[ideonexus]

> I've spend the last decade working with HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP and a suite of other tools.

I think this is all we need to know. You have 10 years experience in web development. That makes you a Senior Software Developer at pretty much every company I've ever worked. I don't think you have anything to worry about skills-wise. PHP is still in high-demand. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Relax. You are in a fantastic position. You will hopefully even get a salary increase with your next job. The local paper couldn't have been paying much. : )

The only concern might be your location. "Local newspaper" makes me think "rural" or "suburban." If you don't live in a city, that might not be a problem (teleworking jobs abound), but where I live (Northern Virginia) I can quit my job today and have recruiters begging me to start somewhere else tomorrow. So just keep that in mind.

Otherwise, I hope you will find yourself very happy this time next year in a new career and all this worry will just be a fading memory.

[404error]

My local newspaper is the only paper in my city. Our population is roughly around 100K. Unfortunately living in a community where agriculture is the main source of income technology jobs are scarce. The closest city to me with tech jobs is about 1.25 hours away (Santa Barbara). This might be my short term option, until I can relocate somewhere else.

Thanks for the advice.