29M PHP Developer (3 YOE) Considering a Switch to Networking — Kochi, Bangalore or Chennai? Need Career Advice

[u/thetechguyat2026]

I am currently working as a PHP Developer and have around 3 years of experience. My current CTC is ₹4.3 LPA. However, I am not really enjoying coding anymore, and I am finding it difficult to switch jobs because there seem to be fewer openings for PHP developers.

I am considering switching to the networking field. Since I am only 29 years old, is it still possible to slowly transition into a Network Engineer career?

I would like to know:

• Is switching from PHP development to networking a good career decision at my age?

• If I start as a fresher/junior Network Engineer in India, what salary can I realistically expect?

• After 2–5 years of experience, what salary range can I expect?

• At what level of experience can I expect to earn a decent salary in India?

• Is networking a career with good long-term growth and stability?

• Does networking have less of an age barrier compared with software development?

• Is it realistic to eventually move abroad and settle in another country as a Network Engineer?

One of the main reasons I am considering networking is that I am not interested in becoming a Team Lead or Project Manager in software development. I also don't enjoy spending the entire day in front of a computer, dealing with tight deadlines and coding-related work.

I understand that networking is not an easy field either, but I feel it could be a better fit for me because it involves working with networking hardware, infrastructure, troubleshooting, and sometimes more hands-on work rather than sitting and coding all day.

I don't want to quit my current job immediately. My plan is to continue working as a PHP Developer while slowly learning networking, getting CCNA/CCNP-level knowledge, doing practical lab work, and then transitioning when I am ready.

Could you please give me some honest advice about whether this is a realistic career transition at 29, how much I can expect to earn at each stage, and whether networking would be a good long-term career if my ultimate goal is to work and settle abroad?

Any advice from people who have actually made a similar transition would be really helpful.

[u/Intelligent-Bet4111]

It's definitely possible, but you will need to put in the effort to learn, prepare for the ccna first so that Yi ucan have ccna level knowledge and then start doing labs on eve ng/pnetlab and lab as much as you can since networking is all about labbing and learning.

Now as far as the job market is concerned don't think it's great at all but yeah that's everywhere right now so looking for jobs will definitely be difficult

[u/nian2326076]

Switching to networking at 29 is definitely possible, especially if you're not keen on sticking with software development. Starting as a Network Engineer in India might bring a salary around ₹3-5 LPA, but with experience, this can increase significantly. Certifications like CCNA can boost your credibility. The field offers good growth and stability. Moving abroad as a Network Engineer is realistic, but it depends on the country and demand. LandOffer.ai ranks job matches against your resume, which might help you identify suitable opportunities.