So what should I try to learn?

[bgmacaw]

In my town that's far from reality and we have probably the biggest IT job market in the world.
I really don't know where you are getting your information from.

Based on my own job search within the last year, in the Metro Atlanta, GA USA area, it's like this:

C# + ASP.NET = Many well paying job opportunities doing new development. Employers are very, very, picky about who they'll hire and tend to frown on developers with long VB Classic or ASP experience and show a preference toward those with other web based programming backgrounds.

VB.NET + ASP.NET = Many well paying jobs at about 10-15% less than the comparable C# jobs. Also mostly doing new development. Employers aren't quite as picky as those looking for C#

non-web C# = Fewer jobs but still well paid. Also mostly doing new development and also tend to have very picky employers.

non-web VB.NET = even fewer jobs, pay is OK but considerably less than anything web based or C# based. Also mostly doing new development. Less picky.

VB6 = fewer jobs and for those the pay is lower and the working conditions are usually bad. Only maintenance programming, no new development. Thrilled that you'll be willing to come and take care of their old application unless they think you'll be bored with it, then they get picky.

[Slaine]

VB6 = fewer jobs and for those the pay is lower and the working conditions are usually bad. Only maintenance programming, no new development. Thrilled that you'll be willing to come and take care of their old application unless they think you'll be bored with it, then they get picky.

so true!