kubernetes alternatives, docker compose, nomad, container orchestration

When not to use Kubernetes

I write a lot about Kubernetes. I use it daily. I’m a fan. But Kubernetes isn’t always the answer. In fact, for many teams and projects, Kubernetes is the wrong choice. Too complex, too expensive, too much overhead for what they’re trying to achieve. This is the post I’m writing for everyone considering Kubernetes adoption. Not to discourage you, but to help you make a conscious choice. The Kubernetes hype Kubernetes has won. It’s the de-facto standard for container orchestration. Every cloud provider offers managed Kubernetes. Every DevOps job posting asks for Kubernetes experience. ...

January 17, 2026 · 7 min read · Tom Meurs