I started out programming on a proprietary framework called Tenfold. When the company later sold out, they left their customers in desperate need of good support. This launched me into a high value position where I had the privilege of wearing many hats. Programmer, architect, screen designer, dba, network admin, reporting expert, etc.
As I expand into newer industry standard technologies, I feel that my past experience is valuable and lend great insight into the world of programming, but at the same time I find myself asking beginner questions that I should already know. I'm working hard to catch up!