Deciding between AWS Solutions Architect and SysOps Administrator Certification

[Matthew32]

I'm a systems administrator with about five years of on-premise infrastructure experience, and I'm looking to pivot my career towards cloud architecture, specifically with AWS. I'm planning to start with the AWS Certification path, but I'm unsure whether to begin with the Solutions Architect Associate or the SysOps Administrator Associate, given my background. For those who have made a similar transition, which certification provided the most practical, foundational knowledge and was most valued by employers? What study resources, beyond the official AWS training, did you find most effective for hands-on learning, and how much time did you realistically dedicate to lab work and preparation before feeling confident to take the exam? I'm also curious about the ongoing effort required to maintain these certifications and stay current with the rapidly evolving AWS service portfolio.