Wessik said:
I definitely want to break into the computer science field. This probably means that I will need to step up my efforts to get up to date technologically. A good first step in that direction is the study of PHP, which I hear is a better alternative to Perl. Does anybody know where IT jobs are most densely concentrated?
That's a broad question; different types of IT jobs are densely concentrated in various places. Tech hubs, however, are generally in Washington state(Microsoft, etc), California(Silicon Valley), Texas(esp. Dallas were I live, aka Silicon Prairie), and Georgia(very strong tech universities).
You'll need to sell yourself somehow. Self-taught can be hard to demonstrate, and at the same time, degrees are ignored! Its really not persay an easier job, but it is more specialized and more valued in that sense(especially monetarily); The Good Citizen does have a pretty nice setup, but he also has a long of background experience by his post and is in Europe, where workers have more rights.
Basically, you need to demonstrate your marketability to employers. One way to do that is to really get into coding(for example, Java), write an app and begin selling it successfully. Or you could create a large and cohesive portfolio, which will dazzle an employer. Or you can get certifications backed by a degree, which will establish you as solid pick.
Realistically, its a good idea to begin working from a degree, which will also allow you to network with professionals through associations. Don't slack off in other departments either.
Basically, you need to do all of that. Its very much a field where knowledge is an endless requirement and falling behind can get you wiped out.
