5 Cloud Career Myths That Are Holding You Back

After almost a decade in IT and training hundreds of students, I've heard every excuse in the book. Let me address the ones that come up most often.

Myth 1: "I Need a Computer Science Degree"

I didn't have one when I started. Many successful cloud professionals don't. What employers actually want is proof that you can do the work.

A portfolio of real projects beats a degree every time. Build things. Break things. Document what you learned. That's your real credential.

Myth 2: "I'm Too Old to Switch Careers"

I've trained people in their 40s and 50s who successfully transitioned into cloud roles. Age isn't a barrier - it's often an advantage. You bring work experience, professional maturity, and communication skills that fresh graduates don't have.

The only thing that matters is whether you're willing to learn.

Myth 3: "I Need to Know Coding First"

Cloud administration doesn't require deep programming skills. Yes, scripting helps (PowerShell, Bash, a bit of Python), but you can learn these as you go.

Don't let "I need to learn X first" become an endless chain of prerequisites that keeps you from ever starting. Start with the cloud concepts. Pick up scripting along the way.

Myth 4: "The Market is Oversaturated"

Every month I hear this, and every month companies tell me they can't find qualified cloud professionals.

Here's the reality: there are lots of people with certifications. There are far fewer people who can actually do the work, communicate clearly, and solve real problems.

Be the second type of person, and you won't have trouble finding work.

Myth 5: "Cloud is Too Complex for Me"

This is the big one. The lie that stops more people than anything else.

I've watched it click for every single student I've trained. Every. Single. One. Including the ones who walked in convinced they weren't smart enough.

Cloud technology isn't magic. It's just computers in someone else's building, accessed through a web browser. The concepts that seemed impossible become obvious once you start working with them.

The Real Barrier

The myths above aren't really what's stopping you. What's stopping you is the same thing that stops most people: fear of starting.

You're scared you'll fail. Scared you'll look dumb. Scared you'll invest time and money and it won't work out.

But here's the thing - you already have the "no." You're already not working in cloud. You're already not making that salary. You're already not doing work you're excited about.

The worst case scenario of trying? You end up back where you started. The best case? Everything changes.

You don't need permission to start. You don't need to be smart enough. You just need to stop scrolling and start building.

Your cloud career is waiting. The only question is whether you're going to keep making excuses or finally take the first step.

I'll be here when you're ready.