#NetworkingCrisis #CareerCrossroads #DevOpsVsNetworking #CloudMigration #QualityOfLife #ITSpecialistStruggles
Are you finding yourself at a crossroads in your IT career, unsure of which path to take next? 🤔 It’s a common dilemma many professionals face, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. As someone who has invested time and effort into networking, you may be wondering if a pure networking path is still the right choice for you. 💻
## The Networking Dilemma
For many IT specialists like yourself, networking has been the gateway into the world of technology. With certifications like CCNA under your belt and hands-on experience in networking and IT infrastructure, you have laid a solid foundation for your career. However, the question remains – is traditional networking still the most desirable path in today’s fast-paced tech industry? 🚀
### The Challenges of Pure Networking
While networking roles such as NOCs, datacenters, and SOCs offer great responsibility and potentially lucrative salaries, they come with their own set of challenges. The high-pressure environment, round-the-clock availability, and constant vigilance can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. The fear of making a mistake that could have far-reaching consequences can create a stressful work atmosphere. 🕒
### Exploring Alternative Paths
In recent years, the rise of DevOps and cloud computing has presented IT professionals with alternative career paths that are equally rewarding. DevOps, with its focus on automation, collaboration, and efficiency, offers a more sustainable work environment compared to traditional networking roles. Cloud migration, on the other hand, involves a mix of networking and cloud technologies, making it a versatile and in-demand skill set. ☁️
## Finding Your Next Step
As you navigate through this career crossroads, it’s essential to consider your personal values, preferences, and long-term goals. If the thought of working in a high-stress networking environment doesn’t align with your personality and well-being, exploring other avenues like DevOps or cloud computing could be a wise decision. Embracing automation tools, scripting languages like Python, and learning cloud platforms can open up new opportunities for you. 🛠️
### Investing in Skill Development
Continuing your professional development by pursuing advanced certifications like CCNP or exploring cloud certifications can enhance your marketability and open doors to diverse job roles. Balancing technical skills with soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving, can make you a well-rounded IT professional capable of handling various challenges. 📈
### Prioritizing Quality of Life
Ultimately, your career choice should align with your values and priorities, including your quality of life. It’s essential to choose a path that not only offers growth and opportunities but also allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember, your well-being is just as important as your career success. 🌟
In conclusion, while a pure networking path can lead to exciting opportunities, it’s crucial to evaluate your options and choose a career path that resonates with you personally and professionally. Whether you decide to pursue DevOps, cloud computing, or continue down the networking road, trust your instincts and make a decision that aligns with your aspirations and values. Your future in IT is bright, and the possibilities are endless! 💡
I came up through the ranks as a network engineer and architect. I can tell you that networking is the backbone on which everything runs today. So its very desirable to go deep into networking. Nothing wrong with going CCNP and then CCIE if you really want to be an architect. You could go cloud as well as its helpful to have networking knowledge when you do go cloud.
As for the quality of life impact, let me tell you my story.
At the early parts of my career, where you are at now, I was a CCNA certified network admin. I knew networking but I wanted to expand my knowledge. So I got my CCNP and became a network engineer and then a network architect. In short, I went from handling day to day issues to being the guy that was architecting the solutions for clients. My quality of life was very good because I was making a nice 6 figure salary and I wasn’t handling the day to day nonsense that I was handling before. Was there some late night work? Absolutely, but those were few and far between. Most of the time I was just doing 8-5. Advising clients on what they should do, doing visio diagrams of before and after, troubleshooting high level network issues, and so on.
At this point, I would follow what your passion. If that is cloud, then go for it. If its networking, then go for it. Whatever you decide to do, go deep into it. Be the expert. Even if you go deep and get your CCNP, and then move to cloud later, that is fine too. You are going to make good money and find great work life balance. Mainly because you won’t be doing the heavy lifting. You will be doing the planning and architecting. Remember, you can find any flunky to install and configure a firewall. It takes a architect to plan a big picture network refresh at multiple sites.
I would say yes BUT…..it has changed quite a bit and I saw a stark turn (along with almost everything else) during Covid. Employers don’t see your CCNP anymore and think this guy’s worth $120k, now, without automation and some cloud exp, you’re worth $90k (depending on where you live). I’m just just saying knowing networks isn’t enough anymore and it sucks. Well, kinda. The learning sucks, once you know cloud, automation, Ansible, Terraform, and Docker, you’re doing good. Your buddies are right. Keep your eye on DevOps, but I’d recommend at least a couple of years of working on networks before making that move. 5, 7 years ago, you could know networks and were fine. IT’s just not like that anymore if you want a good career that does more than get’s by. I’ve seen pay go lower and lower for a lot of engineers because they refused to skill up. Don’t be that kind of engineer. Actually knowing how to shoot code at a network device makes it fun again and makes the job a lot easier.