From 1990 until 2006, almost every one of my colleagues/co-workers (dev, infrastructure, management) was at least 10-15 years older than me. Some were my age.

From 1990 until 2006, almost every one of my colleagues/co-workers (dev, infrastructure, management) was at least 10-15 years older than me. Some were my age. Rarely was anyone younger. When I emerged from a deep stint with a company (2000-06), the age distribution had shifted dramatically to people in their 20s. Not only were many of the old timers gone, I was finding myself to be the old timer. What had happened to all my old timers? Many didn't survive the dot-com bust or recession of 01-02. They either outright retired or moved to different careers; some survived, but moved on anyway. Some had died. Those that remained in technology went three different routes. Management, consulting, found a place in a company they like and haven't budged. Personally, I started my own consulting business which I enjoy. Although nearing 50, I do feel some envy for the guys who've found a nice small/mid-sized company to settle down in. They may not be as well compensated, but they are often "IT Director/VP" (where IT is 3-8 guys), are still hands-on, get to have fun, and not have as much stress.