Sorry about the job. :(
That kind of thing is marketable but it is today often done in Python because a lot of the “big data” tools are coming out of the world around Google and friends. Hackers with a limited focus are not particularly marketable unless they excel at that focus. If you’re not cream of the crop then a generalist who is a good overall hacker could do as well and do more besides.
Hit the job boards, get your best code on a public repo for sharing, expand LinkedIn connections, etc. There are lots of Perl jobs out there for those willing to relocate. A few telecommute too but then you are competing with a higher quality crop of other JAPHs. Work on your own skills during your downtime. You can use the monastery to that end. Good luck!
