Cloud computing has remained a hot topic in the IT field for the past years, gaining even more attention during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2020 and 2021, there’s been a burst of cloud adoption from startups, mid-sized businesses, and even large enterprises as they looked for ways to adapt to remote work and digital operations. And it’s no wonder, given the benefits it offers over traditional on-premises solutions, like more flexibility and scalability, better security, and improved collaboration and productivity.

As the hype around cloud continues to grow and with the pandemic slowly easing up, you might wonder: Is pursuing a career in this field still worth it in 2023? Are the opportunities and rewards significant enough to justify investing time and resources in this ever-evolving technology?

If you ask me, I’d say yes. And here’s why:

Growing demand breeds more job opportunities

Companies pushing for cloud initiatives will definitely need the right talent to make it happen. However, finding such people can be challenging and oftentimes creates skill gaps (I’m not making this up, skill gap in the cloud space is real!). This shortage of skilled professionals, in turn, drives the demand for cloud skills higher as companies compete for a limited pool of talent. This demand is expected to continue rising, with Gartner projecting that more than half of enterprise IT spending in major markets will shift to the cloud by 2025. This significant trend shows that the cloud is no longer just a fad but a valuable technology that big players are investing in.

Image retrieved from Gartner, February 2023

The good news is that pursuing a ‘cloud computing’ role doesn’t necessarily mean throwing your current skillset away and starting from scratch. In fact, many of the skills and knowledge that you may already possess are transferrable. For example, if you’re a system manager who manages Linux servers, your role may shift towards managing Linux systems on the cloud rather than on-premises. Or, if you’re someone who’s involved in the procurement of physical servers for your data center, your expertise would extend to selecting the appropriate CPU capacity, instance type, and scaling options for your needs.

Flexible working schedule

If you are seeking a better work-life balance, dreams of becoming a working nomad, or perhaps want to avoid the everyday commute, then I have good news for you. Many cloud computing jobs allow for flexible schedules, including the ability to work from home. Furthermore, it’s becoming a normal thing for many companies to use a hybrid setup, combining remote with in-office work. For example, cloud engineers may work from home twice a week but may come into the office for team meetings or to work on something that requires on-site work. Data analysts may work most of the time remotely but may come into the office to work with other team members on projects that require close collaboration.

High earning potential

According to Glassdoor, the median salary for a cloud architect in the United States is $88,680 per year, but salaries can range from around $70,000 to over $112,000, depending on your location and level of experience. It is important to research the average salaries in your location and industry to get a better idea of what to expect.

Diverse range of job roles

Cloud computing involves a broad range of technologies, services, and applications, each with its own set of skill requirements and expertise. This presents a number of opportunities for job seekers to find a suitable role, regardless of their background or interests. Therefore, it is highly likely that you will also be able to discover a role that aligns with your preferences.

Here are some examples of job roles in cloud computing:

• Cloud Solutions Architect
• Cloud Support Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Cloud Security Analyst
• Cloud Application Developer
• Cloud Support Specialist
• Cloud Data Engineer
• Cloud Systems Administrator
• Cloud Consultant
• Cloud Sales Executive

Growth opportunities and career advancement

Cloud computing is fastly evolving, with new features and services being introduced all the time. This means that as you work with new tools you’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow, keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements. It’s an exciting prospect, knowing that there’s always something new to explore and master. There are also plenty of opportunities for career advancement; whether you’re looking to move into leadership positions or specialize in a particular area of the field, the sky’s the limit.

Final remarks

To wrap things up, a cloud computing career in 2023 is a great choice. With so many companies moving to the cloud, there will be plenty of job opportunities. Just make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest tech and trends to stay competitive. Overall, a career in cloud computing can be really fulfilling and financially rewarding. So, if you’re waiting for a sign to jump in, this is it. Go for it!