I am a software engineer with 5+ years experience. I can solve the problems when given enough time or creat programm from zero. All depends on your request and your desired goals. I'm a 32 yr old software engineer/programmer and I know the drill. I'm expensive compared to fresh out of college kid. But I have years of experience they don't have and my employer knows this. Will it save me completely? No, but in no other field can you self teach yourself into the skills you need to have tomorrow. It's that simple. those who go out and learn on their own to keep themselves current will continue to be worth the extra money, those that don't will simply make it easier for those of us who do.