When I was working for the university, I was in a department that was split between web programmers
and mainframe programmers. The mainframe folks were all approaching retirement — I mean like they had
months to go before getting their full medical — many having joined the staff as punch card operators
way back in the day.
After a couple of years, the U decided it was dumping the mainframes and moving forward with Java.
All of the mainframers were given the option of learning Java or retirement. Suddenly retirements were
happening left and right.
I'm reminded of all of this because the Stte of New Jersey put out a plea for COBOL programmers to
support the state's 40 year-old unemployment insurance system. That system is run on mainframes which
run the 60+ year old computer language. New Jersey is looking for volunteers.
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