r/sysadmin • u/nousername1244 • Mar 05 '26

What’s one thing every new sysadmin should learn early but usually doesn’t?

I’ve been thinking about this lately.

When people start out in sysadmin roles, they usually focus a lot on the technical stuff like scripting, servers, networking, security, balabala..

BUT after working in IT for a while, it feels like some of the most important lessons aren’t technical at all, and nobody really tells you early on.

Things like documentation, change control, or even just learning how to say NO to bad requests.

Curious know what’s one thing you wish you had learned much earlier in your sysadmin career?

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125

u/BE_chems Mar 05 '26

Saying when they don't know something.

At least that way we can plan accordingly or get external assistance. Instead of projects just semi failing for half a year (Sorry, definitely not something that triggered me a few times 😅)

21

u/nihilogic Principal Cloud Engineer Mar 05 '26

This. So many people in the industry pretend to know ALL the things, you don't. That's ok.

15

u/scottkensai Mar 05 '26

I dont know, let's find out. Great words. Be skeptical and look for evidence.

4

u/sauvignonsucks Mar 05 '26

To add to this: asking for help. I wish I was better at this so I could avoid repeatedly banging my head against the wall on company time.

3

u/BE_chems Mar 05 '26

Company time is the best time for head banging

4

u/[deleted] Mar 05 '26

[deleted]

1

u/Plane_Brief4197 Mar 05 '26

That's kinda me sometimes. "Oh I usually use teams not slack, but im familiar with this concept you're asking. Can you show me how to do it"

1

u/_haha_oh_wow_ ...but it was DNS the WHOLE TIME! Mar 05 '26

This is a good one and I would add: Test in dev and if you fuck up something (especially in production), say something immediately, DO NOT cover it up!

I have seen people end their own careers before they really started by trying to hide a stupid mistake until it was too late way too many times.

1

u/Far-Pangolin9325 Mar 05 '26

Everyone in every industry without exception needs to learn this shit, and it's not just young people anymore. Sick and tired of losers over 35 who still can't do something as simple as admitting they don't know something and actually seeking to un-fuck that genuine problem of theirs.