What languages should one focus on for DevOps jobs? I'm a senior linux system administrator that's good with most of the administrative scripting languages. I'm intent on staying with Linux, but I think I'd like to move over to the programming side because I presume that it will be less stressful, I can't do on-call or night shifts anymore for medical reasons. I'm thinking DevOps is where I want to go because I can leverage my existing skillset.

I just read this survey here: http://qz.com/298635/these-programmi...he-most-money/

As a systems administrator, my take away from that survey is I should devote my time to really mastering python, would that be a good strategy to help make the transition into DevOps roles?

I've always had negative connotations about java, and now that oracle owns the technology I'm even less interested in learning about it. Can I get by in the programming world without knowing anything about java?

I've always been interested in system level programing, and I know the basics of c programming, how hard would it be to transition a career in system administration to system programing? I'd love to be a kernel developer, but is there any money left in this area? I love computers, but I need a way to support myself.

I think first you should ask your current employer if there is any opportunity to participate in sw-developping, and if so, what is the required knowledge.

The language used is going to vary by company.

And one specfic case where someone in dev-ops would benefit from knowing Java is if they're setting up and customizing lucene and solr.

Very hard. The only thing they have in common is the word "systems", which means different things in each case.

Since you are "a seasoned Linux administrator who's good at using scripting languages," in many ways you already are a programmer. You're also a valuable resource that your current employer probably doesn't want to lose. Therefore, and especially if you need to make a switch for medical reasons, talk to your present boss. Explain your situation and your interests to him or her, just as you did here with us. They most certainly will find a way to accommodate you in a new position that's more to your liking, and they might be able to do something immediately to help you in your present role. (After all, losing someone and then having to hire someone on short notice to replace them is a pain in the a*s.) A job isn't supposed to endanger your health. If it is doing so, say so.