The new buzzword
I still remember my initial reaction when I heard about "Kubernetes" for the first time. Not only was the word impossible for me to pronounce and spell, but also it has a very vague yet ambitious definition on Wikipedia:
Kubernetes is an open-source container-orchestration system for automating application deployment, scaling, and management.
It took me quite some time to understand this compact sentence, and its ripple effects on my responsibilities as a network architect: this pompous system is claiming to do all the routings and load balancings automatically? And my only job would be providing a few /24 IP ranges?
The transition
Fortunately my prejudice against Kubernetes was removed after some quick google searches. Instead, I became fascinated about Kubernetes' ease of use for infrastructure engineers and developers. The system's "brain" is carefully developed and maintained by a huge community, so that repetitive IT operational tasks are taken care of automatically. Kubernetes helps to realize the dream of DevOps.
Transitioning from a traditional IT technologies to DevOps or Kubernetes is smoother than I expected. With an open mind and tiny bit of programming background, I was capable of grasping the core principles and functions of Kubernetes. Meanwhile, the adoptions of Kubernetes are growing rapidly, which brings in numerous possibilities. After a few months' studies and the most enjoyable and educational interview process, I was offered to work on this new buzzword at Arctiq.
The new journey
It has been an amazing first month at Arctiq. When I look back and try to describe the life at Arctiq, I can only refer to it as living in a Kubernetes cluster.
RBAC
At Arctiq, the organization structure is flat. All responsibilities and reporting relationships are defined as "Roles". Every team member has the freedom to take on new roles or resign from current roles. Instead of particular team members, roles entail power and responsibility. As a result of this fluidity of roles, I am comfortable to take on ownership from Day 1.
Scheduling
A great feature of Kubernetes is that the scheduler can assign workload based on resource availabilities of worker nodes. I would describe myself as a happy "worker node" in Arctiq cluster. I can simply raise my hand whenever I want to hop on an interesting project, voila, things will be scheduled to me.
Services
Kubernetes workloads can be exposed using a few simple yaml lines. Similarly, Arctiq created a great environment to build my personal brand and grow my professional network. Arctiq team supports all formats of knowledge sharing, from local meetups to global conferences, blogs to fireside chats. The sky is the limit.
The future
Plans have been made to reach my short-term and ultimate goals; coach and buddy are always ready to answer every little question from me; team members are thrilled to learn and share. The future is now.
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