the work market is a shaggy beast and I understand your guess and even if 15 year younger I've the same fear in the case of been fired.

Anyway do not give up! you have for sure a good knowledge of Perl and surely about many other IT related things. A job is always possible to find (I hope at least in germany..). As free lance, telecommuter, teacher..

In any case do not leave PM and do not throw away what you have done of good with Perl. I understand your rage but do not point this rage against yourself or your programs.

Try to transform your rage into something benefical: reinvent yourself using this rage to demonstrate to the world that your brain and knoweledge is still usefull to the community and that your employer is a piece of shit.

best regards and best wishes for your future!

L*