[roger_smith]

One thing that I always here from others is the importance of learning the unix operating system and being proficient with bash. I've always postponed my learning in this area, though.

Has anyone here been impacted professionally from understanding the operating system? Is there more value to it than simply server and network management?

It's part of my job currently. I work in a Linux shop.

So, in your case I'm assuming your understanding of Linux opened that job opportunity to you that otherwise you would have no shot with. I guess that's as good as enough reason to learn anything. A response from someone who doesn't work for a company specializing in Linux but finds use in knowing it would be a nice perspective to hear.

Linux experience won't really help you in an environment that doesn't utilize linux. However, having that underlying knowledge may help you in your job search.

So for example, prior to my current work environment, I spent about 4 years doing end user support. It was primarily windows end user support. Very rarely I'd see a linux or mac system. I used linux as my own system at home, so I had experience with it. The experience helped me on but a rare occasion. However, that experience helped me to get my job at my current employer, and move through the ranks within that company.

Many companies utilize linux for backend stuff, whether their frontend utilizes it or not. Even Microsoft utilizes linux for some things within their company.

Linux skills are still in high demand, and that demand continues to grow. The pool of skilled and competent linux administrators is still quite shallow, and demand is outweighing supply.