[fortythirteen]

There's an argument to be made that Java positions are the easiest to fill with lower waged visa or offshore workers, meaning that you have to maintain an extremely high proficiency, move into management, or be under constant threat that your job will be outsourced.

[bloomthrowaway]

I think it might be the other way round these days. Java programmers are outsourced because they're so expensive. Javascript seems like the best target now for low-skill outsourcing. Much lower barrier to entry, and arguably a much more forgiving language

[fortythirteen]

I think you're right when it comes to the lower tier of JS developers, but IMHO there are a lot less middle tier devs per-capita in JS than Java. Proficient fullstack JS is a very in-demand skillset right now, and if you're an expert you can find a new, high paying job, in just about any mid-tier tech town in 48 hours.