Job search and deciding the right job for you may not be that easy, but don't despair because it is not that much difficult either in recent market for experienced people. If you don't want to relocate, you have to retrain yourself, if Perl-related jobs are not available in your area. Relocation for better career opportunities for your life is very common in USA. It also gives a chance to explore yourself in new territory. Decide your options and explore it well. Make an educated guess for your future. About your last question.. I would say, make yourself changeable, so gaining higher level of expertise become second nature for you in IT world, rather than hiding under some secure shield.