Careers advice

[cojak]

She's gonna have stop thinking she can walk back into a PM role. She needs to go contracting, get any project work she can and work her way back up within a contract (easy if she's any good in the first place....)

[grumpy]

Personality counts almost as much as qualifications in a team environment.

If the face don't fit etc.

Yes, and that's why, when all's said and done, software is a game for the young -- doesn't matter how up-to-date you've kept your skills; no-one wants to have to sit in an office next to some 40+ old gasper!