Have a look through the last half of either of the trade newspapers,
Computer Weekly or Computing, and you'll see just how many jobs are out there, i.e. (for folks with expereice) LOADS !
Now after 20 years in IT my skills set includes, applications development (in just about every language and style you can name from the early 1980's onwards), database design (in just about every database flavour you can think off), Unix (all flavours and platforms) plus NT, systems & database integration, e-commerce solutions development, WAN/LAN networks, training, project management, consultancy, etc....... (jeez this is beginning to sound like a bit of an advert ain't it !? ) and I've never been short work !
That said, it's very important to have a really good grounding in either one, or some, the above mentioned skills, i.e. the jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none is easily recognised (by blokes like me) nowadays, so be careful not to promise more that you can deliver.
So, and if you were hitting the market right now, and imho, a knowledge of server based solutions, e.g. MS-BackOffice / Exchange server, systems administration & integration, website development / deployment, databases and database integration would be good skills to have. As would some depth in either Unix or NT, and / or one of the industrial strength databases (Oracle / Sybase).
Now to get into the business I'd go and see you local Technical College and ask them just what courses they have available (BTEC / HTEC / BSc / MSc ), e.g. try to get a one-to-one interview with the head of the colleges IT department.
Also, much like aviation, getting your first job is hardest bit of all, but once you do it's from then on that you start to build your pedigree.
Now don't expect too much wonga to start with, but as the years roll on and as you get more and more experience in those things I've mentioned above, you will accordingly expect your salary to grow, e.g I'd have thought that a hardworking (i.e. expect regularly long hours) sharp bloke (dummies don't last long) with a good skills set (see above) working as a self-employed contractor (i.e. you live on your wits and ability) should be looking at, uhm, say, £100,000+ / year (gross).
Ps. As a final note, if I had my time again what I'd be into would be 'Networks' (LAN/WAN's), it's almost black magic and seems to pay excellent dosh - but only if you know what you're doing - that said, I'm like a pig in ***** just now as I've got both IT/Systems & flying as my regular job(s) - a truly terrific mixture - there is a God ! (maybe)
[This message has been edited by CrashDive (edited 03 July 2001).]