I make and have made around 100 k for the last 10 years for 3 different companies. It took me about 10 years to reach that point, which seems about average with my friends.

I think I would die in a week if I was an engineer for Cisco, with due respect to the skilled folks who chose that path.

But, If you don't feel that strongly about it, in other words if emotion is not outweighing a lot of rational concerns, I would recommend a very cautious approach. I have seen career changes work, and I have seen them fail miserably.

Good Luck-it's great to live in a society that gives us so many options.