Dear John: As I read the letter from your 62-year-old, out of work mainframe programmer analyst, all I could see was one big red flag.

With 32 years as a senior mainframe programmer analyst, he has absolutely nothing? Something is wrong there. You’re missing some pertinent facts.

Also, since he’s been out of work since March 2014, I wonder if his skills are up-to-date technically to once again handle this job. Technology moves fast. [Technical qualifications are] one of the first things employers check.

Sorry, he sounds like a bit of a nut. T.V.

Dear T.V. And you sound a bit cruel. There are a lot of costly things that can happen in a person’s life that aren’t their fault.

He asked for help, and I’m trying to give it. And I would do the same thing for you without questioning how you got into trouble. That’s none of my business or anyone else’s.

Anyway, a couple of people did respond with ideas about jobs. I’m sure they will be vetting his candidacy for all the things you mentioned above.

I hope you never need anyone’s help. Have a nice day.