I wrote my first program (on an IBM 1401 - 16k of mememory) in 1963. I've worked on all sorts of kit in many different languages since - although I suppose COBOL was what I used most. Flat file definition and handling usually took the most time in any program.

Relational Databases makes the data handling so much easier. It also simplifies interfaces to other applications. Finding errors in data and producing reports "on the fly" are also a doddle using SQL or one of the more sophisticated database tools. Modern databases allow you to save Procedures, Triggers, Data Constraints etc all on the database. Give me Oracle any time.

Also, Oracle DBAs don't usually have much trouble finding a job...