I really think it depends on the people involved (employee and manager) and the type of work environment. Having spent 25 years at a Top-5 university I've seen both incredibly gifted younger folks (and had the pleasure of having several of them work for me) and professors in their mid-70s who could leave me by the side of the road drooling they had such command of their field. I've also seen my share of young 'hotshots' that didn't know jack, and suffered through managing plenty of 'I'm 55 and I've been here 32 years and I don't have to do *anything* until I retire in 4 years' types. I've always been a developer at heart, and when offered the chance a year ago to get out of management and go back into supporting a team of scientists as sysadmin and developer leapt at the chance. Did I have some doubts that at 49 my programming skills might be a bit rusty? You bet. But I've found that in the environment in which I'm working (research support with a small team, not a crushing 24x7 200 person production shop) age isn't really a factor. My boss is in his mid-50s. Still doing brilliant work. The Lab's founder is in her 80s and still involved in research and publishing. On the other hand, would I want to go out 'on the street' and try to get employment as a developer at age 49? No way... don't think I would have a chance against all the young blood. So it really does depend on where you'll be working. A huge .com shop probably isn't going to want 50 year old developers... an academic lab might be a bit more relaxed. Just my .02/worth.