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I'm a Technical Recruiter and know of people just like your relative. It's sad to see talented people become obsolete, but it happens. I suggest that he look into getting trained in a newer technology (Networking, Web Development, etc.), be open to relocation (at least temporarily) and look for a position where there is opportunity for advancement into newer technologies. Look for companies that are getting ready to migrate to a new system (ask around, talk to recruiters, former co-workers and bosses, look at local publications such as Crains, check out the internet job postings and newspapers to see which companies use which types of systems). Also, he SHOULD be prepared to take a pay cut, at least temporarily. In our market here, IBM Midrange and Mainframe people were in very high demand (and making 100-200 per hour), but after Y2K, it has dropped off dramatically. Other markets are a lot different and they are always looking for IBM Mid-Range people, so suggest he check other markets. Hope something I said will help your relative.