Please assist me to choose a platform between PHP/Mobile Apps programming and SOA development? [on hold]

I am a PHP programmer with 3+ experience with start-up knowledge of mobile app frameworks like jQuery mobile/Sencha touch etc and I love programming. I have an opportunity in my company to switch from PHP/mobile apps to SOA development. I discuss with one of my colleague who is working on this. He told me that SOA is not a programming job (only little bit java programming if needed) but using it we have to combine some web services together. So just want an advice from you guys that which one is best between PHP/mobile apps and SOA for a bright future scope.