Ask Slashdot: Re-Entering the Job Market As a Software Engineer?

First time accepted submitter martypantsROK writes "It's been over 15 years since my main job was a software engineer. Since then I have held positions as a Sales Engineer, then spent a few years actually doing sales as a sales rep (and found I hated it) and then got into teaching. I am still a teacher but I want to really get back into writing code for a living. In the past couple of years I've done a great deal of Javascript, PHP, Ajax, and Java, including some Android apps. So here's the question: How likely would I be to actually get a job writing code? Is continual experience in the field a must, or can a job candidate demonstrate enough current relevance and experience (minus an actual job) with a multi-year hiatus from software development jobs? I'll add, if you haven't already done the math, that I'm over 50 years old."

Ever seen 'Old Yeller'?

[Anonymous Coward]

It didn't work out so well for the dog.

Forget it.

[kurt555gs]

Coding is for the young. It's way to stressful. Design is better done by us "superannuated" types.

Age can not be un-done.

Re:Start your own company.

[Anonymous Coward]

I can understand why you posted as AC.

I also once coded COBOL. Nobody knows. The shame just won't wash off.

Re:Sell Android apps on the side

[BasilBrush]

Or switch to iPhone development and earn enough that you don't need to work for someone else.

Re:You COULD care less?

[93 Escort Wagon]

I try to avoid absolutes.

People who use absolutes are horrible - I hate them all.

Re:You had your turn, buddy

[ais523]

I remember an anecdote where one of the beta testers of Java, who was using it even before it was released to the public, got turned down for a job due to not having enough Java experience. I forget exactly who it was, though.