[Cronos]

if you want an assured job learn Cobol and MVS/JCL scripting -- you'd be surprised how many large companies still run on these -- and for a reason, they are extremely reliable.

To be constantly learning, pick up Java or Ruby or something

To play around, learn Perl.

To go insane try to understand a Teradata logical data model or SAP B/W -- oh, yes, if you are an expert on ABAP you can name your price.

visual basic is for kiddie programming, terribly simple. Learn C if you want a challenge and how to really code..

[djf]

I have read that between 60 and 80 percent of transactions in F500 companies STILL go through Cobol at some point. Many of these are legacy applications that would cost a fortune to replace.

And Cobol/DB2 Cobol/Cics programmers are dropping like flies.

Learn Cobol now and a person could write their own ticket!