Newbie! At least on this forum... You've got to consider the business at the core of the programming as well. I specialize in the IBM Series I (formerly iSeries, formerly i5, formerly AS/400...). I'm 33 years old, didn't even start programming until I was 26. And I am by FAR the youngest person in the RPG group. I'd say average age of the Sr. P/A's (my dubious title) is more like 45, with MANY well over 50. And one of the reasons for that is that you're dealing with a ton of old, not necesarilly nice to look at code - but code that nevertheless runs BILLION dollar businesses, and runs them well. So serious analytical and problem solving skills are very high on skill necessities. Now, RPG is one of those 'relic' languages that folks say is dead/near death, etc. But it's actually very capable at what it is, and that's database programming. And it's used very heavily in something like 1/2 million install bases. It interfaces quite nicely with .Net, which is nice, though most shops use Java to give it web and other capabilities. My plan, of course, is to become very proficient in .Net and other, newer technologies, and keep my current skill set. So when all of the nearing retirement guys I work with actually retire, I will find myself a very valuable resource. Now that is assuming I keep learning, learn well, and keep sharp in this ever changing world of code. Who ever said 'once programming is in your blood...' was so right, I mean, I love coding. And before programming I was a heavy machine gunner in the USMC, then a general contractor. So the change to programming was dramatic to say the least. Ok, so I got a case of the windy post, sorry folks! (LOTS of coffee already this morning ;) )

'Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are right' - Henry Ford