Separate is safer. Keep safe. Can you give a high level industry?

As far as Perl, just making sure you didn't fall totally to the Red side.

As far as connections, I feel they are really the only way to be able
to take a job and feel confortable going in. Eases a lot of stress.

I know your skills, so I'm sure it isn't a matter of a BS job created for a
friend. They are lucky to have you.