answer:Well, if you want something that will be in demand then I think networking is a good bet, as is database work. There is a shitload of raw data out there, and people crave information, so anybody who can turn data into info (the purpose of a database) is da man. Regular programming (like applications) is a bit trickier and probably best done as a hobbyist unless you want to spend a lot more time and effort keeping your skills current than actually using those skills. Besides, you will acquire decent programming skills almost by osmosis. One trap you might want to avoid is becoming tied to a specific platform if possible. Sure, being able to program a 6502 processor in assembly language may be cool, but how many people nowadays write code for the C-64 or Apple ][e? Detailed knowledge is good, but over-specialization is dangerous.