>Unfortunately, I've worked in a couple places in the last couple years where there's always an older guy, sitting by himself in a corner cube. He's the one with all the knowledge of some old Cobol system. In some cases they've been happy in their lot in life. In others they can't figure out why they've been passed over for promotion countless times.

Perry;

I have been that "older guy" in every place I have worked as a programmer. I have worked with whiz kids just out of college as well as Ph.D.’s and other programmers with years of experience. One of my greatest joys as a programmer is to teach others what I have learned. I do this all the time and with a number of different tools. Being old has nothing to do with not understanding and being able to apply the latest technology. It just takes a desire to do so and I am like a little kid at Christmas with any new technology.

Perhaps your comments were directed at Cobol programmers. I came from the Fortran world, so I like to crunch numbers. In Silicon Valley it is hard for anyone over 40 years old to get a job in the technical arena. I know many older programmers who run circles around younger programmers. Why? Because they are competent, care and know how to get the job done correctly. Correctly includes in a timely manner and professionally.

At one place where I worked the manager called a special meeting. He told the 14 people in our group, “Everyone should have a map to Tom’s office. If you ever have a programming problem see him”! It is nice to have the confidence of your boss and those people you work with!

By the way my favorite game is Chess and I think that is one reason I like programming - the thought process involved takes a interesting type of thought process.

Tom