Its too bad that you won't realize that you can't handle the task of taking care of this snake until it's too late. You have to look out for the safety of yourself and those around you. This is NOT a beginner snake that you have. If you don't have the experience, you shouldn't have the snake. Starting off with an 8 foot burm is NOT how you get experience, its how you get hurt. If you have any respect for yourself or the people around you, you will get rid of the snake.

To put it bluntly, if you take this animal out of its enclosure and it happens to be in a bad mood and decides you're a threat, it can very easily overpower you and kill you in the blink of an eye. You will not have time to run and call for help, you won't have time to really defend yourself. An 8 foot snake is no joke. If you cannot handle this snake now, its going to continue to grow and get even more out of hand. If you're having trouble now, wait until its even larger. When this snake is full grown you will need 3 or 4 people around just to take it out of its enclosure to clean the enclosure.

The title to your post says it all "What did I get myself into?". The worst part of it is, you have no idea just how bad your situation is. You seem to think that it's something you can fix and keep the snake. The only way to fix your situation is to get rid of the snake and get a baby.

Honestly you should start off with a baby redtail boa, or a ball python. They are great beginner snakes and grow to a nice size while still being manageable.

You're asking for advice, everyone is giving you advice, but you don't want to hear it. Get rid of this snake, and get a beginner breed! Don't exchange it for another burm or rock python. Giant snakes are not for people with only a limited amount of experience. That is the best advice you'll ever get, and its the advice you have been getting. Do your research on whatever species you choose to get BEFORE you get it.

Don't be too proud to admit that you cannot handle this, because if you don't realize it now, odds are the event that makes you realize it will be the one tha kills you. This ISN'T a game and your pride is going to get you into some serious trouble.