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I hope this wont just became another 1000+ post/screaming match...

I hope not either. I think that the key is finding a niche that requires physical presence. In other threads auto mechancics has been given as an example. In the IT field, there is a wealth of opportunity in consulting. Even software products that are written offshore are used by companies ranging from mom-and-pop businesses to the Fortune 100. Even the largest companies are finding that resident IT staff are too expensive to maintian full-time, so they are depending more and more on outside consultants to come in when needed. And the need is growing - once they lose the resident skills they are forever dependent on consultants.

My advice? Go for one or more professional certifications which although are no silver bullet, at least demonstrate a degree of knowledge in a particular field. Or do what a retired relative of mine did - learned enough about Windows to help other retirees with their PCs. You'd be amazed at the number of people who will pay $50 for someone to come help them with what they consider a tough problem, but to an experienced IT person is trivial. Of course, if your goal is to keep up with the latst BMW, you may have to adjust your attitude first.

Thank you for your reply, Jim.

Opportunity is everywhere. Some would rather things never changed, so long as they can remain comfortable in a given setting.

Your attitude is such that you will not ever feel like a victim, regardless of circumstances.

Regards.

Here is where IT is headed. Companies will put out RFPs over the Internet. Individual programmers can submit bids offering their services for a price. The companies then evaluate the bids, the programmers reputation, then pick who gets the work. The programmer works from home, sends the deliverable, then gets money deposited in their Pay Pal account. Sort of like eBay.

If this was just about a career change from outsourced high-tech to something safer, there would not be so much to scream about.
Our national security is at risk, which is more important than free-trade.
Try to imagine the evil that can be done with just the databases of medical, financial, insurance and telecommunications that now are being built, run and accessed by foreigners in foreign countries.
Try to imagine the evil that can be done if the U.S. no longer has a technological lead in the world.
The semiconductor industry is addressed in this article:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/922087/posts
Here's Phyllis Schafly with some more good info:
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/phyllisschlafly/ps20030602.shtml
This issue is not going away.