Re: Career Change

I'm 50, been programming since 1971. Though I have spent many hours building furniture, and built a house (except for the foundation and plumbing) myself.

I started programming Fortran and assembly language, moved on to BASIC, then C, Visual C++, Visual Basic, Java, JavaScripts, VBScripts, JSP, HTML, XML. I've worked with every database known to man except Oracle, which I recently became involved (Oracle9i).

Right now I'm focusing on using Java and Java Server Pages in conjunction with Oracle.

I haven't a clue what the job market is like for someone going into this area. I do know that I have been severely discriminated because of my age. The young hot shots think we are old in our ways, too tired to contribute. Of course they are dead wrong, but try convincing them of that!

I'm a young 50, most people think I'm about 35-40.

My strong advice to you is to learn as many languages as you can and as many technologies as you can, especially in the Internet area. Nowadays, you can't compete if you don't know the latest and greatest. And, you must get certification!

If you don't want the hassle of learning a lot of different computer languages and want to stick with just one, I would recommend Java. It is harder to use than Visual Basic, but much easier to use than Visual C++, and it is THE language to use with Oracle.

You could learn the basics of Java in a couple weeks. I'm studying for the Java Programmer's Certification license, which will give me an edge if I pass it!

"Tom Watson" <tjwatson_at_snip.net.nospam> wrote in message news:sr6m6usi7uagrbnhkqbicbod6ced4ecvov_at_4ax.com...
> I'm looking to make a change of careers.
>
> I'm currently a cabinetmaker and prior to that I was a carpenter and
> construction superintendent.
>
> I'm fifty-one years old now and various body parts are not working
> according to design specs anymore. (the lifting of 110 lb. sheet
> goods onto the tablesaw has become onerous) Besides that, I've done
> what I can do in this line of work and would like to go in another
> direction.
>
> A few years ago, in appreciation of the facts of my declining physical
> capabilities, I began studying VB. I began in VB4 and have proceeded
> through VB5 to VB6.
>
> I haven't done any professional work in this area, just made some
> programs that would help me along in my business, mostly cutting list
> applications that leverage Excel and use VB to make a nice front end.
>
> I've explored Access and some SQL stuff, in making simple databases
> that help me with pricing, inventory and customer contacts.
>
> Now I've come to the decision point and have set my sails to enter
> into the real world of IT employment (shudder).
>
> In doing a local (Philadelphia area) search for available jobs, it
> has become apparent that Oracle skills are in high demand. Oracle
> seems to be the most represented skill-set item in the listings.
>
> My question to the group is that of the most efficient path to follow,
> in terms of study and training, with an eye towards entering the job
> force as quickly and as profitably as possible.
>
> I see that there are Data Base Operators, Data Base Administrators and
> Oracle Developers. Unless I have misjudged, the DBO position is the
> one that is closest to an entry level undertaking.
>
> If this is the case, how should I proceed, in terms of study and
> training, to prepare myself for such a position? What time frame of
> study is involved? Is this the best first step on a path of
> continuing learning and involvement in this craft?
>
> I've enjoyed my study of VB but have no real world experience under my
> belt that would help me judge my skill level in a professional
> environment. I feel comfortable in dealing with computers, having
> done so as an amateur from my first CP/M Televideo machine to the
> present.
>
> I do worry about being a 'new old guy' in a realm that I perceive to
> be populated by 'old young guys', in terms of their professional
> experience. I also concern myself with the differences in 'culture'
> between my past work environment and the IT world.
>
> It would be a great help to me to have some opinions from those of you
> who are experienced in this area.
>
>
> If I have made foolish statements and assumptions in the above,
> please, kindly write that off to someone who is 'looking through a
> glass, darkly' and seeks a clearer vision.
>
> Thank you.
>
>
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Tom.
>
> Thomas J. Watson-Cabinetmaker
> 278 Balligomingo Road
> Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania
> 19428
>
> 610-940-0546
>
> tjwatson_at_snip.net
> www.tjwcabinetmaker.com
Received on Thu Feb 14 2002 - 10:56:51 CST