There is not yet a pool of experienced JAVA candidates in which to choose from. Therefore companies have to get any jump they can and will draw from schooling rather than experience. The best thing that one can do is to move forward with positive thinking and an I can do attitude. The best length of time that we have seen has been an average of 3 years with any one company or position. There are many companies with opportunities for entry level JAVA skills as long as you have the 3 to 5 years of other technical competencies.
Education becomes important.
I know this machine like the back of my hand, but I don't have any of this new stuff. There are many great books on the market. Your 20 years of experience will definately be of strong benefit and will seperate you from other candidates. Companies love candidates who continue with their education. IBM has been very successful in its hardware business for many years, and with the introduction of new technologies there are more consumer choices.