Quote Originally Posted by Shaggy Hiker View Post
VB.NET isn't all that far from VB6. You'd find the syntax familiar. However, with your background, you would also probably find C# and Java familiar, since they are both in the C-syntax family. As a general rule, people who know C# get paid a bit better than those with VB.NET. Personally, I find the C language a bit annoying, and switching between VB and C-syntax is totally frustrating due to the semicolons, but it's popular and the syntactic basis for other languages such as Java and Javascript, so if you work in C# you'd probably move to those two without dropping semicolons every other line.

On the other hand, you may find that your experience in VBA and VB6 make VB.NET a more appealing progression. I loved VB6 and was reluctant to move to .NET, but I picked it up pretty fast and never wanted to go back. It's hard to say whether your familiarity with the language would make it easier to learn or harder. It would be easier because you'd be familiar with the syntax, but it would be harder because the differences would throw you off more easily. If you start in a totally new language, EVERYTHING is different, which may make it easier to make the mental shift.
I am in a unique position where I work in that I am the only programmer. Therefore, I could introduce new coding languages without any resistance. I feel like I am "out of date" with only working in VB 6 & VBA. I want to broaden my horizons... I may opt to learn C#. I like the point you made about it being totally different so I won't get caught up in looking for similarities.