Walter;

I hope you do not mind the intrusion. Oh well, on an Internet forum such things happen all the time.

We all have our motivations and rationalizations to describe the things we do and why. As for myself I look at the market in Silicon Valley where I live and respond to it. There are very few opportunities to earn a living in my area maintaining or creating data based applications using tools that are of a previous version or in some cases dependant upon a particular language that the developer likes but the client or employer does not. It costs a lot to live or exist in this area so we have to “go with the flow” that is have a skill set that meets the requirements of available employment.

VFP is not popular in my area and I tend to do consulting on the side using that tool. At work we are required to use Visual Interdev for Intranet Web Applications. The climate for developers is always changing and I try to be familiar with the latest greatest technologies, tools, and acronyms. I do this on my own time and it puts me ahead of the rest of the people I have worked with. So often someone comes up and says, “Does anyone know anything about…”? Chances are I will be the one to get the project and satisfy the needs of a new client.

I have made millions of dollars for companies because of my knowledge. That has allowed me to survive in this climate I am a part of. As a fourth generation San Franciscan I had to change from electronic engineering to programming to support my family. If I have to change to another career I will, as I have to understand my options, plan, educate myself and act in a responsible manner.

Everyone has a different set of circumstances and viewpoint on any given topic. The above are mine concerning this subject. They may not be complete but hopefully give an insight to another viewpoint.

By the way I also perform and teach flamenco guitar. That is my true passion and I would much rather do that for a living. However, it does not pay the bills with a son and daughter in college! :)


Tom - in "lovely Silicon Valley"