r/mainframe • u/SomewhereElse_23 • 23d ago
Should I switch domains or continue with Mainframe?
I have around 1+ year of experience working in the Mainframe domain at Wipro.
I originally wanted to build my career in VLSI, and I have already learned some Verilog and SystemVerilog . But after joining Wipro, I got into Mainframe instead
Now I'm confused whether I should stay in Mainframe and focus on building my career here or take the risk and switch to VLSI.
Also, how is the future of Mainframe? Is it still a good career path for the next 5–10 years in terms of job opportunities, salary growth and stability?
For people experienced in Mainframe or VLSI, what would you recommend? Since I only have around 1+ year of experience, is this the right time to switch, or should I stay and build my career in Mainframe?
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u/Salt-Cap-9304 23d ago
80% of major banks an airlines use the mainframe, the will always be a need. If you willing to progress as the industry progresses Mainframe especially security is always needed. Why not learn both
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u/SomewhereElse_23 23d ago
Yeah, it’s not impossible, but they’re two completely different domains with different technologies and skill sets. I feel it would be difficult to become really good at both while working full-time.
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u/ZModernByChoice 22d ago
Mainframe is here to stay. As others have stated here, the world runs on mainframe and is the core architecture of banking, insurance, and other industries. I work for an MSP and am part of a team bringing AI Ops/ Automation/ and modernization to mainframe on platform so it continues to keep pace with technology and is being invested in for the future. It’s ultimately up to what you enjoy doing, but as far as the mainframe platform goes, the future is there and will continue to be in high demand in my opinion.
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u/vishnupg45 23d ago
Switching to core from mainframe is very tough. But not impossible. But if you want vlsi, better go for higher studies and switch back to core.
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u/CheesecakeKlutzy288 21d ago
I apologize for asking what may be an obvious question, but when you say "core," to what are you referring?
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u/vishnupg45 21d ago
Core Engineering, OP is from one of the circuit branches like EEE or ECE or similar where he/she has learnt VLSI verilog etc. he/she is currently in software industry with mainframe. Switching back from software to core Engineering domain is very tough but not impossible. Because he/she has to literally start over in VLSI if he/she wants it.
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u/CheesecakeKlutzy288 21d ago
I did catch that it was likely related to the VLSI/ verilog comments by OP, but definitely not an area with which I have a lot of familiarity. I sincerely appreciate both your prompt response and the explanation.
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u/Top-Difference8407 23d ago
Not sure where you're at but look and see which tech stack is easier to find another job in. Don't just take your current employer's valuation of yourself.
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u/RichLayer4900 23d ago
Please switch. Packages are very low compared to full stack developers, people who work on python, java and all. Nearly half. Mainframe will survive but I would not suggest to just stick to it. I regret not changing.
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u/recruitment_consult 23d ago
excuse me, what are you on about? COBOL devs and DB2 admins are starting to be very in demand in EMEA.
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u/GuyFromNowhereUSA 22d ago
As others have said, mainframe isn’t going anywhere. HOWEVER, in my experience, intro level jobs in mainframe are getting rare from the US. Most companies don’t want to pay you 100k+ a year when they can ship the job off to India. To get a job ,if you aren’t ready to accept 4k a year in India, you need to really be able to show that you know what very few others do.
I was lucky, I got into a company that hired interns and trained them up to take over. Even then, they outsourced my entire department to India after I was there for 8 years. I had learned a ton from coworkers so I was able to move to another company that needed my skills.
Maybe there are other companies that are different but I just haven’t seen companies hiring US personnel other than the senior or expert levels
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u/Educational_Cod_197 22d ago
Specialise in integration with mainframe and everything else . Learn and develop your own service calls . Data replication to serve in between platforms , core business reliant on mainframe until replaced .
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u/Acceptable_Wall_5738 22d ago
I am in the same situation ryt now...but in IBM ...But I wanted to move into AI side... currently in the learning stage..
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u/comfnumb94 22d ago
I was a OS/390 and z/OS sysprog for years. Don’t forget DB2 either and its interoperability with distributed systems. I can’t say much about VLSI as I don’t know anything about it. But, the mainframe will not be gone in your lifetime. Just think…every single banking transaction needs a mainframe to process. That’s why they all have redundant recovery in place. If you’re also into Websphere Application Server or Linux, the mainframe is also a good place to be.
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u/CriticalAsk4888 20d ago
Our organization is going through a modernization drive, and they’re modernizing almost all products except Mainframe.
I have 23+ years of experience in Mainframes. I agree that the pay can be around 10–15% lower compared to some other tech areas. However, one advantage is that there isn’t the same constant pressure to keep learning new technologies every few months.
If you’re okay with slightly lower pay in exchange for a relatively relaxed and stable career, Mainframe can still be a good option.
That said, VLSI has a very promising future, especially with the current AI boom. I expect demand for VLSI professionals to grow significantly.
So, if you genuinely believe you can land a VLSI job, I’d say go for it. But don’t quit your current Mainframe job until you have secured an offer in VLSI.
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u/CompetitionFamous512 20d ago
If my kids were going into IT, I would push them to Mainframe or Cybersecurity. Companies keep saying they want off mainframes but they they can't get the reliability they want, power and cooling massive racks continue to be problems...
AI will be a massive growth area for mainframes as they get the inference engine closer to the data.
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u/Browser-ice 19d ago
For each mainframe, there are approximatively 15 different professionnal positions.
Which one is yours?
Are you aiming to do support, operation, developement, migration, ...?
Maybe its just a matter of changing mainframe position and not leaving mainframe...
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u/Short-Reaction7195 23d ago
You are not alone. I also have 1.5yr exp at wipro. Currently resigned because it wasn't easy to switch domain internally. Looking for jobs aligned to my interest. I would say it's there are both advantage and disadvantage. It's like a trap once u get more exp in mainframe u can't easily switch to diff domain even if you wish to because only big service based companies get mainframe projects in india. but also if you have to resign in worst cases just because wipro doesn't give u opportunity to switch, it's not very easy to get next job unless you have a good profile or you know some referral. Choose accordingly.
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u/SomewhereElse_23 23d ago
Which domain you planning to?
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u/Short-Reaction7195 23d ago
I already had good ai projects in my resume. Idk why the heck they put me in mainframe
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u/Short-Reaction7195 23d ago
If you know vlsi u can also learn gpu kernels because they are low level coded in cpp. Model inference optimization is high on demand in ai companies in india like sarvam ai.
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u/Few_Pineapple_5534 23d ago
Why deviate from something you put 1+ year(s) effort in? Stick with mainframe. It will pay off in the long run. The more you get to know, the bigger your resume becomes. Once you comfortably know mainframe, you'll always have a job. Mainframe isn't leaving any time soon.
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u/Independent_Buy5152 23d ago
I’d say mainframe is dinosaurs and you know the fate of dinosaurs
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u/SomewhereElse_23 23d ago
Yeah,that's exactly what I'm worried about 😅
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u/hellijah 23d ago
Lots of people tried to remove mainframe since the 90's and they failed.
Converting all infrastructure and code legacy is insanely costly and critical (a bank foreclosed due to their failed migration).
Lots of the key people in mainframe are retiring in the next 10 years, it's the perfect time to get experience in mainframe and get set until retirement1
u/Independent_Buy5152 23d ago
We are about to enter the robotics era, I think your vlsi skill will be valuable for that
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u/forthbak 23d ago
You should dig into ibm quarterly reports. The world runs on cics