another job in software development.

How is this field of system administration as compared to software development ?

This topic may seem a little foolish to you but I really am looking up to all kinds of suggestions as I am really confused.

[sudipto shekhar]

Not so stupid question, I suppose!!

I am eager to know you peoples responses..Please give me your wise advice and feedback....
Moderators please help....

[Maneesh Godbole]

sudipto shekhar wrote:
Moderators please help....

What do you expect the moderators to do? Force people to answer?
And isn't your question sort of "Shall I get married"? kind of question?
You are the best person to answer which line you want to make a career in. What are your likes, dislikes, caliber.

Also, please read http://faq.javaranch.com/java/PatienceIsAVirtue

[sudipto shekhar]

i expected the moderators of this topic to comment on this topic....as being the moderators of the forum .....yes it really making me impatient to hear your expert comments of the job profile System Administrator.......hope I do not make things complex..... It is just a question......feel free to answer it or ignore it.........

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

sudipto shekhar wrote:i expected the moderators of this topic to comment on this topic....as being the moderators of the forum .....yes it really making me impatient to hear your expert comments of the job profile System Administrator.......hope I do not make things complex..... It is just a question......feel free to answer it or ignore it.........

The patience thing is important. Some of us (like me) come onto JavaRanch once a day. I then scan posts and see one that appears to be from someone who has no patience and feels I'm obligated to comment on it. That doesn't sound fun. We are volunteers after all. Your last post clears this up somewhat, but you can understand the point of view.

Back to your question, this isn't something another person can answer for you. Which do you like better? Do you value what you enjoy over money?

[sudipto shekhar]

Thanks for your comment Jeanne. I like programming in Java, but due to lack of opportunities for freshers in Java I took this option as System Administrator. Where does a System Administrator stands after all in the IT market??