Dear Bob, I have been a productive programmer for several large companies. I like programming and I'm good at it. Recently, while recuperating from surgery, I watched the proceedings of the Mars Rovers and their control teams. I got the idea that it would be a perfect job for me, being a programmer at the Johnson Space Center, working at/with NASA, with all the engineers and scientists, techie heaven! Only Dear Bob,I have been a productive programmer for several large companies. I like programming and I’m good at it. Recently, while recuperating from surgery, I watched the proceedings of the Mars Rovers and their control teams. I got the idea that it would be a perfect job for me, being a programmer at the Johnson Space Center, working at/with NASA, with all the engineers and scientists, techie heaven!Only thing is, I’m 59, good brain, rusty body. I live in a location where demand for programmers is limited, too (and nobody here has any NASA contracts). I have submitted my resume to several companies and, by the looks of their web pages, they have a few positions open, but I have only received automated responses. Of course they say no age discrimination but in practice that would be hard to prove. I also do not have a formal degree — way back when I started a programmer did not require a degree and so I trained myself. I see two paths: 1) pursue an ‘entry-level’ programming position. 2) ‘return’ to college (Caltech) and work my way into the programming department at JPL. My first idea was 2) but then the time required and expense seems excessive and probability of success seems small.What do you think? I would like to get back to programming where I can make a real contribution and enjoy myself too. I would readily move anywhere in the U.S. for such a position having no particular ties to where I’m living now. I am not interested in retiring even if I could afford it now. I have continued to study; XML, HTML, SGML, Visual Basic, classes, no real experience with them to speak of though.– Old but not dead Dear Not dead …If you’re in a financial position to do so, I’d advise going for your dream. You might find NASA isn’t what you’d like it to be (I understand it’s terribly bureaucratic, not what you and I grew up with) but finding that out is better than retiring with intense regrets.If, on the other hand, you want the best opportunity to avoid age discrimination (or even to benefit from it), go for opportunities where age is an advantage. Sales, management, and especially project management are areas where gray hairs (or no hair at all) can be an advantage, as experience, judgment and maturity count for more than energy and naive enthusiasm. Moving to a locale with higher demand for programmers would be a good idea if you’re up for it … and if you’re willing to relocate to Bangalore, go for it! Just kidding (well, maybe not) but that brings me to the last bit of advice: If you’re thinking of programming as coding, I suggest your re-think it. Coding jobs are going offshore fast enough that you’ll have a very hard time competing with younger programmers who have experience in modern languages and will work for less, given the shrinking number of coding jobs that remain.One area of opportunity well worth your time to explore is as an on-shore analyst working for a global sourcing company. Your experience might make you an ideal candidate for this kind of position.Regardless, I admire anyone in my age group who wants the next challenge to be making a contribution rather than perfecting their putting. – Bob ——– Technology Industry