Advice on Switching Careers to be a Java Programmer
I have about 15 years of IT experience in IT Security and Networking. I am looking for a career change and I really would like to take a stab at Java programming. I have a CS degree but it's been about 5 years since my last class. I have intermediate experience in Perl (that is still current) and I am also trying to learn Python (although it has taken a back seat to Java). I picked up Sam's Teach Yourself Java in 24 Hours as a refresher to my Java classes I took in school. I am half way through it and luckily it's all coming back to me. I also have HTML and some SQL experience.

I guess my question is what kind of jobs should I be applying for? I am thinking I only have enough knowledge for a beginner/intern type jobs but it's going to be almost impossible for me (personally) to take a job that only makes 1/3 of what I'm making now. Will I be laughed at if I attempt to apply for "real" programming jobs or is there such a demand for Java programmers now that someone will be willing to give me a chance?

Thank you for any advice. I would really like to make this change within the next 6 months.
Advice on Switching Careers to be a Java Programmer
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I have about 15 years of IT experience in IT Security and Networking. I am looking for a career change and I really would like to take a stab at Java programming. I have a CS degree but it's been about 5 years since my last class. I have intermediate experience in Perl (that is still current) and I am also trying to learn Python (although it has taken a back seat to Java). I picked up Sam's Teach Yourself Java in 24 Hours as a refresher to my Java classes I took in school. I am half way through it and luckily it's all coming back to me. I also have HTML and some SQL experience.

I guess my question is what kind of jobs should I be applying for? I am thinking I only have enough knowledge for a beginner/intern type jobs but it's going to be almost impossible for me (personally) to take a job that only makes 1/3 of what I'm making now. Will I be laughed at if I attempt to apply for "real" programming jobs or is there such a demand for Java programmers now that someone will be willing to give me a chance?

Thank you for any advice. I would really like to make this change within the next 6 months.