Common trend among technical codes like us, are issues surrounding new tech update, cheaper outsourcing from cina/india and the unwillingness to ditch old practice. However with survival being the key here, I think me meant doing whatever it takes, be it becoming a PM/BA/Architect, or switching line to to tech sales/pre-sales, support etc.
With all that said, another very important aspect for tech coders like us, is the familiarization with a specific industry, the few most lucrative ones are Finance, Oil/Gas, Insurance etc. IT itself, had always been a supportive pillar, for different industry have difference weightage for the IT Pillar, unless of course, you are looking into consultancy and/or providing IT Solutioning service, that's a different ballgame and these industry tend to favor cheaper younger crowds.
I've spend >10 years in the Banking/Financial IT development realm. money is good, prospect is always high, however volatility is an issue. Tech advancement in banks are generally slow, and the core of the trade here is to muster the business process of the pillar you are supporting.
