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I'm at a career crossroads and could use some advice. I've been working with networking equipment for about 4 years and I'm certified up to CCNP level. But I'm seeing more companies moving infrastructure to the cloud, and I'm wondering if I should pivot.

My question is: for someone planning their IT careers 2025 strategy, which path has better long-term prospects - continuing with advanced networking certifications (like CCIE) or shifting focus to cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP)?

I'm trying to understand which IT skills in demand 2025 will be more valuable. Networking fundamentals will always be important, but will traditional networking roles become less relevant as more infrastructure moves to the cloud?

Also, from a financial perspective, which path leads to the top-paying IT jobs? I've heard cloud architects can make $150k+, but I also know senior network architects with CCIE can command similar salaries.

Has anyone made this transition or considered both paths? What would you recommend for someone trying to future-proof their career?

This is a fantastic question that many IT professionals are grappling with. From a career coaching perspective, I don't think it's an either/or decision - it's about finding the right balance for your goals.

For IT careers 2025, here's how I see the value proposition:

Networking certifications (CCNP/CCIE):
- Pros: Deep specialization, always needed for on-prem infrastructure, high salaries ($100k-$150k+)
- Cons: May become less relevant as more infrastructure moves to cloud, requires continuous re-certification
- Best for: Large enterprises, ISPs, data centers, companies with hybrid infrastructure

Cloud certifications (AWS/Azure/GCP):
- Pros: High growth area, relevant for modern infrastructure, strong salaries ($90k-$140k+)
- Cons: Rapidly changing technology, vendor lock-in concerns, certifications expire frequently
- Best for: Tech companies, cloud-native organizations, companies undergoing digital transformation

What I'm seeing in the market is that the most valuable professionals understand BOTH. A network engineer who understands cloud networking (VPC, direct connect, etc.) is incredibly valuable. Similarly, a cloud architect who understands traditional networking can design better hybrid solutions.

For top-paying IT jobs, the combination of networking AND cloud skills can command $150k-$200k+ for architect roles.

I made the transition from networking to cloud, so I can share my personal experience. I was a CCNP-level network engineer making about $95k when I decided to add cloud skills.

I started with AWS Solutions Architect Associate, which took about 3 months of part-time study while working. The networking knowledge actually helped a lot - concepts like subnets, routing, and security groups were familiar.

After getting the AWS cert, I was able to move into a cloud networking role at $115k. Then I added Azure Administrator Associate and got promoted to cloud architect at $135k. Now I'm working on AWS Solutions Architect Professional targeting $150k+.

The key insight: networking skills are NOT becoming obsolete - they're evolving. Cloud networking still requires understanding of IP addressing, routing, security, and performance. The difference is you're configuring virtual networks instead of physical devices.

For IT careers 2025, I recommend this approach:
1. Maintain your networking certifications (CCNP is valuable)
2. Add cloud certifications (start with AWS SAA or Azure Admin)
3. Look for roles that bridge both (cloud network engineer, hybrid infrastructure architect)

The IT skills in demand 2025 will include both traditional networking AND cloud networking. Companies need people who can connect on-prem infrastructure to cloud services.

From a security perspective, both networking and cloud skills are crucial for IT careers 2025. Let me explain why.

Networking knowledge is fundamental to security. You can't secure what you don't understand. Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, network segmentation - all require deep networking knowledge.

Cloud security requires understanding cloud networking concepts: VPCs, security groups, network ACLs, peering connections, transit gateways, etc. These are networking concepts applied to the cloud.

For the highest-paying tech certifications in this space, consider:
- CCIE Security: $150k-$200k for experts
- AWS Certified Security - Specialty: $130k-$160k
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): $120k-$150k

What I'm seeing in the job market is that security professionals with networking AND cloud skills are commanding premium salaries. For example:
- Cloud Security Architect with networking background: $140k-$180k
- Network Security Engineer with cloud knowledge: $130k-$160k

My advice: Don't abandon networking. Instead, add cloud skills to your networking foundation. Look at Cisco's DevNet certifications for network automation, or cloud networking certifications from AWS/Azure.

For IT training and study tips, I recommend focusing on the overlap areas: cloud network security, hybrid network architecture, and secure cloud connectivity.

As CloudCaptain working with infrastructure daily, I can tell you that networking skills are absolutely still relevant in the cloud era. In fact, they might be more important than ever.

Here's the reality: when companies move to the cloud, they don't stop needing networking. They need DIFFERENT networking skills. Instead of configuring physical routers and switches, you're configuring:
- Virtual networks (VPCs, VNets)
- Cloud interconnect (Direct Connect, ExpressRoute)
- Load balancers and traffic managers
- DNS and content delivery networks
- Network security groups and firewalls

The CCNP/CCIE knowledge translates directly to these cloud networking concepts. The fundamentals are the same: IP addressing, routing protocols, network security, performance optimization.

For IT careers 2025, I believe the most valuable professionals will have:
1. Traditional networking foundation (CCNP level)
2. Cloud networking expertise (AWS/Azure networking services)
3. Automation skills (Terraform, Ansible, Python)

Salary-wise, here's what I'm seeing:
- Network Engineer with cloud skills: $110k-$140k
- Cloud Network Engineer: $120k-$150k
- Network Architect with cloud expertise: $140k-$180k

My recommendation: Keep your CCNP current, add a cloud certification, and learn infrastructure as code. That combination is gold right now.

Let me add some specific numbers and certification roadmap options for your decision.

Option 1: Continue with networking, add cloud basics
- Maintain CCNP (recertification every 3 years: $400+)
- Add AWS Cloud Practitioner ($100 exam, 1 month study)
- Add Azure Fundamentals ($99 exam, 1 month study)
- Total additional investment: ~$600, 2-3 months part-time
- Expected salary: $110k-$130k (network engineer with cloud awareness)

Option 2: Balance networking and cloud
- Maintain CCNP
- Add AWS Solutions Architect Associate ($150 exam, 3 months study)
- Add Azure Administrator Associate ($165 exam, 3 months study)
- Total investment: ~$700, 6 months part-time
- Expected salary: $120k-$150k (cloud network engineer)

Option 3: Shift focus to cloud, maintain networking foundation
- Let CCNP expire (saves recertification costs)
- Get AWS Solutions Architect Professional ($300 exam, 6 months study)
- Get Azure Solutions Architect Expert ($165x2 exams, 6 months study)
- Total investment: ~$800, 12 months part-time
- Expected salary: $130k-$160k (cloud architect)

For IT careers 2025, I'd recommend Option 2. It gives you the most flexibility and positions you for both traditional and cloud roles. The networking skills will always be valuable, especially for hybrid cloud environments.

Remember to factor in professional development in IT beyond just certifications - things like project experience, leadership opportunities, and business acumen.

I’ve been trying to draw more from my imagination lately, but I keep hitting this weird wall where everything starts to look stiff and overworked. I’ll have a cool idea in my head, but the second I try to put it down, it just feels dead. Does anyone else get that, and how do you move past it to keep that initial spark alive in your sketch?

I know that feeling the spark fade the moment you try to pin it down on the page. I lean on quick warm ups like five minute doodles with no aim just to loosen the hand and the imagination. Sometimes a tiny line mistake opens a door you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Perhaps the wall isn’t about imagination failing so much as habit. Loosen the restraints and watch the gesture loosen the line, the stiffness melts. I grab a cheap brush or a really soft pencil and draw without looking at the screen, only at the idea in my head and the paper in front of me. What if the spark is really a conversation you begin with marks and not a single peak moment?

Imagination feels overrated on the tough days and that is okay. Sometimes the page looks wooden and you’re chasing a memory rather than something new. Maybe the fix isn’t technique at all but giving yourself permission to leave the lines imperfect and see what happens next.

Instead of chasing a perfect image, try treating the sketch as a sketch of a feeling. Focus on energy, rhythm, breath of the line, and let the idea loosen. Maybe the spark stays if you stop aiming for a resolved moment and instead follow what the idea suggests in the moment.

Try forcing a tiny constraint and see how your imagination reacts. For example draw in under a minute, use only three shapes, rotate the canvas every pass. The surprise comes when the idea stops feeling precious and starts growing on you.

Think of your idea as a chatty character who wants to be drawn. Sketch loose first, then listen to what they want to wear or do. The spark might survive if you keep the dialogue open rather than closing the seam too soon.

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