Identity Crisis: Navigating the Resistance to Network Automation

In the vast landscape of networking, where cables and routers entwine in a dance of data, a peculiar obstacle impedes the seamless transition to network automation: identity. Yes, you read that right—identity, the cornerstone of the human experience, is playing an unexpected role in the evolution of network engineering.

Embracing Identity: A Human Quirk

Identity, as we perceive it, is more than just a collection of skills; it's a form of attachment deeply embedded in our psyche. Buddhist teachings and modern psychology both assert that humans tend to attach themselves to identities, forming a sense of self around their skills and achievements. When challenged, this identity becomes a fortress, and any threat to it is met with staunch defense.

Consider the seasoned network engineer whose expertise lies in the intricate dance of a specific vendor's Command Line Interface (CLI). Their identity, carefully woven into the syntax and protocols of that CLI, becomes a shield against the encroachment of new paradigms. It's not that they're resisting change for its own sake; they're defending a piece of themselves.

Resisting Change: A Familiar Tune

This resistance to change is not a new melody. Think back to the industrial revolution when skilled artisans transformed into assembly line workers. A similar unease permeated the transition; however, the shift eventually led to standardized and automated production, paving the way for economic prosperity. The comparison is striking, but the nuances of our current shift from legacy network operations to automation deserve exploration.

From CLI to IaC: A Paradigm Shift

Unlike the industrial revolution, our transition doesn't render work less interesting. Network engineers are not relegated to an assembly line; instead, they are architects crafting and managing the assembly line itself. Automation and artificial intelligence take on the mundane, repetitive tasks, freeing engineers for more creative and valuable pursuits.

The role of a network engineer is evolving from memorizing CLI commands to orchestrating software bots that carry out routine operations. It's not a loss of identity; it's a transformation—a metamorphosis that can lead to a more enriched professional life.

The Future Beckons: Shifting Our Collective Identity

As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, it's imperative that we navigate this identity crisis with empathy and understanding. Change is intimidating, especially when it challenges the very core of our professional selves. Rather than berating engineers for holding on to their CLI prowess, we must guide them through the evolution.

In this brave new world of automation and AI, we must collectively embrace a shift in identity. The CCIE of yesteryear may be evolving, but so are the possibilities. The future promises not a diminishment of skills but an augmentation—a chance for network engineers to become maestros, orchestrating a symphony of technology.

The Bottom Line

Let's recognize that the resistance to change stems from a deep-seated attachment to identity. By acknowledging this reality, fostering understanding, and showcasing the boundless potential of the automated future, we can pave the way for a network engineering renaissance. It's time to embrace the shift, bid farewell to the CLI-centric past, and welcome a future where creativity and innovation flourish in the realm of network automation.