It's almost 5 yrs since I left the java IT-project/enterprise business. Before I was a highly skilled enterprise developer / OO architect with more than 10 years experience in the business. I was proficient in many of those enterprise related technologies, including DWHing. Since then I haven't been doing any large scale programming, a little bit of C, Python, some dips into Scala, hacking a small java-plugin framework, opengl, but only as fun projects.

Now I want to re-enter the java stage again, i.e. I'm looking for job opportunities as a developer. But I fear I might have lost much of my former punching strength, e.g. I would have to give my SQL knowledge a deep refreshing breath, re-visit basic stuff like design patterns, enterprise architectures, etc. and probably learn the new stuff like EJB3.1, JEE 6 too. I also missed the whole scrum craze.

So from your own experience, what subject should I tackle first? Like technology (which ones?) or design skills (uml..)?

But what I'm also wondering is since the basic design / architectural principles haven't changed much by now, what would be the chance on the job market for someone like me who left the java-world at a time where everything was less fragmented and EJB2.1 and XDoclet were de-facto standards?

And how could I convince a potential employer that I'm still an effective on-the-job learner? Should I rather aim for "junior positions" ?

Lots of questions but I'd be really glad if you could share your (encouraging :) thoughts with me.

cheers!

(btw I'm based in Austria)