Becoming SRE

Chapter 18. Conclusion

I’m a little sad because it is that time when you, me, and this book have to part ways. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here because, in a moment, I will stop typing, you will stop reading, and this book will come to an end. Let’s take a moment to review where we have been together.

SRE stands for the proposition that it is possible to work as an individual or as an organization, in collaboration with others, toward manifesting systems that can serve others at a desired level of reliability. SREs with a certain mindset, operating within a certain culture, and who have prepared for this role, can effectively use a set of practices within an organizational context that supports their efforts, at different scales, to achieve this goal.

And it is fun. And rewarding (both for the individual and the organization). And fun. Did I mention fun? Not always, but on balance, it can be great. SRE offers a test of your mettle and a chance to work with others to have a real impact at work. The challenges reliability throws at you and the road you need to take to navigate them aren’t always obvious (hence this book) and are very rarely boring. I’m hoping you are leaving this book with at least some of the excitement I have for the field.

What’s Next?

I’m really grateful that you have stuck with me to this point. I wish I could give each and every reader a gift basket on the way out to show my appreciation. I think the best I can do is give you a virtual “doggie ...