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On the other hand .... I've been an engineering programmer for thirty years and know a number of languages including C, C++, Pascal, FORTRAN, Forth, COBAL, APL, RPG, not to mention assembler for about fourty processors. I know the insides of operating systems and process control programs. I write "firmware" for a number of application engines. I have four book shelves loaded with books that have kept me current in both hardware and software. I have stacks of compilers, assemblers, device programmers, CAD and PC layout software. All of this I paid for, then spent the enormous time to do the reading.

I can assure you, the employment prospects for me look mighty grim. It is indeed a tragic thing to send me looking for a new carrer at the bottom of the heap in a path that peaks out far below what I am currently making.

I suppose you have some carrer suggestions for those who have dedicated thier lives to engineering, only to have the "United We Stand" croud turn them out on the streets.

This is not a "buggy whip" situation. Buggy whips were not made out of the country and then brought in more cheaply. Engineering applications are still in demand, even more so as time passes.

One thing you may not be aware of is that, for a professional, your spelling is very poor.

You misspelled the following words: "fourty","carrer" (twice, so it's not just a typo), and "croud." I have no idea whether you do this in professional communications, but if you do, it reflects poorly on you.

Other problems which you may not be aware of - and I have no idea whether any of these are true - could be grooming (do you have a neat haircut? are you overweight?), appearance (do you dress nicely? do you have good posture?), a bad job recommendation that you don't know about, etc.

While you were employed, were you a team player? Did you exhibit a good attitude? Were you a willing worker?

I know it's hard to get a job when you're over 50. Sometimes it may make more sense to start your own small business, perhaps marketing yourself to other small businesses.

It is indeed a tragic thing to send me looking for a new carrer at the bottom of the heap in a path that peaks out far below what I am currently making.

Odd this isn't brought up on the WSJ article, just like they see independent workers as a plus to new jobs but not to unemployment figures. Its like throwing out all the bad news and announcing "See all the news is good!"

If you go from your $100k programming job to a $15k hamburger flipper the WSJ will rejoice in the "job destruction" without checking to see if you've actually progressed.

[ I can assure you, the employment prospects for me look mighty grim. It is indeed a tragic thing to send me looking for a new carrer at the bottom of the heap in a path that peaks out far below what I am currently making. ]

Wonderful example(you're post) of time to get out of the box, Start you're own buisness thereby smashing the glass ceiling.. with those credenials you might even start several businesses... Carpe Diem...