After 10 years in DevOps, I thought my career was finally taking off. Then I got laid off.
I’m writing this because I could use a little encouragement right now ... and, if the right person happens to read this, maybe a lead on my next opportunity.
I’ve spent around 10 years working in DevOps and cloud engineering.
Like a lot of people, I’ve had stretches where I wondered whether all the effort was really taking me somewhere.
Then, in 2023, someone from Wateen reached out to me. It felt like a real step forward in my career, and I was proud of the work I was doing.
Later, I moved to Nisum. I felt good about that move too. I was learning, building experience, and starting to believe that maybe I was finding my footing.
Then, about a year later, Systems Limited contacted me. I went through the interviews and got the role as a Principal DevOps Engineer.
I was genuinely excited. After years of working toward bigger responsibilities, I felt like I had finally reached a place where I could grow and build something long term.
I remember thinking, This is it. This is the company where I can settle in, contribute, and keep moving forward.
And then life changed direction again.
I was laid off after only a few months. It’s difficult to explain how disorienting that feels. One moment, you’re proud of how far you’ve come and making plans for what comes next. Then suddenly, you’re trying to understand what happened and wondering how to start over.
I know a layoff doesn’t erase a decade of experience, and I know my career isn’t over. But knowing that logically doesn’t make the uncertainty disappear. I’m trying to stay hopeful while dealing with the disappointment, the questions, and the fear of being back at square one.
If you’ve been through something similar, what helped you get through that period? I’d be grateful for any advice, encouragement, or even a reminder that things can work out again.
And if anyone here knows of a team looking for a DevOps or Cloud Engineer, I’d really appreciate a connection. I have around 10 years of experience across AWS and Azure, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD, Docker, Linux, infrastructure automation, and production operations. I’m based in Karachi, Pakistan, and open to remote opportunities.
I’m not expecting anyone to fix everything with one comment. I just wanted to share where I’m at, hear from people who understand, and put myself out there in case my next opportunity starts with someone reading this.