This article really hit a chord with me. I've also stumbled into databases, first through plsql briefly, before stumbling into access and finally landing on sql server, I too must have been a database guy at heart, even while majoring in Biology. Since then, I've highly specialized towards sql server (and ssis, ssas, ssrs), and love it. I feel incredibly lucky the core "product" I've unwittingly become so intimately involved with over the years still maintains in-demand utility. I say unwittingly because the job market demand and the money was there, pulling me, all the while oblivious to the fact that my career and expertise were being drawn out for me. As you stated, having watched many other "products" fall off the market, I do feel quite lucky. I am certain I will be able to retire in an in-demand "product" specialization. It may well be defeated in the future, especially with quantum computing which could easily make fundamental changes to relational foundations, though I suspect I will be long gone. :hehe: