[freedumb2003]

As long as non technical people need sophisticated IT systems I think I am in pretty good shape.

I have spent 30 years refining and expanding my craft — system level, DBA level, application level, management level, functional level.

That is why I always keep “my hand in” when I am managing a project — it lets me keep my more basic tools sharp and also lets me bring them into the management realm.

Folks, you gotta be both deep and wide.

[EVO X]

I have spent 30 years refining and expanding my craft — system level, DBA level, application level, management level, functional level.

I wouldn't think there would be a shortage of DBAs with governments at all levels expanding their watchful eye over us citizens...

[TSgt]

That is why I always keep “my hand in” when I am managing a project — it lets me keep my more basic tools sharp and also lets me bring them into the management realm.

freedumb2003,

you are spot on correct!

That is the same advice I gave my fellow IT managers. Stay somewhat functional and don't be a pure manager.

I manage project managers as well as projects and maintain a broad operations range and knowledge. Pure managers who only manage people are easier to cut.

Worst case, I can fill a variety of roles instead of being stuck at a certain level.

[The Duke]

I have spent 30 years refining and expanding my craft — system level, DBA level, application level, management level, functional level.

The last fella I knew with that background got replaced by cheap folks from India. Before that he was a technology directory for one of the largest law firms in the nation.

Today he's working odd jobs - sometimes involving computers, but always involving a screwdriver.

[Lazamataz]

OOO RAH, soldier.

.NET 3.5, (ASP n C#) with heavy AJAX, SQL from sprocs all the way to tuning, JScript, C++ if absolutely necessary, and about 20 years in the field.

No problem for me, yet.