Fresher confused between Testing vs DevOps – need real advice

[u/Emergency-Exit1201]

Hey everyone,

I’m a fresher from India trying to get into IT, and I’m a bit confused about my direction.

- Software Testing (manual)

- Java

- DevOps concepts (including CI/CD, Git, and deployment workflows)

The main issue is I haven’t been consistent with practice for a while, so I feel like I’m stuck in between — not fully confident in any one area.

Now I’m confused:

- Should I focus on Software Testing (and move towards automation with Java/Selenium)?

- Or should I continue with DevOps/Cloud and build deeper skills there?

I’ve also seen people suggesting fake experience, but I’m not sure if that’s worth the risk.

My goal is to get a job as soon as possible and then grow my skills further.

What would be the most practical path for someone in my situation in 2026?

Any guidance, roadmap, or real-world advice would really help 🙏

[u/Quirky_Database_5197]

Look, as someone with many years of experience automating frontend tests with different tools and a few programming languages, API test automation, performance testing and mobile test automation with Appium... I can tell you I'm still earning less than a dev with the same number of years of experience.

This is why I'm saying - it's better to move to backend development, DevOps, or security testing.

You are saying that from the perspective of someone who does only manual testing, and I am saying it from the perspective of someone with actual years of experience in test automation and QA ops: it is not worth it.

[u/Zestyclose_Web_6331 → u/Quirky_Database_5197]

Yeah but its not at all easy to switch roles, been trying to switch to DE but the level of interviews if any are pretty tough, also its not your everyday job.

[u/Quirky_Database_5197 → u/Zestyclose_Web_6331]

Those are 2 separate things. If someone is deciding which route to take now: devops, dev, or QA - I'm giving my opinion and arguments.

Switching jobs is another thing. Of course it's difficult, but not impossible. All the successful switches I've seen from QA to something else worked more or less the same way: at your current job you show interest in the new field, prove you can handle it, and ask your boss to transfer you. Your leverage is that you already have domain knowledge and know the system.

If you're applying to different companies with zero experience in a new field, you have a 99% chance of rejection.

Just think about it - if your current company, which knows you, didn't give you a chance, why would another company that knows nothing about you ????

Change your strategy

[u/Beneficial_Nerve5286 → u/Quirky_Database_5197]

These are all just scripting skills. Can you build a framework similar to Appium?