So, I’ve officially entered my “Azure era.”
Yes, I’m still the solo IT guy. Yes, I still get asked if turning it off and on again will fix it (sometimes it does). But now, I’m doing all that plus mastering Azure like it’s the cloud-based boss level of my career.
So… why Azure?
Let’s break it down.
1. Because I Work in Government and Azure Is Basically the House Wine
Look, I work for a water district. Microsoft is everywhere. Outlook? Microsoft. SharePoint that nobody maintains? Microsoft. That Excel file named “Final_FINAL2_revised.xlsx”? Definitely Microsoft.
So if I’m going to survive and thrive in public-sector IT, I might as well master the platform we’re already stuck in a long-term relationship with — Azure.
2. Because Everything Is in the Cloud — Including My Sanity
You know what’s fun? When someone asks, “Where’s the server now?” and I say, “Nowhere and everywhere.”
That’s the cloud, baby.
Azure lets me spin up virtual networks, secure resources, automate deployments, and monitor everything like a hawk on too much caffeine. I don’t need to beg for hardware upgrades — I just provision, click, and boom: instant infrastructure (and existential dread).
3. Because I’m Also in Cybersecurity (and Azure Doesn’t Like Being Hacked Either)
Azure comes with built-in security tools that are basically like hiring a paranoid but helpful intern. Defender for Cloud? Conditional access? Role-based access control? It’s like having a digital security guard who doesn’t take lunch breaks.
If I’m going to secure networks, endpoints, identities, and all the strange folders named “confidential-stuff” — Azure is where I want to be.
4. Because Microsoft Certs Look Good on a Resume (and Make Me Feel Powerful)
Let’s be honest: passing Azure exams is a great way to flex in job interviews, team meetings, and awkward family gatherings where no one understands what you do.
“Azure Administrator Associate” just sounds more impressive than “Guy Who Fixed the Printer Again.”
Also, I’m working toward:
- Azure Network Engineer Associate – So I can talk to routers and cloud gateways
- Azure Security Engineer Associate – For when I want to sleep at night
- Microsoft 365 Security Admin – Because email is chaos and must be tamed
5. Because It Actually Fits How I Work
I like structure. I like clean dashboards. I like clicking buttons that do stuff.
Azure plays well with the tools I already use: PowerShell, Windows Server, SQL, and every random legacy app I’m still supporting because “it just works.”
Plus, Azure lets me build secure, scalable, hybrid networks without crying (too much).
Final Thoughts While Updating My Azure Lab at 2AM
So no, I’m not ditching Linux. I’m not declaring cloud supremacy.
I’m just saying — for someone like me, in government IT, who wants future-proof skills, security know-how, and the power to provision a server without begging Finance for a PO…
Azure just makes sense.
Also, it lets me say things like “we’ll deploy that in the cloud” during meetings, which makes me sound way more important than I am. And honestly? That’s a vibe.
Follow along as I Azure my way to certification, cloud security, and hopefully fewer support tickets.
And yes, I’ll keep posting updates here at TeoEspero.com — assuming the Wi-Fi holds up.