"From the Job opportunities point of view, is learning the 8051 alone a good strategy?"

This is the exact same question I have started asking myself this week. I too would appreciate input on this question.

Why shouldn't a beginner choose Motorola or Microchip, or start on a 16- or 32-bit part?

The main reasons I have started on the 8051 are because there is a great selection, many manufacturers, lots of documentation, many free tools, and is likely to be here to stay. Can other non-8051 micros claim these things as well?

- Lee